Damp smell in car, especially winter

BobCat123

Hi,

Looking for some advise,my Volkswagen Golf gets a very bad smell in winter,a strong damp one..I’ve checked the car for leaks and there are none,any advise as to how I can get rid of the smell/what is the cause?

Thanks in advance

Hal1

How bad is it? do the windows condense etc. I would start by changing the pollen filter.

BobCat123

Hal1 wrote: »

How bad is it? do the windows condense etc. I would start by changing the pollen filter.

Thanks Hal 1,it doesn’t condense,just when you get into the car you’re immediately hit with a very bad smell and it won’t go away

The Bishop Basher

Have you owned the car from new ?I

Maybe it was damaged by a flood in the past..

fancy pigeon

Has the interior been cleaned out fully?

Try a dehumidifier

BobCat123

Second hand car,there was a leak in the boot before but it has been cleared out and the point of entry was blocked,that was over two years ago

tevey08

Hi OP. I have the exact same problem in my car. Smells like really strong gone off cabbage or something. Cant find a leak or a damp patch. Its coming from something off of the interior though. please let me know if you find out what it is. Mine is 04.

exaisle

Look under the carpets especially in the driver and passenger footwells. Also check under the back seat.
Look for signs of water ingress under the dashboard...it may be a dislodged grommet allowing water to seep in but you should see stains if so...
I know that the older passat had a problem with water ingress at the pollen filter caused by a buildup of leaves in the autumn winter which blocked the drain so check below the bonnet up near the windscreen too just in case...
Finally...there are drain plugs underneath the car...check if any are missing....

JohnBoy26

Id get the car valeted and get all the carpets and upholstery washed and then purchase a few of these to prevent it from happening again

http://www.halfords.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductMobileDisplay?storeId=11101&productId=1303295&srch=dehumidifier&categoryId=212553&langId=-1&catalogId=15551

The Red Ace

as far as I know blockages also happened under the battery which allowed water back into the carpets, might be worth having a look at

cml387

It can be caused by the air conditioning.
If the aircon is off in winter, there is a mould that can grow in the ducts that gives off an odd smell. Not sure what the solution is though.

9935452

cml387 wrote: »

It can be caused by the air conditioning.
If the aircon is off in winter, there is a mould that can grow in the ducts that gives off an odd smell. Not sure what the solution is though.

You can buy an air con bomb from halfords. It's a can of spray that you set off in the car with the car and air con running which will remove that small

two wheels good

Based on Polo ownership: Maybe this will help.
You need to lift the front carpets to check for water/damp. Carpets have a rubber backing that conceals the dampness.
Leaks through seal of rear light clusters
Leaks from sun roof drain hoses. Dampness on front footwell wheel arch.
Inner door seal leaking are a Polo feature too.

Check bulkhead drains are clear of leaves and debris.