John Lee Posted September 9, 2017 Share Posted September 9, 2017 (edited) Hi everyone - must say how much I enjoy this forum & how much it has evolved over the years? My latest acquisition is a 2008 caravan, usual features with shower/toilet. It has a quite strong sort of musty (but not quite smell). If it were 'the new caravan smell' that would be fine but it's not: yet is about as strong. I have rubbed my nose in the carpet & upholstery but there is no particular strong point as such though the smell is everywhere. I would at least like to change it a bit or eradicate it which will I think be impossible. After awhile we get used to it but it is very noticeable when first entering the 'van. So far I have tried sprinkling baking soda over all the fabrics and carpet which I left overnight & have vacuumed off the following day. Interestingly the smell is still in the van with all the furnishings removed. It's is not the toilet as I have completely cleaned & refreshed that plus the smell, is not localised to the bathroom area. I don't think it is an animal/urine smell either. I'm thinking I need to introduce a new smell to counteract the existing smell but what do you recommend? I'd like a bottle/bucket of new caravan smell ??Does anyone have some? I don't want to sell this beauty, the smell is not bad enough to justify that option. I am ventilating the 'van at every opportunity as it is stored at home. It's a Kiwi brand that is well loved, alloy construction, foam sandwhich fill & wallboard panel interior much like the English vans I have owned in the past. Edited September 9, 2017 by John Lee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
milkymarsh Posted September 9, 2017 Share Posted September 9, 2017 John. It's not the dreaded D word is it. Seems very close to what you are describing. ... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 10, 2017 Share Posted September 10, 2017 Have a look on chemicalguys website, they do loads of sprays etc for deodorising / making smell like new. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crannoghome Posted September 10, 2017 Share Posted September 10, 2017 We've always used a small saucer of real sandalwood sawdust which gives our van a nice 'woody' smell. It is naturally a very fragrant wood and if you can't get the sawdust, then try a couple of drops of sandalwood essential oil. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Lee Posted September 10, 2017 Author Share Posted September 10, 2017 John. It's not the dreaded D word is it. Seems very close to what you are describing. . . . Gosh I hope not - it has an alloy frame but still plenty of wood in the construction. I have worked on the furnishings today & found a squab that appears to have had an oil/petroleum spill on it. Quite strong smelling but not I feel the cause of what we have. I have given it a real scrub but the petroleum smell remains. My brother suggests borax & I'm open to any ideas. We've always used a small saucer of real sandalwood sawdust which gives our van a nice 'woody' smell. It is naturally a very fragrant wood and if you can't get the sawdust, then try a couple of drops of sandalwood essential oil. This is a good idea too thanks; I'll task Mrs Lee to source that - most likely the essential oil where we are Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coastline Posted September 10, 2017 Share Posted September 10, 2017 Can you obtain or hire a ozonenater? We use them erecte smoke and other smells in homes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Durbanite Posted September 10, 2017 Share Posted September 10, 2017 Did you do a damp test on the caravan prior to purchase? If not, do a damp test as soon as possible. If no damp then try and give the wood a polish. Remove all furnishings and leave in the sun. While the furnishing is out, check to see if the smell is still there after a few hours. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stevan Posted September 10, 2017 Share Posted September 10, 2017 Very sorry but it does sound like the dreaded "D" word, and fairly advanced at that. A damp test and /or blunt screwdriver test should confirm either way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Lee Posted September 12, 2017 Author Share Posted September 12, 2017 (edited) Very sorry but it does sound like the dreaded "D" word, and fairly advanced at that. A damp test and /or blunt screwdriver test should confirm either way. Well due to the overwhelming comments here re damp I pulled up the carpet in the front corner & whammmo Quite wet & some mould so repairs are under way. Damage confined to the floor as the sidewall framing is alloy thank goodness; I'll have to cut out about a 90cm x40cm section of the floor to effect a good repair & find the leak ☔️ Got a fair idea & will re-seal around a side window frame. Edited September 12, 2017 by John Lee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlieboy2608 Posted September 12, 2017 Share Posted September 12, 2017 Did you do a damp test on the caravan prior to purchase? If not, do a damp test as soon as possible. If no damp then try and give the wood a polish. Remove all furnishings and leave in the sun. While the furnishing is out, check to see if the smell is still there after a few hours. I just had the same thought-clean and polish all the interior cabinets. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joanie Posted September 12, 2017 Share Posted September 12, 2017 never try to cover a smell until you find the source. Even when you have put this bit of damp to rights, wait a bit and see if there are any other nasty smells Quote Happy Days Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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