I've got a car I'm trying to resurrect that has been sitting around awhile. I discovered that the car had a leak in it (two actually) when I saw small puddles of water in the trunk and driver side foot well; this was after the car had been sitting around for the winter months. The car stinks of mildew.

I stripped the interior out completely: tried baking powder, some store bought deodorizers, and wiping the surfaces with a bleach/water mix. The smell still lingers (in the completely gutted car). I came across a post on cigarette smell and saw the mention of an odor bomb. I'm thinking about trying this, but I found many different manufacturers from searches on here and via Google. Is there one that is better suited to my needs over another? Is there there something else I should do instead; as this is probably my last attempt to bring the car back before giving up on it. I appreciate any help you guys can give.

 

extract all parts and use

http://www.detailersdomain.com/index.asp?P...WPROD&ProdID=41

and

http://www.autodetailingsolutions.com/deod...-fresheners.htm

and extract the headliner too

 

Don't forget the vents and the cabin filter for areas prone to mildew. In the case of the filter, throw it away and purchase a new one.

 

Dirt and moisture are essential to mildew propagation, to eliminate the bacteria that create mildew: You need to remove all the moisture by using an extractor system or the mildew will return

a) Use a medium soft brush and a 4:1 solution distilled water / ammonia and then rinse with cool clean water

b)For tough stains use a mixture of one (1) one teaspoon ammonia / quarter (1/4) cup Hydrogen Peroxide / three (3/4) cup distilled water and then rinse with cool clean water

Option-remove the seats and thoroughly clean the carpet with a carpet cleaner and a disinfectant. Then let it air dry, ensuring that it is completely dry. The carpet backing will absorb the most, spray the affected areas with a disinfectant (both the carpet backing and the carpet) clean the carpet using steam extractors upholstery attachments, and then re-install the seats.

To eliminate the musty smell and corrosion with [B]Eastman