The inside of my car stinks...
...what process is recommended to clean up the space cloth? Steam cleaning? Shampooing? Other?

edit: Should I clean the headliner as well?

 

definitely get an interior cleaner/shampoo, but be careful with what tool you use to scrub the headliner. then just use some Febreze all over the place, stuff works great!

 

Febreeze as been used. Only lasts for a couple of days before it goes away and the stink is back.

So is it a shampoo or a steam clean that I need? Or both?

 

What is the smell from? I know if you can find a Water/Fire restoration Co. in your area, they have Ozone machines that are used in Smoke damage restoration. I've had Cigar smoke removed from a used car once and Ozone treatment was THE way to go and because they would usually be using these machines to deodorize entire buildings, a car is cheap to do, prolly 30-50 bucks. They seal your car with the machine inside for about an hour and it's done. good luck man.

 

whoa, i underestimated your stench! i would definitely try steam cleaning or a really strong car freshener. i have the leatherette and there's never been a smell that Febreze couldn't handle yet.

 

Whatever you do, DO NOT STEAM IT. Nah, j/k.

Dude, what the hell is it? Could it be the Pollen filter

 

The MINI is what I use to go back and forth from working out. Since I hike and mountain bike, I don't have access to showers, so I'm pretty sweaty and dirty getting back into my car. My smelly shoes, socks and sweat soaked shirt get thrown into the car on my trip back home. I also live in PHX where it's quite dusty and I tend to motor with my windows down allowing a lot of dust into my car.

So my whole car smells like a dusty gym.

 

Gotcha. Headliner should only need a vacuuming, I actually just did mine and everything came right out. The Ozone treatment I mentioned would work, but would get expensive over time, unless you did it once and started to bag the gear or get rubber floor mats. Maybe a strong airfreshener would be best, good luck man.

 

Ah yes, that is what is know as MINI locker room syndrome. I'm thinking a box of pine tree freshners to start! :smile:

 

With that kind of lifestyle, you should have gotten the leatherette -- you wouldn't be having this problem!

 

Leatherette is the coolest...... , 2years next month for Brutus and still looks new.

 

Leatherette will definately be in the next car I get.

But for now, I need to clean up this car. So an ozone treatment might be good. Should I get shampoo or steam cleaned? Price on either?

 

Just a box?! A forrest of pines might not help me.

 

After you get the smell out why not invest in a set of Wet Okole seat covers? I have a set and they do a great job of protecting the seats. I run after work and then drive 25 miles home. I usually put on a dry shirt or sit on a towel during my travel. I have had them for 18 months and they still look new. Wet Okole also sells a fabric shampoo and mirazyme that is said to eliminate odors.
My car doesn't smell like a gym, I don't think.

- DAN

 

That reminds me, time for a run up North. Actually, to control odors in just about any place I use X-O odor neutralizer. This stuff works great, especially right after I clean my interior. Every couple of months I use the hand attachment on my carpet cleaner to clean up the seats and carpet. Can't believe how much dirt comes out.

 

I'll look into it! :smile:

 

have you checked out the upholstery cleaner 303 makes? i'm amazed at how well it works. i too have an active lifestyle, cycling, mountaineering etc. still prefer the space cloth over vinyl, especially in the heat of southern california. i suggest you email david at north american car care. he will most likely have a good reccommendation for you.
hope this helps!

 

I'd get it steamcleaned man, that will actually remove the dirt and hopefully the odor. Getting it Ozoned kills all the odor producing bacteria, but will not remove dirt or anything like thatl. Price would depend on where you go and if you got it done professionally or not. My guesstimate for a Pro steam job would be at least 75 bucks. good luck.

 

I also use the 303 Upholstery cleaner in my interior for my Space cloth , it rocks :smile: