Smell - Subaru Outback

Seeker34 · 09-12-2011, 09:28 PM

Just got my 02 OBW and it rules. I am second owner...problem is, I think first owner was an older person because the inside smells like moth balls. Hanging air freshener doesn't work. Ideas?

grossgary · 09-12-2011, 10:09 PM

yes - ozone generator is the only solution that works every single time. it doesn't just cover it up - it neutralizes the cause.

local tool rental places have them, detailers have them, hotels/motels have them, or you can do a mail order rental from various companies. i run them overnight in a car or all day long with all the windows shut. be careful- that level of ozone is deadly so don't do it! (disclaimer).

it's amazing.

MNOutback · 09-12-2011, 10:18 PM

does the smell come from the carpeting, seats, vents?

Seeker34 · 09-13-2011, 11:24 AM

It's all over ....guessing combination of fabric and carpets. Not coming from vents. Was hoping to avoid any big expense but getting to the point where I gotta do something. Ozone generator sounds neat .

ETC · 09-14-2011, 07:07 AM

I'm sure the ozone generator would work.

My old bronco had a distinct "dog" smell in it from the previous owner. I pulled the carpet, wiped everything down and shampooed the carpets. It still smelled a bit so I closed all the windows, put the ventilation on recirculate and sprayed half a bottle of Ozium in there and let the thing blow for half an hour. Worked pretty well.

I didn't care about staining anything but, might want to check the stuff on the seats and dash before doing it. I didn't have any issues but, I'd hate to hear it screwed something up.

If you do that, check the scent before you do it .. the Original is kind of an odd scent ... the country fresh one and the citrus aren't too bad.

Seeker34 · 09-16-2011, 04:05 PM

Ok.....did you actually spray the fabric itself or just spray it into the air?

subiesailor · 09-16-2011, 04:09 PM

You ever rent a carpet cleaner for your house? You can take a soapy bucket of water and a sponge and clean your carpets then hit it with a wetvac - leave the windows cracked for a couple of days and that should make a difference.

You can steam clean the seats with the right cleaner also.

Seeker34 · 09-19-2011, 09:55 AM

The ozium worked. Walgreens for 7 bux. Didn't even have to spray much. Smell gone. Thanks all.

09-12-2011, 09:28 PM	#1 (permalink)
Seeker34 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Washington, DC Car: 2002 OBW 2.5i Wintergreen/Titanium Posts: 32 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Smell Just got my 02 OBW and it rules. I am second owner...problem is, I think first owner was an older person because the inside smells like moth balls. Hanging air freshener doesn't work. Ideas?

09-12-2011, 10:09 PM	#2 (permalink)
grossgary Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: WV Car: OBW H6 VDC, H6 OB Sed, XT6's Posts: 1,240 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	yes - ozone generator is the only solution that works every single time. it doesn't just cover it up - it neutralizes the cause. local tool rental places have them, detailers have them, hotels/motels have them, or you can do a mail order rental from various companies. i run them overnight in a car or all day long with all the windows shut. be careful- that level of ozone is deadly so don't do it! (disclaimer). it's amazing. __________________ H6 VDC OBW, H6 OB Sedan, 99 SUS, XT6's

09-12-2011, 10:18 PM	#3 (permalink)
MNOutback Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Byron, MN Car: 2011 Forester XT touring Posts: 284 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	does the smell come from the carpeting, seats, vents? __________________ Rolled and totaled 2010 2.5 Outback premium March 2011

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09-13-2011, 11:24 AM	#4 (permalink)
Seeker34 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Washington, DC Car: 2002 OBW 2.5i Wintergreen/Titanium Posts: 32 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	It's all over ....guessing combination of fabric and carpets. Not coming from vents. Was hoping to avoid any big expense but getting to the point where I gotta do something. Ozone generator sounds neat .

09-14-2011, 07:07 AM	#5 (permalink)
ETC ;} Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Southern Ca Car: 00 outback Posts: 5,177 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I'm sure the ozone generator would work. My old bronco had a distinct "dog" smell in it from the previous owner. I pulled the carpet, wiped everything down and shampooed the carpets. It still smelled a bit so I closed all the windows, put the ventilation on recirculate and sprayed half a bottle of Ozium in there and let the thing blow for half an hour. Worked pretty well. I didn't care about staining anything but, might want to check the stuff on the seats and dash before doing it. I didn't have any issues but, I'd hate to hear it screwed something up. If you do that, check the scent before you do it .. the Original is kind of an odd scent ... the country fresh one and the citrus aren't too bad.

09-16-2011, 04:05 PM	#6 (permalink)
Seeker34 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Washington, DC Car: 2002 OBW 2.5i Wintergreen/Titanium Posts: 32 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Ok.....did you actually spray the fabric itself or just spray it into the air?

09-16-2011, 04:09 PM	#7 (permalink)
subiesailor Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: San Francisco Posts: 7,671 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	You ever rent a carpet cleaner for your house? You can take a soapy bucket of water and a sponge and clean your carpets then hit it with a wetvac - leave the windows cracked for a couple of days and that should make a difference. You can steam clean the seats with the right cleaner also.

09-19-2011, 09:55 AM	#8 (permalink)
Seeker34 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Washington, DC Car: 2002 OBW 2.5i Wintergreen/Titanium Posts: 32 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	The ozium worked. Walgreens for 7 bux. Didn't even have to spray much. Smell gone. Thanks all.

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