My Car Smells Like Crayons - United Bimmer Community

**madagi** · 06-21-2007, 10:38 PM

So I don't know if the previous owner had some weird crayon fetish or what but the inside of my car literally smells like crayons. I want to get rid of the smell so I'm gonna get an air freshener... anyone have an opinion on what to use or not use? I'm not asking for opinions on fragrances but rather brands / types that will have a lasting smell (or at least be able to mask the waxy scent). I've tried the ultra gels before and they seem ok but I figured I'd ask and see if anyone had any recommendations.

I'm kinda curious about the sprays... I wonder if they'd actually have a lasting smell.

**xsperf** · 06-21-2007, 11:20 PM

umm, sorry to say, but that smell usually comes from coolant leaking from the heater core and the care starts to smell a little funny, now hopefully that ISNT the case because you probably havent used your heater any time recently, but i would just suggest checking it out, attack the source of problem and dont cover it up

**madagi** · 06-21-2007, 11:59 PM

Man I hope not. I just figured it was some sorta cleaner the dealer used or something. I'll definitely check it out though, thanks.

**Dudesky** · 06-22-2007, 04:09 AM

I keep a bottle of Fabreeze in the car.

**stevo** · 06-22-2007, 04:26 AM

Try maguires odour eliminator, excellent stuff.

**c1apton** · 06-22-2007, 05:17 AM

sometimes a connector or insulation on wiring has that smell when it's burned, look for burnt wiring or plastic ducts

**3050rpm** · 06-22-2007, 06:44 AM

This may be a stretch, but you could have mold/mildew/fungus buildup in the ventilation ducts and vents. Lysol may do the trick, but I think there's some specialty product available at auto supply stores. One other thought, have the interior thoroughly cleaned, under the seats too, and use a carpet cleaner on the carpeting. Oh, have you changed the microfilter?

**celsdogg** · 06-22-2007, 07:43 AM

i heard of sticking a dryer sheet under the seat and keeping it there for awhile.

**Dr1ve4fun** · 06-22-2007, 01:45 PM

A little bit of white vinegar mixed with water will get rid of almost any smell. My mom uses it in the rental cars when we get the gross ones.

**MTurboPower3** · 06-22-2007, 02:33 PM

Just spray some cologne you like. But you have to air it out because its going to smell really strong if you don't.

**mullethunter3** · 06-22-2007, 03:40 PM

My favorite scent for a car is leather conditioner. Not like the spray stuff, but the stuff that comes in a tub like wax. Something about it makes it smell really good.

But anyway, hope your car's not broken!

denyo77 · 06-23-2007, 06:33 AM

that's nasty

**Numark318i** · 06-23-2007, 09:32 AM

dryer sheet. i use the vanilla trees and the vent air refreshners taht look like a stick and hook onto the vents.
the blue ones.

**TerryY** · 06-23-2007, 01:42 PM

Have you taken out the back seat yet? Checked under the front seats?

Fixing the smell is far better than masking it.

Then do a good leather cleaner and conditioner--I use Lexol products.

No BMW deserves to smell perfumie--almost said like a French Whorehouse but that would seriously date me.

**CAPiTUL** · 06-23-2007, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xsperf

umm, sorry to say, but that smell usually comes from coolant leaking from the heater core and the care starts to smell a little funny, now hopefully that ISNT the case because you probably havent used your heater any time recently, but i would just suggest checking it out, attack the source of problem and dont cover it up

I had this happen in an 86 Cutlass. Woke up the next morning to a puddle of coolant/water on the front passanger floorboard!

If it isn't anything mechanical or fungal, try baking soda.