How to "de-funk" damp carpets?

[merrion13]

So I had the sunroof leak and got that fixed. Have partially pulled up my carpets and used a combination of shop-vac, towels and fan to dry the carpet padding. However, carpet still has a musty smell. What works best to apply on the carpet padding to get rid of the odor?

 

[Skunkape]

I would get it done by a pro. A professional detai shop should have some good cleaners and know how to get it clean and musty free.


If you want to do it yourself, try a baking soda based carpet cleaner that you pour onto the carpet and vacuum up.

 

[kingfishgrapeja]

Petsmart sells a product called simple solution it has ensymes that eat up odor causing bacteria. It works great on pet smells but I have also used it with success on musty smell. It has an unobtrusive smell too. Might be worth checking out.

 

[jimbiram]

Another good product from the pet store is "Odor Mute", which is a powder that mixes with warm water. Soak the area, then put in some fans to dry it back out.

 

[blackforestham]

Step it up to an Industrial cleaner -

http://www.abatix.com/default.aspx?page=item+detail&itemcode=UNS221522000

I've used similar cleaners for a moldy trunk in a previous car. Dilute per instructions and apply with a spray bottle. Finish off with a wet carpet cleaning vacuum and you're done.