Removing Odors From Prius Upholstery and Seat Belts

Might try an ozone generator, has worked wonders for me in the past.

 

I recommend an ozone generator as well. The prior owner of our Prius v (wagon) obviously smoked...and the smell was being retained in the fabric seats. The ozone generator worked exceptionally well to remove most of the odor.

 

I always clean my car with a carpet cleaner vacuum. I never mask the odors with sprays or car fresheners.

 

You do realize that ozone eliminates odors..right? It basically 'oxidizes' the molecules that cause the odor. Pro car shops use them, etc...

Ozone Treatments: A Saving Grace for Smelly Cars - Pro-Wash

 

Ozone properly done of course. I recall some really old threads Gen2 owners got some yellowing of their MFD screen whne the ozone was too high or something. Tape that up maybe...I do not know. Could be the A/C filter though. I always try to leave windows in the garage for air out.

 

There some light duty ones on amazon that runs on 120v for about $80. 12v to 120v converter from cig light plug and leave it in car. I will get one for myself soon for indoor use also.

 

All of the previous suggestions sound valid, but they're only temporary. GIVE UP GOLF!!

 

50/50 mix of water and white vinegar.
Baking soda.

 

$35 solution:
- $21 rented heavy duty carpet cleaner
- 2 gal water
- 4 bottles club soda
- ½ cup baking soda
- ¼ cup dish soap
- ½ cup vinegar
- tide to go pen (for the tough spots & headliner)

Mix that solution together. Add essential oils if you like a scent; I used lemon

I bought a used 2012 Prius C. The second I sat down for a test ride it was overwhelmingly obvious that the previous owner had horses; holy manure. It smelt like a barn & looked like one too.
I rented a carpet cleaner from Home Depot for $21 & went to town on the car. 4 hours later, completely absent of smell & not a spot in the car. I learned the old driver had a greasy head & the passenger made a habit of spilling coffee on the ground. I don’t blame the passenger, it couldn’t have been easy to hold onto the coffee & fit a horse in the car.
I used the attachment to clean the seats, back of seats, floors, headliner, walls, anything I could reach. The inside now looks & smells like a brand new car with a hint of lemon.
I talked the dealer down 2k before we brought it home because of the acrid inside condition. I’m tempted to bring it back & flaunt it lol

 

Why buy such a thing?

I can rent a big pro ozone generator for $35/day 8 miles from my house. 23 hours of that thing ought to repent many sins…

Anyway, look for equipment rental places.

 

I think I got mine for $69 on sale...or somewhere in that range. However, renting one is a great idea!

 

Golf...you have more patience that I do...that's for sure! I'd much rather spend the time hiking somewhere, etc...much less stress!

 

I always put down a bath towel on my seat if I am sweaty. It’s easier to wash a towel than to clean upholstery.

 

Ozone generator, or (my go-to), chlorine dioxide packet. Like the O₃ generator, use a bit of care, hang a ClO₂ packet sort of in the middle of the car, not lying right on upholstery or finished surfaces. Like the O₃, it genuinely breaks down the odor-causing substances.

You can buy a bunch of the packets cheap (search MDG or starbrite) and the ones you don't use will keep, in their sealed foil pouches, until whenever you need them next.

I once bought a truck that had been smoked in like a chimney, and it turned out that a plain-vanilla water-extraction shop-vac attachment, followed by driving everywhere with all windows open for the rest of one summer and fall, actually did the trick. I was amazed. You wouldn't have guessed it was smoked in. That was way before I ever heard of ClO₂. Completely low-tech.

 

I purchased a “fresh air by Ecoquest air cleaner for my business years ago. Using it to eliminate construction odors so homes were fresh when owners did their inspections. Setting it up to run the night before on a timer. It worked great! So I’ve used me in my home to eliminate allergens and orders of all sorts. Closing off rooms for a periodic “sterilization “ treatment then airing them before using them for an hour or so. Again works great. My Prius is a work truck and it has hauled lots of foul smelling.... well it gets bad! So I’ll put the cleaner in it and press sterilize close the door and away 2 hours later, or the next day open the doors and air the ozone out and it is fresh.
I’m also a fan of arm and hammer cabin-air filters.


iPhone ?

 

Of course Ozone does not have to be DIY I think some detailers/dealers do that for you