I had to pull up the carpet in my '89 IROC to install SFCs. While the welder was underneath the car, he had me and a friend sit inside with several spray bottles full of water. We were told to look for the part of the floorboard that got red-hot, and then spray the heck out of that spot with water while he welded. We had to do this in about eight spots so, as can be expected, the carpet insulation/padding got very wet in places.

After I got the carpet back down and the car back home, I spent the rest of the evening cleaning the carpet and seats with Turtle Wax carpet cleaner and upholstry cleaner, respectively. I took the car out of town the next day, and it surprisingly didn't smell that bad. The day after I got back from my trip, however, I got in my car and it was <b>rancid</b>.

Moreover, I don't think I even removed any stains from the carpet--rather, I think I just <i>moved</i> them. The carpet arguably looks worse now. That might be another issue, though...

For now, the car smells almost unbearably bad. Any tips on getting rid of the bad smell? And I'd rather not just cover up the bad smell with de-oderizer or something and have smell that's arguably worse. I can remember that the used-car dealership that my dad got his Cadillac from used an ionizer (I think) to remove the cigarette smell, and that worked great. However, I don't know any other place locally that does that, nor do I know how much it will cost.

All helpful advice is appreciated!

 

Here is what i would suggest......

Clean the carpet VERY well with various products, and even use the capet shampoo.....

Then blow-dry the carpet to make sure it is all dry....

Then spray a crap load of spray de-odorizer to make sure it doesn't come back....

Thst's what i did when my heater core broke and i had to clean that damn antifreeze smell out of the car.....

 

I'd suggest just letting it air out--and you can even put in a few boxes of baking soda w/the windows up for a few days--or that carpet fresh stuff used for your home. I know you said you didn't want to cover the smell up--which that carpet fresh stuff might do--but can't hurt to try it.
Also--did all your jute get wet? You might just have to rip everything up again and let it hang on a wall for a few days in the sun to air out. That should do it!

 

I put some bucket seats in my Nova a while back and it REAKED of Mildew...I soaked some areas with Lysol and Like TonyRodz said, just let it air out....After 2 weeks of leaving Windows open when it was sunny out...The smell was gone!

 

i left my windows down and my floor got soaked, it smelled bad, but after time of letting it air out it goes away.