Smelly car

[andrewlee]

I have just bought an old car, and although it was nicely presnted, it didn't half pong!   I have shampooed it, and then sprinkled de-oderising carpet powder in it and vacuumed up.   No real change.   I had it professionally valeted today, but the smell still hasn't gone.   It's a bit like damp dogs ... ugh!   Any suggestions?

[derekpara]

Sound like dampness due to water getting into the cabin somewhere and soaking the carpets. Is it a Fiesta ? They are notorious leakers. Lift the carpets and have a look.

[chazza]

In the short term, fabreze is good for getting rid of smells on fabric

[Calvesy]

I had one like that before. Turned out it had spent six months in a foot-deep puddle. After trying basic carpet cleaning and smellies, I cracked and pulled the whole carpet out to pour litres of  pine disinfectant into the sills and do the underside of the carpet properly. It smelt like a toilet, but at least one that had been flushed!