[Katarinaducay]

I just got a 2008 enclave and there was major mold issues. I cleaned most of it but I have this feeling i need to get under the flooring. I still smell mold in the car even after as much cleaning I've done. I dont know how to pull it up to appropriately clean under it without basically ripping it all out and it not being able to put it back in. I could barbarian it out of the car but I want to be able to put it back, what's the best way about going on this? I know for sure the second row captains seats flooring is going to be the biggest part I need to work on but I feel like it could also be under the front row captain's seats too because of a leak from the roof that drained through the airbags in the handlebars. I just cant afford to replace the flooring all together so if it can be put back I'd prefer that and I unfortunately dont have the funds to get it professionally cleaned like I know it should. Thanks for helping a damsel in destress

 

[rbarrios]

Youll have to remove the seats.

 

[rbarrios]

this can get you started

 

[picktoo]

Chances are that the odor is coming from the padding under the carpet, and IMHO, that will be impossible to clean. I'm afraid you will probably have to replace it, or or learn to live with the smell. You can buy the padding aftermarket at many upholstery shops.

 

[JayS]

Better hope that mold hasn't gotten into the foam of the seats. A long time ago we had an Expedition that came with non-OEM 2nd row captains chairs. They were nice but wouldn't fold flat so I picked up an OEM bench on ebay in the matching leather. Immediately after installing it I noticed the musty smell. We tried everything (taking it out and letting it sit in the sun, various cleaners, covering it in baking soda) but the smell never went away. The seller ended up just refunding me and I put it at the curb. Found another one used and that one was fine.

The one thing I didn't try, and I've heard can work wonders, is an ozone treatment.

Ozone Treatments: A Saving Grace for Smelly Cars - Pro-Wash

Are you having problems with a smelly car? If nothing else works, it's time for an ozone treatment. Find out more in our latest post.

pro-wash.com

 

[Butane]

The carpet is divided into 2 sections. The seam runs under the front seats. To get the front carpet out you need to unbolted the 2 front seats then you can manually slide them back on to the rear carpet. Disconnecting the wire gives you more play but make sure your battery is disconnected first to avoid the SRS warning light. Also, the bolts have thread locker on them and since your vehicle is a 2008, rusted to **** underneath. A propane torch to heat them up underneath will be needed. Make sure the trim pieces around the bolts are removed first or you'll end up with a puddle of plastic.

You'll then need to remove the center console. It's tedious but simple. Instructions can be found online easily enough. With the front seats back you can access the rear console bolts easily. A trim removal tool is a must for this part to avoid scratches/damage. Be careful with the shifter cable when disconnecting too. Use two flat head screwdrivers to push the tabs in then pop it out.

The trim pieces at the bottom of the doors need to be popped off too including the pillar.

The entire front carpet can be accessed now. Fold it up along the seam to get underneath. The black vent slides off from the middle if you need to get underneath it.

When your ready to take on the rear carpet, shoot me a reply 😉