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Tobacco smoke odor removal 850 1997

Hello all,

I just got home with my "new" (to me, anyway) '97 850R sedan. I've been waiting for years to be able to afford one of these beauties, and the day finally arrived! It's black/black.

The only "problems" I have with the car:

1) For reasons unfathomable to me, the original owner didn't like the R rear spoiler and had the dealer install a standard 850 spoiler! Bummer.

2) The original owner was a smoker! (double bummer)

Does anyone have any recommendations for a cleaner/conditioner for the suede seat inserts? Hopefully a good cleaning will help rid the car of the "stale motel room" smell from the tobacco smoke.

--

Chris Boultinghouse

'97 850R








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    Re: Tobacco smoke odor removal 850 1997

    Chris,

    Congratulations on your new car.

    My car was a service loaner and had the same problem. I used a commercial grade cleaner and deodorizer on the carpet, headliner and hat shelf. Since the seats are leather, I used Lexol to remove the film & odor from them. For the vinyl & plastic trim, I used Meguirer's cleaner and protectant. I also sprayed a commercial grade antibacterial/odor neutralizer, available from the dealer, into the climate control system intake.

    Finally, I left the sun roof open in the vent position whenever possible.

    Even so, it took a while for the odor to completely disappear. I have read that some owners remove the carpets and clean the padding underneath to thoroughly extinguish odors. I didn't have the energy.

    Sorry, I don't know what you can use on suede. Surely, somebody else will share his or her knowledge with you on the board.

    Enjoy!

    Bryan








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      Re: Tobacco smoke odor removal 850 1997

      Thanks, Bryan!

      I'll be purchasing the Lexol cleaner for the "slick" leather portions of the seats, but I'm not at all sure what to use on the suede. Hopefully someone will have some ideas.

      I sprayed some "Fabreze" deodorizer on the carpets, and it has helped already.

      Where is the intake for the climate control system located?

      -Chris








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        Re: Tobacco smoke odor removal 850 1997

        Chris,

        You are on the right track with the fabreze! Nail ALL cloth surfaces with it. Get the headliner a few times, and if you can find a shop that will do it for you, get it steam cleaned. The smoke smell will go away after a few weeks time. Try to run the AC as much as possible to keep the moisture from "re-activating" the nasty smells again. Also, if you have time, pop off the vents to the AC and clean the ducts with a sponge on a rope. Use fabereze laundry detergent and HOT-water to moisten the sponge and fish it through as much of the duct work as possible. Just be sure to not loose the rope as it will be your savior if you let the sponge fall in a duct. Also, clean the area above and around the ashtray real well. If the owner used the cigar lighter, replace it too. The tar and goo festers in these areas, and most people neglect to clean them well. Also, if you do not have tinted windows, clean them a few times with Dirtex brand aersol cleaner. You will see the layers of tar and goo come off each time you clean! As far as the rear deck goes, vacuum and clean that real well. The ashes and goo collects there and it is a spot of the car that never gets cleaned by most people. Don't forget under the seats and the trunk! The smoke residue goes everywhere.

        Best of luck removing the odors from your car! Damn, there should be a law about people ruining cars and houses with tobacco smoke.

        Prospero









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          Re: Tobacco smoke odor removal 850 1997

          Thanks for the excellent tips, Prospero! And you're right, there should be a law against ruining cars with smoke. ESPECIALLY something like an 850R! :^)

          -Chris







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