My interior truck heater caught fire causing smoke damage inside. The fire department put it out with foam. What is the best way to clean interior hard surfaces? How can I clean the upholstered seats and remove the smoke odor?
By Linda Baker from Hendersonville, NC
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Most of the suggestions I have viewed below 'may' work, with the exception of using bread as an odor sponge. However, if you are looking to take an approach that will in fact *work*, then the process is simple.
Get a can of Scotchgard Fabric & Upholstery Cleaner
Follow the instructions on the label. Repeat the process again after 7 days, if necessary, depending on how bad the smoke damage is/was, you may need to apply a 3rd application after 14 days. Once you have rid yourself of the smoke smell, then it's suggested that you invest in a fabric sealer by 3M which does an excellent job at enhancing the Scotchgard Fabric & Upholstery Cleaner's sealer protection.
Armor All any plastic trim in your vehicle to augment the upholstery cleaning you have done over the past two weeks. This process will ensure a smoke free vehicle smell either for your personal use or if you plan to sell your car.
Also, an inexpensive air freshener to use if you plan to leave your car sealed and unused for an extended period of time would be to wrap some Bounce laundry softener sheets to the underside of both the driver/passenger seats and under the dash with a paper clip or by tying it into a knot around a wire (careful not to disconnect a wire if you chose one, you don't need a lot of pressure to tie them).
Best of luck!
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