Honda Car Forum

Hey all, water seeped up through the floorboard of my 2000 Accord during
a flood last summer; now I'm having a big problem with an increasingly
bad odor. Any suggestions for how to get rid of it (not the car, the
odor ) ?

Thanks,
Rog

Start with "Febreze," available in the detergents section of
your grocery.

Man the weather is taking a toll on cars lately. If it's not
the heat, it's the snow. If it's not snowing, someone is
recovering from a flood.

"Roger" <roger@roger.net> wrote
> Hey all, water seeped up through the floorboard of my 2000
> Accord during
> a flood last summer; now I'm having a big problem with an
> increasingly
> bad odor. Any suggestions for how to get rid of it (not
> the car, the
> odor ) ?
>
> Thanks,
> Rog

Elle wrote:
> Start with "Febreze," available in the detergents section of
> your grocery.
>
> Man the weather is taking a toll on cars lately. If it's not
> the heat, it's the snow. If it's not snowing, someone is
> recovering from a flood.
>
> "Roger" <roger@roger.net> wrote
>> Hey all, water seeped up through the floorboard of my 2000
>> Accord during
>> a flood last summer; now I'm having a big problem with an
>> increasingly
>> bad odor. Any suggestions for how to get rid of it (not
>> the car, the
>> odor ) ?
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Rog
>
>

Unfortunately, "Febreze" won't do squat. You've probably got at least a
mildew problem - and maybe mould.
From:
http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/housing/356-643/356-643.html


> Upholstered Articles, Mattresses, Carpets For upholstered articles,
> mattresses, rugs and carpets, remove loose mold from outer coverings by
> brushing with a broom or brush. Do this outdoors, if possible, to
> prevent scattering mildew spores and dust in the house. Use a vacuum
> cleaner on the surface of the article for further cleaning.
>
> If mildew remains on upholstered articles or mattresses, sponge lightly
> with a solution of detergent and warm water. If safe for the fiber,
> fabric, and finish, use a dilute solution of water and liquid chlorine
> bleach (one teaspoon bleach to one quart of cool water), applying with a
> swab directly on mildew stain. Then dab repeatedly with clean, cool
> water and blot dry. Avoid excessive rubbing as it may damage the fabric.
> In working, get as little water on the surface as possible so the
> padding and/or filling does not get wet. Keep in a dry, warm area until
> articles are fully dry.
>
> If mildew remains on carpets, use as many of the following procedures as
> are necessary:
>
> 1. Apply commercial rug cleaner (shampoo or foam). Follow directions on
> the container for use in spot removal.
>
> 2. If carpet size permits, take it outside and kill the mildew by
> exposing the back of the rug to direct sunlight. To speed up the killing
> of the mildew, lightly paint the affected back area with a solution of
> hydrogen peroxide (one part of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide to five parts
> of water) and then let the sun shine on area. For wall-to-wall carpet,
> depending upon the severity of the mildew, take up the carpet, and
> replace the pad.
>
> 3. Contact a professional carpet cleaner for advice and/or treatment. It
> may not be possible always to completely remove mildew stains.
>
> Do everything possible to dry articles quickly-using an electric fan can
> speed up the killing of the mildew. Sun and air articles, if practical,
> to stop mold growth and remove odors.

"Roger" <roger@roger.net> wrote in message
news:roger-62F37A.19585913012007@26-96-177-194.serverdedicati.seflow.net...
> Hey all, water seeped up through the floorboard of my 2000 Accord during
> a flood last summer; now I'm having a big problem with an increasingly
> bad odor. Any suggestions for how to get rid of it (not the car, the
> odor ) ?

It's probably the mould that you smell. That can kill. Have the carpets
removed and discarded, thoroughly clean the interior of the vehicle and
install new underlay and carpet.

"Brian Smith" <Halifax@NovaScotia.Canada> wrote in message
news:Vynqh.152171$hn.31019@edtnps82...
>
> "Roger" <roger@roger.net> wrote in message
> news:roger-62F37A.19585913012007@26-96-177-194.serverdedicati.seflow.net...
>> Hey all, water seeped up through the floorboard of my 2000 Accord during
>> a flood last summer; now I'm having a big problem with an increasingly
>> bad odor. Any suggestions for how to get rid of it (not the car, the
>> odor ) ?
>
> It's probably the mould that you smell. That can kill. Have the carpets
> removed and discarded, thoroughly clean the interior of the vehicle and
> install new underlay and carpet.

You have to get rid of all the mold and make sure everything under the
carpet is dry. Otherwise, the car will rust out.

Also, make sure no water got into the seats.

Jeff

At this point it's too late to salvage the carpet. It's a health issue too.
We had the same think hapen in my '96, but the dealer removed the carpet
from the car within a day, and it was shampood and dried completely before
installing it again. No odors and no rust. The brain box under the seat
was trashed. It was an insurance claim. They wanted to total the car (it
had 140k on it, but I talked the into repair. Cost was $1700. I have owned
this car from new. It now has 181K on it and going strong! I run
Synthetick oil, and it only uses about 1/2 qt between changes (which means I
never have to add oil).

I have a 2006 EX-V6 NAV, but I drive this old car most of the time. I don't
have to worry too much about door dings, and where I park it. Still looks
like new though.

Take care of your Honda, and it will take care of you!

G-Man



"Roger" <roger@roger.net> wrote in message
news:roger-62F37A.19585913012007@26-96-177-194.serverdedicati.seflow.net...
> Hey all, water seeped up through the floorboard of my 2000 Accord during
> a flood last summer; now I'm having a big problem with an increasingly
> bad odor. Any suggestions for how to get rid of it (not the car, the
> odor ) ?
>
> Thanks,
> Rog

The best thing is probably to replace the whole carpet. They sell these
on ebay, and such. It would cost you less then 1k, and your car will
look nice and clear. I doubt there is any other way, because your
carpet is full of mildew and has rotten.

---
Drink It. Feel It. Share It.
http://www.monaviedrink.com



Roger wrote:
> Hey all, water seeped up through the floorboard of my 2000 Accord during
> a flood last summer; now I'm having a big problem with an increasingly
> bad odor. Any suggestions for how to get rid of it (not the car, the
> odor ) ?
>
> Thanks,
> Rog