Cleaning bilge smell from carpet?

[adamv]

Through an unfortunate combination of maintanence failures (leaky stuffing box + corroded off alternator connection -> flat battery-> bilge float switch floating free in bilge, detaching a corroded wire -> bilge filling! Yes, there's only so long you can blame the PO, but wow the fun never stops on this boat!) i ended up with filthy bilge water being soaked into fhe sole carpet. Its now damp to touch and smells of diesel.

Can anyone recommend a method of cleaning the diesel / oil smell from the carpet? There's plenty of products and methods, such as baking soda, vinegar and even toothpaste, but is there some magic method or product for large fabrics such as carpet anyone can confirm as working in such cases?
Thanks!

 

[Richard19068]

The "magic" would probably be Pure Ayre

Home - The PureAyre Store

But for the price of a cabin sole carpet I'd probably throw it away and get a new one. maybe check for a big enough remnant from a carpet store.

p.s. I think @Peggie Hall HeadMistress says you don't need to spend the extra money for the "marine" formula. But maybe she'll see this and chime in.

 

[MikeHoncho]

I don’t think Pure Aye is going to do it for you. It’s good but not diesel good. Diesel is persistent and the only way to get rid of the smell is by getting rid of the diesel. Do you really want carpet in a sailboat?

 

[Project_Mayhem]

If the normal PureAyre doesn't do the job call the manufacturer. After going through the motions they offered to send me the marine version for free. I don't know if it's effective for diesel but it saved my spinnaker after the head sprung a leak

 

[Leeward Rail]

Diesel is persistent and the only way to get rid of the smell is by getting rid of the diesel.

+1

I never understood the idea of a large carpet area in a sailboat. For this reason among others.

I got diesel fuel on coveralls once. After washing them in various ways, I eventually threw the overalls in the garbage because the smell was still there. (Gasoline OTOH is easy enough to wash out)

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

PureAyre does eliminate diesel odor WHEN USED AS A DIRECTED. It's the only product I've found that eliminates ANY odor. Not only will it get of diesel and residual odor left behind by stinking sanitation hoses, but PureAyre is also rated for use around food...which means you can even use it to get rid of the odor left in your fridge by the steaks or fish that spoiled when a natural disaster took out shore power for 3 days. Also does a great job on musty PFDs and foulies.

How to use it:
You can never eliminate any odor unless you first eliminate the source...'cuz as long as the source continues to exist, it'll continue to generate new odor. So first you have to find and fix any leak or replace the stinky hoses, then thoroughly clean the site, including every nook and cranny ...a good scrubbing with detergent and water. Carpets must be cleaned using a real carpet cleaner, not just a spot cleaner. Mop up an excess water and let the air dry till it's at least only damp...no standing puddles. Now you're ready to eliminate the residual odor.

Use PureAyre full strength...I'd use pump garden spray jug set to a fine mist. Spray every surface, nook and cranny...just a light spray. Do NOT rinse...just let it dry with hatches open so that plenty of fresh air can circulate. If the soft goods in the cabin have picked up the odor, just spraying it on the surface won't do much...you need to spray enough on carpets and rugs to penetrate to the backing...enough to penetrate cushions to the middle from both sides..not enough to make 'em drippy, just enough to get into the cushion....you'll prob'ly have to remove the covers and send 'em to be cleaned. Again, just let everything dry. If you still have any odor, you missed a spot.

A spray bottle won't go very far...plus, it's cheaper in the long run to buy it by the gallon to use as needed. Just remember to store it in cool a cool place.

--Peggie

 

[rgranger]

If you replace the carpet, I'd recommend carpet tile. Save a few pieces and when you have an issue in the future, you only have to replace a few tiles instead of the entire job. Plus it is easier to shape a single tile to a curved surface than one large piece.

Here are some good products made for "wet" environments.

Carpet Tiles - All Types & Styles (Indoor & Outdoor)

Choose from many styles of carpet tiles for home or commercial use - interlocking foam or PVC based carpet squares, peel and stick, indoor or outdoor.

www.greatmats.com

 

[Calif. Ted]

I believe I'd add a little gasoline and a match to the carpet, you can't get the stink of diesel off your hands until you wear off a layer of skin. Consider replacing with foam boat deck material, it's closed cell so won't absorb and retain moisture like carpet. You can cut yourself or make a pattern and have it custom made, this is just a couple places found online.
Foam Boat Flooring | Custom Boat Flooring Products | TopDek
Custom High Quality EVA Foam Marine Boat Decking