Just purchased a 2007 Mini Cooper S w/ 43K miles on it. Looking forward to putting many more miles and mods on this car. The previous owner loved dogs and cigarettes so I had my work cut out for me on day one of cleaning the car. I got a little carried away on the interior detailing of my mini. Before I knew it, I had taken everything out after only owning my car for one day. What a blast!! Two questions: 1. Any thoughts on how best to remove the pet and cigarette smell? I have some ideas, but wanted to get yours. 2. While I have my mini dismantled, any recommendations on your favorite interior mod?
Welcome aboard... ftr - keep that "NAM" $#!+ over there where it belongs. As for cleaning the interior.... Dave.0, rest is online soul, would be impressed. I'd say febreeze the $h!+ out of the fabric bits and let them set outside in the sun for a bit.
Welcome, thanks for joining Motoring Alliance, the FUN and Friendly MINI Community. I fixed it even betterer.
Welcome to M/A! Dealers have some stuff that takes out the smoke from the headliner. they have to, especially when they get trade ins to resell. They clean up the whole car so it looks "new" again. If you cannot get them to help you, the auto stores usually have that stuff, too, or, you can take your car to an auto detail shop that does steam cleaning.
Welcome to M/A... While you have it all empty inside.... Depending on the miles... Consider changing the fuel filter... It's under one of the black covers behind the seat (passenger side, I think).... The procedure will always guarantee a little spillage... The side benefit... The gasoline smell will tend to hide the smoke smell.... Heh Heh Heh... Anyway, get that proceedure out of the way and then use what the dealers use to cover the smell... https://youtu.be/rCppUQfNZQQ
Since you have it all cleaned out it would be a good time to add sound deadening mat if you don't alittle extra weight being added.
I had a mini van with that problem. I got a bag of some type of odor eater rocks, like a lava rock left it in the car for for a while. It took care of it. I think I got it out of one of those mail order booklets. Kinda like this stuff Home Depot - 32 oz. Odor Elimination for Homes customer reviews - product reviews - read top consumer ratings
I work in heating and air. We use this to freshen up ductwork. It also works nicely to get the old cigarette stink out of your car's ductwork. It might work on upholstery too. http://www.globalindustrial.com/p/hvac/chemicals-lubricants-cleaner/cleaner/dirty-sox-20-ounce-aerosol
Wow.... that was sooo embarrassing... as I stumble my way to find the worlds best mini site. Thanks for your help, vetsvette and Nathan for helping me find it. :wink:
I like it. I did notice it was a little noisier than I would have hoped. Is there a website you can recommend where mini owners frequent to buy their stuff (i.e., deadening mat, cabin air filter, fuel filter, etc.)
It definitely can't hurt. I'll give it a try. Is there a proper place to spray Dirty Sox to get the most benefit? BTW, they nailed the product name on that.
With the a/c running wide open, I'd spray it directly into the a/c filter housing, with the filter removed. There should be a fresh air intake in the cowl somewhere, too. If you can find it spray it there as well.
Welcome. Before spraying anything on the headliner or carpet I would vacuum it real good. While the interior is out I would add GT Mat sound deadener. It's on Amazon in different quantities. It does a great job and is a lot less expensive than the others. It made a big difference in road noise in my car. You might want to consider replacing the rear speakers if you don't have the HK system. The stock ones suck. You have to remove all the rear interior as you did to replace them. What speakers is a different discussion
Great thoughts. Thank you. What mil spec did you use on your GTMat (50, 80, etc.)? If you did it again, would you use the same mil spec or a thicker one?
I used the 50 mil. I don't recall there being an 80 mil. I would probably get the 80 mil now. I only got 1 roll 25 sqft and want to get another roll now so it will be the 80 mil. I did the floor of the rear, the battery box, under the rear seat, and the sides. Not completely but place in the highest ringing place. I used a small hammer to tap and find the areas with the most ring. With that method one roll of the 80 mil may be enough. Also I got this DEI 050220 Boom Mat Spray-on to get into the inside of the panels where I could get the mat.
Great feedback. Thank you. They also have a 110 mil. GT MAT SOUND CONTROL, LLC Automotive Sound Deadener Dampning Material Dynamat Alternative Did you do your doors?