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[ WebCars! Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts | WebCars! Home ]Re: stinky interior
Posted by: Bud Abraham (IP Logged)
Date: May 09, 2005 05:56PM
<HTML>Ron:
Having worked in international trade for several years, many in Asia so we do have a great many sources for products.
The air tools made in Asia are actually very good tools. Florida Pneumatic and others set the standards for the tools they only use the lower labor plants in Asia to manufacture.
The Asian made sprayers I would agree are not good, I purchased some and they fell apart. We buy from an American company. If they make in Asia at least it is to their standards and not Asian standards.
Brushes are both available from the USA and Asia. Have not found any problem, however, with Asian made brushes as long as the American buyer is setting the standards.
The US Customs has strict rules about when a product can be considered made in America, and all companies have to abide by these rules, so there is no problem with US companies trying to put one over on consumers.
In fact, anything made overseas and imported to the USA cannot come into the country unless it is marked with "Made in China; Korea, Japan, etc.
I can tell you they enforce this law because we had to go down to customs a few years ago and physically put a Made in China sticker one several thousand towels that did not have the mark put on them from the factory.
In summary are you inferring that things made in Asia are bad quality? I would disagree with you. But that is a matter of opinion isn't it.
Bud Abraham</HTML>
buda
Having worked in international trade for several years, many in Asia so we do have a great many sources for products.
The air tools made in Asia are actually very good tools. Florida Pneumatic and others set the standards for the tools they only use the lower labor plants in Asia to manufacture.
The Asian made sprayers I would agree are not good, I purchased some and they fell apart. We buy from an American company. If they make in Asia at least it is to their standards and not Asian standards.
Brushes are both available from the USA and Asia. Have not found any problem, however, with Asian made brushes as long as the American buyer is setting the standards.
The US Customs has strict rules about when a product can be considered made in America, and all companies have to abide by these rules, so there is no problem with US companies trying to put one over on consumers.
In fact, anything made overseas and imported to the USA cannot come into the country unless it is marked with "Made in China; Korea, Japan, etc.
I can tell you they enforce this law because we had to go down to customs a few years ago and physically put a Made in China sticker one several thousand towels that did not have the mark put on them from the factory.
In summary are you inferring that things made in Asia are bad quality? I would disagree with you. But that is a matter of opinion isn't it.
Bud Abraham</HTML>
buda
Re: stinky interior
Posted by: dave rosh (IP Logged)
Date: May 09, 2005 06:55PM
<HTML>ok back to the subject at hand,i use spot away from ultra-sheild in florida i dont buy much of it because its $120 a case.it is a enzyme based product which i think is not considered the best product for the job , but i swear by this stuff.ive had customers who had been to every detail shop in town and could not get the results they were looking for and i got the smell out with this product.i also agree that you do need a good ozone machine.</HTML>
Re: stinky interior
Posted by: jon miller (IP Logged)
Date: May 09, 2005 06:59PM
<HTML> A hot water extractor on the headliner?!?!
-Get that great new car feeling!-Headliners:
Not quite- headliners require special care and attention, as cloth type headliners are assembled with foam backing and usually glued to a fibre roof panel. If the headliner becomes wet, it can cause the head liner to delaminate and fall down. An interior cleaner (303 TM Fabric & Vinyl Cleaner) should be used. Spray onto a terry towel and wipe very gently
Do not spray products directly onto head lining. Wipe lightly making sure not to leave headliner wet. Inspect and re-clean as necessary. It is better to clean twice, rather than to allow the head liner to get too wet. An alcohol based aerosol glass cleaner may also work for this operation because of its quick evaporation. Vinyl headliners should be cleaned the same way.
JonM
PS: Thanks for the info Ketch very informative as usual</HTML>
[ each one / teach one, then student /becomes teacher ]
-Get that great new car feeling!-Headliners:
Not quite- headliners require special care and attention, as cloth type headliners are assembled with foam backing and usually glued to a fibre roof panel. If the headliner becomes wet, it can cause the head liner to delaminate and fall down. An interior cleaner (303 TM Fabric & Vinyl Cleaner) should be used. Spray onto a terry towel and wipe very gently
Do not spray products directly onto head lining. Wipe lightly making sure not to leave headliner wet. Inspect and re-clean as necessary. It is better to clean twice, rather than to allow the head liner to get too wet. An alcohol based aerosol glass cleaner may also work for this operation because of its quick evaporation. Vinyl headliners should be cleaned the same way.
JonM
PS: Thanks for the info Ketch very informative as usual</HTML>
[ each one / teach one, then student /becomes teacher ]
Re: stinky interior
Posted by: Bud Abraham (IP Logged)
Date: May 09, 2005 07:21PM
<HTML>It is clear you were lucky enough to eliminate the bacteria by cleaning. That usually does not occur with normal cleaning.
As for the smell of ozone that is surprising because it is after a rain that we smell a fresh odor in the air, this is ozone.
I do not know what kind of system you might have experience with since you said you do not own or use an ozone generator, but we have never, ever had a problem as you describe with an ozone generator.
Interesting, but auto dealers and rental agencies are one of our biggest customers for ozone generators.
Bud Abraham</HTML>
buda
As for the smell of ozone that is surprising because it is after a rain that we smell a fresh odor in the air, this is ozone.
I do not know what kind of system you might have experience with since you said you do not own or use an ozone generator, but we have never, ever had a problem as you describe with an ozone generator.
Interesting, but auto dealers and rental agencies are one of our biggest customers for ozone generators.
Bud Abraham</HTML>
buda
Re: stinky interior
Posted by: Ketcham (IP Logged)
Date: May 09, 2005 08:18PM
<HTML>Bud,
I AM not inferring that products or components made out side the USA are bad quality.
Just the opposite, for the most part, the quality is as high or in some cases, higher than made here.
I am not bashing the U.S. Worker or U.S Companies, just pointing out, to all those who read these threads, that it is a "global economy", one in which world wide standards have come to be.
Just as in our little world of detailing, "standards" are coming into play, as the American consumer is slowing learning to look for companies that reached the "world wide accepted" quality standards, beyound just automotive standards such as ASE, SAE, I-CAR, etc.
Detailers who are serious about being profitable and around in the future, need to accept these changes.
ketch
ISO is the biggest example of this change.
Ketch</HTML>
Do it right or don't do it all!
I AM not inferring that products or components made out side the USA are bad quality.
Just the opposite, for the most part, the quality is as high or in some cases, higher than made here.
I am not bashing the U.S. Worker or U.S Companies, just pointing out, to all those who read these threads, that it is a "global economy", one in which world wide standards have come to be.
Just as in our little world of detailing, "standards" are coming into play, as the American consumer is slowing learning to look for companies that reached the "world wide accepted" quality standards, beyound just automotive standards such as ASE, SAE, I-CAR, etc.
Detailers who are serious about being profitable and around in the future, need to accept these changes.
ketch
ISO is the biggest example of this change.
Ketch</HTML>
Do it right or don't do it all!
Re: stinky interior
Posted by: Jerry Slater (IP Logged)
Date: May 09, 2005 10:08PM
<HTML>Well.... thanks again to everyone for their input. I will take all the advice to heart. It seems the Odor Terminator is a pretty good product. Guess I will be the judge of that. I know the baking soda will work somewhat....I wish I had thought of that when I had the car. I'm not convinced the ammonia won't work yet. I've used it in homes to deodorize urine spots from pets by applying with a spray bottle then blotting with a towel.</HTML>
jer
Charlotte Auto Detailing
Charlotte, MI
517-749-5484
jer
Charlotte Auto Detailing
Charlotte, MI
517-749-5484
Re: stinky interior
Posted by: concoursgarage (IP Logged)
Date: May 09, 2005 10:43PM
<HTML><<It is clear you are lucky enough to eliminate the bacteria by cleaning>>.
Your seem to suggest luck is involved in the process of cleaning to eliminate mal-odors. I can assure you there is no luck involved or magic bullet.
We are seriously engaged in the business of odor removal and over the years we have by trial and error created cleaning protocols to deal with all types of odors. While we own 2 ozone machines we use them sparingly because they do not smell like fresh odor after rainfall...but rather a dull flat tinny smell which can be quite offensive to some customers.</HTML>
Your seem to suggest luck is involved in the process of cleaning to eliminate mal-odors. I can assure you there is no luck involved or magic bullet.
We are seriously engaged in the business of odor removal and over the years we have by trial and error created cleaning protocols to deal with all types of odors. While we own 2 ozone machines we use them sparingly because they do not smell like fresh odor after rainfall...but rather a dull flat tinny smell which can be quite offensive to some customers.</HTML>
Re: stinky interior
Posted by: Anthony Orosco (IP Logged)
Date: May 10, 2005 12:01AM
<HTML>Jerry Slater,
A good steam vapor machine will NOT soak the headliner, causing it to sag. I have done countles headliners with my steamer and never had a problem.
I use a microfiber towel which is attached to a special cleaning head on the steamer. Any water being put out is absorbed by the mf towel and it also acts as a scrubber of sorts to help clean the headliner. The towel and headliner are pretty much dry when done.
Another method I have used is to hold the steamer head just a few inches from the area being cleaned (areas that do not nead heavy cleaning) and then wipe dry with a mf towel. Dispensing the Odor Terminator with this method works great also.
Anthony</HTML>
Details, Details, Details....It's all in the details!
www.UltimateReflections.NET
A good steam vapor machine will NOT soak the headliner, causing it to sag. I have done countles headliners with my steamer and never had a problem.
I use a microfiber towel which is attached to a special cleaning head on the steamer. Any water being put out is absorbed by the mf towel and it also acts as a scrubber of sorts to help clean the headliner. The towel and headliner are pretty much dry when done.
Another method I have used is to hold the steamer head just a few inches from the area being cleaned (areas that do not nead heavy cleaning) and then wipe dry with a mf towel. Dispensing the Odor Terminator with this method works great also.
Anthony</HTML>
Details, Details, Details....It's all in the details!
www.UltimateReflections.NET
Re: stinky interior
Posted by: Mike R (IP Logged)
Date: May 10, 2005 11:11AM
<HTML>Been very busy with the local Caddy dealer (#1 Pre-owned Cerified dealer in the nation, BTW) for the last several days.
They wanted to change their used car window sticker layout, colors, add a price field; as well as adding multiple photos to the website. ($13.50 per car X 125+cars)
Also added on Carpet Covers as well. ($10.00 per car, I can do 15-20 cars/hr, $10X125+cars)
Busy last couple of days!!!
On to the point: Several, maybe a dozen or two, of these vehicles have tobacco smell. This dealer uses their own detail shop, as well as two other detail shops in town for detail work. NOBODY can remove the lingering tobacco odor for some reason.
UCM and GSM and I kicked around the idea of using an ozone machine. For me, all of the cleaning the surfaces, glass etc. is already done. All shops involved DO use a hot water extractor on most vehicles. And honestly, they do a very good job. No soap residue in the carpets. I can always tell if they do because the carpet covers won't stick well.
Seems this might be a no-brainer investment for me, and a win for the dealer.
Any thoughts on what this service might go for?
valward.com, click on search pre-owned inventory to see their vehicles. They are some of the cleanest in town. This dealer doesn't mind spending money. They want their vehicles standing tall. (The service drive is waxed with a riding floor waxer 5X per day, you can eat off the service drive floor)
Regards,
Mike</HTML>
-Get that great new car feeling!-
They wanted to change their used car window sticker layout, colors, add a price field; as well as adding multiple photos to the website. ($13.50 per car X 125+cars)
Also added on Carpet Covers as well. ($10.00 per car, I can do 15-20 cars/hr, $10X125+cars)
Busy last couple of days!!!
On to the point: Several, maybe a dozen or two, of these vehicles have tobacco smell. This dealer uses their own detail shop, as well as two other detail shops in town for detail work. NOBODY can remove the lingering tobacco odor for some reason.
UCM and GSM and I kicked around the idea of using an ozone machine. For me, all of the cleaning the surfaces, glass etc. is already done. All shops involved DO use a hot water extractor on most vehicles. And honestly, they do a very good job. No soap residue in the carpets. I can always tell if they do because the carpet covers won't stick well.
Seems this might be a no-brainer investment for me, and a win for the dealer.
Any thoughts on what this service might go for?
valward.com, click on search pre-owned inventory to see their vehicles. They are some of the cleanest in town. This dealer doesn't mind spending money. They want their vehicles standing tall. (The service drive is waxed with a riding floor waxer 5X per day, you can eat off the service drive floor)
Regards,
Mike</HTML>
-Get that great new car feeling!-
Re: stinky interior
Posted by: Young Jun Son (IP Logged)
Date: January 24, 2006 10:15PM
<HTML>I really like concoursgarage's answer about cleaning everything to truly get rid of the odor. A shot in the dark, but, any chance your shop is near Chicago? Or anyone else here have a shop near Chicago or have a recommendation of a shop near Chicago? I've got a car with cigarette smoke odor and I'll tell you what works (or doesn't).
Thanks!</HTML>
Thanks!</HTML>
Re: stinky interior
Posted by: concoursgarage (IP Logged)
Date: January 25, 2006 09:21AM
<HTML>I am sorry I am not in the Chicago area.
I would suggest that you look in the yellow pages for service providers in your area, call and then visit them. You should also discuss at lenght your requirements and then determine if they will be able to meet your needs</HTML>
I would suggest that you look in the yellow pages for service providers in your area, call and then visit them. You should also discuss at lenght your requirements and then determine if they will be able to meet your needs</HTML>
NOT A Toxin BUT Don't Spray The Dog!
Posted by: Steve Okun (IP Logged)
Date: January 26, 2006 03:02PM
<HTML>At the risk of igniting a heated debate, I'd like to offer some factual information.
Ozone is NOT a toxin. It is an oxidant.
Toxins kill via a poison.
Ozone kills via oxidation.
The chemical you are referring to in the liquid odor elimnation product uses an encapsulation process identical to the more familiar consumer product called Fabreze.
Products of this nature are presumed safe for contact when dry but caution regarding the direct spray on the coat of a pet which is absolutely NOT recommended by Procter & Gamble, nor a number of national animal health organizations and medical veternary schools.
Ron, please don't shoot the messenger.
-Steve</HTML>
Ozone is NOT a toxin. It is an oxidant.
Toxins kill via a poison.
Ozone kills via oxidation.
The chemical you are referring to in the liquid odor elimnation product uses an encapsulation process identical to the more familiar consumer product called Fabreze.
Products of this nature are presumed safe for contact when dry but caution regarding the direct spray on the coat of a pet which is absolutely NOT recommended by Procter & Gamble, nor a number of national animal health organizations and medical veternary schools.
Ron, please don't shoot the messenger.
-Steve</HTML>
Re: NOT A Toxin BUT Don't Spray The Dog!
Posted by: Jim Schliebner (IP Logged)
Date: January 27, 2006 03:28AM
<HTML>I use Odor Terminater in my Century 400 extractors (4 oz/gal), but no cleaner/shampoo; that we apply direct to the carpet. We also spray OT on the headliner, under seat cushions, package shelves, etc. It is very effective in the fresh AND recirc modes of the A/C system.
OT is odor neutral. That's critical to me.
We also use Microban disinfectant, an ozonater, ammonia, vinegar, baking soda - works...
Jim</HTML>
OT is odor neutral. That's critical to me.
We also use Microban disinfectant, an ozonater, ammonia, vinegar, baking soda - works...
Jim</HTML>
Re: NOT A Toxin BUT Don't Spray The Dog!
Posted by: Ron Ketcham (IP Logged)
Date: January 27, 2006 08:38AM
<HTML>Jim,
Odor Terminator is not like the one that Steve is referring to.
It is non toxic, non-allergenic, and unlike Frebrez, may be misted on animals, humans, etc.
This product has been tested and approved by GM, Ford and DCX's world health and safety testing labs, and they issued "tox" numbers for it, under a different name as they use it in most of their plants.
Ketch</HTML>
Do it right or don't do it at all!
Odor Terminator is not like the one that Steve is referring to.
It is non toxic, non-allergenic, and unlike Frebrez, may be misted on animals, humans, etc.
This product has been tested and approved by GM, Ford and DCX's world health and safety testing labs, and they issued "tox" numbers for it, under a different name as they use it in most of their plants.
Ketch</HTML>
Do it right or don't do it at all!
Re: fumigation chemical smell???
Posted by: michelle lake (IP Logged)
Date: February 17, 2006 02:50AM
<HTML>Hi Guys,
I thought that one of you may be able to help me with this problem.
I recently was asked to detail 3 late model Jaguars that had been imported from Singapore. One had such a vile smell coming from the interior that it could be smelt from 15 to 20 feet away with the windows down. I reluctantly worked on the vehicle and after an hour or so felt quite sick. When the owner of the vehicle came to see how I was going with the car I told him there was something dead in that car, a rat or something. As this is what it smelt like. I also said it was not the sort of smell that was going go with a normal interior groom. Best you rip the interior apart and find the dead rat!!!
After I had finished detailing the car the interior was stripped out by a mechanic who found nothing dead (although I don't think he looked all that hard) and proclaimed to me that the smell was caused by fumigation chemicals.
My question is has anyone else ever come across anything like this before??? can fumigation chemicals do this and be this over powering???
I know what a decomposing body smells like !!! And is that not the very reason customs fumigates the cars for, to kill any rodents etc
The interior of this car has been out for a whole month and it only smell from 10 feet away now and several people have been brought in to try different methods to get rid of the smell. I have always been convinced that something dead is tucked away in the vents somewhere.
What do you think guys?
I would love your imput into this one please
I have been detailing cars for many years in New Zealand and Australia. Over the years I have groomed many Japanese importsand never come accross anything like this.
Michelle</HTML>
"For the perfect shine every time"
I thought that one of you may be able to help me with this problem.
I recently was asked to detail 3 late model Jaguars that had been imported from Singapore. One had such a vile smell coming from the interior that it could be smelt from 15 to 20 feet away with the windows down. I reluctantly worked on the vehicle and after an hour or so felt quite sick. When the owner of the vehicle came to see how I was going with the car I told him there was something dead in that car, a rat or something. As this is what it smelt like. I also said it was not the sort of smell that was going go with a normal interior groom. Best you rip the interior apart and find the dead rat!!!
After I had finished detailing the car the interior was stripped out by a mechanic who found nothing dead (although I don't think he looked all that hard) and proclaimed to me that the smell was caused by fumigation chemicals.
My question is has anyone else ever come across anything like this before??? can fumigation chemicals do this and be this over powering???
I know what a decomposing body smells like !!! And is that not the very reason customs fumigates the cars for, to kill any rodents etc
The interior of this car has been out for a whole month and it only smell from 10 feet away now and several people have been brought in to try different methods to get rid of the smell. I have always been convinced that something dead is tucked away in the vents somewhere.
What do you think guys?
I would love your imput into this one please
I have been detailing cars for many years in New Zealand and Australia. Over the years I have groomed many Japanese importsand never come accross anything like this.
Michelle</HTML>
"For the perfect shine every time"
Re: fumigation chemical smell???
Posted by: rsrtuning (IP Logged)
Date: February 17, 2006 05:23AM
<HTML>Hi
Just on your note, many years ago when i was young and living at home, my father actually had a small mouse get ito the airconditioning unit in his dodge.
however that now was possible i dont know, but i clearly remember it went back and forth to different mechanics, untill it was finally found...what was causing that tyoical horrible smell of decomposing...
RoB</HTML>
Just on your note, many years ago when i was young and living at home, my father actually had a small mouse get ito the airconditioning unit in his dodge.
however that now was possible i dont know, but i clearly remember it went back and forth to different mechanics, untill it was finally found...what was causing that tyoical horrible smell of decomposing...
RoB</HTML>
Re: fumigation chemical smell???
Posted by: Michelle's Valet Service (IP Logged)
Date: February 17, 2006 07:40AM
<HTML>Hey, thanks for that. I am still convinced that If these guys were to look a bit harder they would find something dead in our car too.</HTML>
"For the perfect shine every time"
"For the perfect shine every time"
Re: fumigation chemical smell???
Posted by: Lawrence Albrecht (IP Logged)
Date: February 17, 2006 10:00AM
<HTML>Did anybody try the ammonia ? Somethimes the simplest things.</HTML>
Re: fumigation chemical smell???
Posted by: Ron Ketcham (IP Logged)
Date: February 17, 2006 10:27AM
<HTML>It may well work, the ammonia.
However, there are some other issue that come up with using it.
One is "health" and the toxicity of ammonia.
Not a great idea to fog or mist it and then breathe the fumes.
Plus it also has a residual factor, and may discolor some fabrics or vinyl's if conditions are right.
Ketch</HTML>
Do it right or don't do it at all!
However, there are some other issue that come up with using it.
One is "health" and the toxicity of ammonia.
Not a great idea to fog or mist it and then breathe the fumes.
Plus it also has a residual factor, and may discolor some fabrics or vinyl's if conditions are right.
Ketch</HTML>
Do it right or don't do it at all!
Re: fumigation chemical smell???
Posted by: concoursgarage (IP Logged)
Date: February 17, 2006 10:39AM
<HTML>I have never had the experience of fumigation chemicals smelling so strong and have done many vehicles coming back from Sout East Asia with mold because of humidity.
Can you describe the smell?
Typically the smell of a small mouse would dissipate over time, but a very pungent, rotting odor may be a larger animal or a snake.
Check to see if there is any residue like white waxy susbstance in the trunk it could be indicative of solidified milk
Put the vehicle up on a lift and see if there is discolored liquid under the underbody...and watch to see where flys are going....
Would suggest that you remove all tail lights, headlights, door panels, my suspicion is that a snake could have work its way into the body moldings in front and rear feders. Remove the tires and check under wheel wells.
Take down the headliner and and all fittings in the vehicle, possible someone could have put a fish under headliner (it has been done before)
If all of this fails you will have to take down the entire dashboard.
Good luck</HTML>
Can you describe the smell?
Typically the smell of a small mouse would dissipate over time, but a very pungent, rotting odor may be a larger animal or a snake.
Check to see if there is any residue like white waxy susbstance in the trunk it could be indicative of solidified milk
Put the vehicle up on a lift and see if there is discolored liquid under the underbody...and watch to see where flys are going....
Would suggest that you remove all tail lights, headlights, door panels, my suspicion is that a snake could have work its way into the body moldings in front and rear feders. Remove the tires and check under wheel wells.
Take down the headliner and and all fittings in the vehicle, possible someone could have put a fish under headliner (it has been done before)
If all of this fails you will have to take down the entire dashboard.
Good luck</HTML>
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