QuestionI need help, we recently had our car detailed, inside and out. This is now 2 days later and the car is starting to have a mildew smell to it. We left the windows open to let it dry out like the guy suggested and are still having this problem. Is there something I can do to get rid of this smell. The guy came highly recommended from a couple places but we found him to be horrible. We have scuff marks on our rearview mirror, he left puddles of water in the glove box and the back of the SUV, things are missing (not expensive but not the point), he didnt even do the tires and basically doubled the price on us from when he had the car. Im pissed atm! Help me fix my car pls!
AnswerHI Syl,
What you have here is someone that should be removed from the ranks as a Professional Detailer.
I have to assume by the question that there was no mildew or wetness problem before you had it detailed. If this is the case, there was too much water used to clean the SUV. I have seen in the past where "detailers" have used a hose or pressure washer to clean the inside of a vehicle. They will also use an extractor the wrong way. Excess water leads to mildew and mold.
I would try to lift the carpets up to see if there is water underneath them. If there is, you have a serious problem. The carpets would have to be removed, dried and disinfected outside the SUV and the inside cleaned and disinfected. This is an expensive and labor intensive process. It is the only way I would do a car that has been in the rain or flood or has a leak. This should be done as quickly as possible to avoid too much mildew from growing, as this will ruin the carpets and the inside of the SUV. I would seek legal council if this has to be done to get the "detailer" to pay for it.
If the carpets are not wet underneath, I would vacuum them with a wet/dry vac and place a dehumidifier in the SUV. I would have the carpets cleaned and disinfected to kill the mildew.
The other thing that may be a problem is if there was too much soap used in the cleaning process. If the carpets have too much soap you will forever have a dirty look to the carpet because the soap residue attracts dirt. Again, seek the help of another detailer if possible.
I would make it a point to call the people who recommended him to let them know what happened. This will certainly help them keep their reputation in tact as well as possibly put this "detailer" out of business. Also, make as many complaints to the Better Business Bureau, local Chamber of Commerce, etc.
I hope this helps.
Bob
