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Topic: Suggestions needed for removing the smell of ATF from basement "rat fur" carpet (Read 947 times) previous topic - next topic

Suggestions needed for removing the smell of ATF from basement "rat fur" carpet

Yesterday while adding fluid to the HWH reservoir I had an accidental overflow of about 4 ounces of ATF on the carpet.  I did get it all wiped up with paper towels, but the odor lingers.  I thought that some of you more experienced types might know of  a product that will neutralize the odor.  Some might say that the more experienced types would not let this happen.  O.K. call me a careless, inexperienced slob, :o  but now I want to get rid of that nasty odor.

The suggestion box is open.
George Stoltz.  Retired from full-time living in a great Foretravel and now are back to living in a traditional sticks and bricks in Florida.

Re: Suggestions needed for removing the smell of ATF from basement "rat fur" carpet

Reply #1 –
Quote from: George Stoltz –
I had an accidental overflow of about 4 ounces of ATF on the carpet.  I did get it all wiped up with paper towels, but the odor lingers.  I thought that some of you more experienced types might know of  a product that will neutralize the odor.

George, a couple of things to try:

For oily spots on clothes, I like to pretreat with Simple Green.  Perhaps that would help break up the ATF residue (although then you'll be left with the wintergreen-y smell of Simple Green.)

Another option to try might be dry carpet cleaner.  I like Capture, which is sold at Home Depot and Lowes.  If the spot is moist you can just sprinkle the powder on and scrub it in, then vacuum up when dry.  If the spot is already dry, Capture sells a mist pretreat (included in the combo "kit").  Capture works GREAT on all sorts of carpet stains.

Michelle
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Suggestions needed for removing the smell of ATF from basement "rat fur" carpet

Reply #2 –
Hi George
If you are using an enzyme in your black tank, try it on the spill area. 200 Billion count  is best. The procedure is  spray the spot, cover with a damp warm rag,
for a few hours, redo if spot or smell is still there. Not always necessary but if you can add the product to a bit  tempered water. (120or so ) It should eat the odor. If you don't have the product try a janitorial supply. Good luck.                     
                                                                            Michael
Michael

Re: Suggestions needed for removing the smell of ATF from basement "rat fur" carpet

Reply #3 –
Thanks, Michael,
We have reduced the smell substantially by shampooing with a Spot Bot. Much better. And we may do it one more time. I also used an odor fighting product called Fresh Wave.

Much easier to NOT spill the ATF in the first place.
George Stoltz.  Retired from full-time living in a great Foretravel and now are back to living in a traditional sticks and bricks in Florida.

Re: Suggestions needed for removing the smell of ATF from basement "rat fur" carpet

Reply #4 –
George, you may find using something as simple a 409 may work. Spray the area heavily and let set for 10 minutes. Use terrycloth, shamwow or microfiber cloth to soak up the residual. First rub the spot spray again and let it wick up into the cloth or a paper towel. A couple of treatments should take care of the odor and stain.
The selected media item is not currently available.Kent Speers
Locust Grove, OK
1993 U300 SSE 40' (Restored at FOT 2009) Build 4323
720 watts Solar
6V92TA DDEC Silver Engine
2014 Subaru Outback
 

Re: Suggestions needed for removing the smell of ATF from basement "rat fur" carpet

Reply #5 –
Try Spot Shot carpet cleaner.
The selected media item is not currently available. Dave Head & Megan Westbrook
Titusville, FL - The Great Outdoors
'98 270 buying this month
Toad is a 2018 F150 XLT