[BenjiRoss]

I noticed a stake smell in my car yesterday and localised it to the floor mat on rear left floor mat region. I removed the floor mat and confirmed the source was there. After carefully peering at the area and the bottom side of the floor mat i realised that there were tiny white worms - probably maggots there. Here is a short video. The fellows are extremely small and i first thought it was sand. The attractant is probably some food matter stuck under the floor mat.

https://youtu.be/ba0oxrXyBNY

I've used some household stuff to try getting rid. Sprayed some diluted vinegar and vacuumed repeatedly. Still some were left. I'm trying borax - sprinkling, waiting and vacuuming.
I called the local 3M cleaner in Thiruvanmiyur and they quoted 4000 for an internal clean for germs etc.
Should i go for this 3M option before he situation gets out of hand!
I can try ether and turpentine too - don't have them right now.
I am in Chennai for a few days.

[vibbs]

I would suggest a thorough interior clean up done at a professional outlet like 3M.

[pganapathy]

The question is can you clean it out properly. Also, ensure that you remove the source that attracted the maggots in the first place. Make sure you remove all the carpeting to find both the source of food and all maggots.

[BenjiRoss]

Originally Posted by vibbs

I would suggest a thorough interior clean up done at a professional outlet like 3M.

Originally Posted by pganapathy

The question is can you clean it out properly. Also, ensure that you remove the source that attracted the maggots in the first place. Make sure you remove all the carpeting to find both the source of food and all maggots.

The problem is that i can clean the full floor mats, but only the top of the carpet. I can't get to the crevices and underside if there is a problem there. The 3M center is just 10 minutes away from where i stay. So i may end up giving it there.

[Sankar]

If this is the floor carpet then do not waste your money on 3M cleaning. Take it to the authorised dealer or a competent independent garage and ask them to remove the floor carpeting and wash it using a fabric friendly disinfectant and dry it in the sun.

[BenjiRoss]

Originally Posted by Sankar

If this is the floor carpet then do not waste your money on 3M cleaning. Take it to the authorised dealer or a competent independent garage and ask them to remove the floor carpeting and wash it using a fabric friendly disinfectant and dry it in the sun.

I assumed 3M would clean under the carpet too by removing it. I'll check with them.
The Kun Hyundai service center is also just 20 minutes away. I'll call them too.

[libranof1987]

Do check the cost of new carpeting so you can compare the cost of new vs. cleaning.

[BenjiRoss]

Originally Posted by libranof1987

Do check the cost of new carpeting so you can compare the cost of new vs. cleaning.

Kun Hyundai quoted about 1500 rs. for an internal clean with carpet removal. They use only some shampoo foam cleaner - no germ cleaning.

Changing the whole carpet will be quite expensive i thought. Probably not worth it since right now it's only a small section affected.

Coming to the source it's likely a little spilt milk by my 2 year old on a trip 6 days ago. It must have gotten between the mat and the floor carpet and caused the smell and the maggots.

[vigsom]

^^ As @Sankar says, kindly remove the carpet, wash with disinfectant(Lizol or the like), dry, and refit.

Any FNG or even accessory shop can help remove the carpet for you.

Removal - 1 hr
Cleaning - 2 hrs max.
Drying - 4 hrs if sun is on uninterrupted
Refitment -2 hrs max.

[Mr. Nobody]

Carpeting for full car costs only 1500-2000 at aftermarket shops for the full car. They use those waterproof ones would work even better. Remove and throw out this carpeting and get new ones installed. I doubt the germs would have spread through to the metal floor but you can check when you remove the carpeting.

[saisree]

3M should be the better option. Ask them if they can remove the carpet and clean it. Ask them to clean both the carpet and the floor with disinfectant and sun dry it for a day. Drive it with windows open for couple of days until you don’t smell the disinfectant. If you are interested you can do the vinyl flooring that will help cleaning any spills easily.

[Sankar]

Originally Posted by saisree

3M should be the better option. Ask them if they can remove the carpet and clean it.

Why does he have to spend Rs.4000/- to clean the carpet 3M when he can buy brand new original floor carpet from Hyundai for Rs.5200/-

https://boodmo.com/catalog/part-carp...floor-6656614/

[GTO]

Never know where all these rascals have spread. Whether you clean or change your carpeting, I would suggest calling a reputed pest control agency & having them treat your car.

Also, just a polite reminder = please don't eat in your cars! Food attracts all kinds of pests & insects.

[saisree]

Originally Posted by Sankar

Why does he have to spend Rs.4000/- to clean the carpet 3M when he can buy brand new original floor carpet from Hyundai for Rs.5200/-

https://boodmo.com/catalog/part-carp...floor-6656614/

Changing the carpet alone may not help him here in this case. As GTO said above, you never know where and all these germs/maggots have entered. Disinfectant is the only way here. What if they have gone into the base of the seats? You never know

[vibbs]

Originally Posted by saisree

Changing the carpet alone may not help him here in this case. As GTO said above, you never know where and all these germs/maggots have entered. Disinfectant is the only way here. What if they have gone into the base of the seats? You never know

Oh absolutely. Even if he is changing the carpets I would still suggest a good disinfectant procedure. You can't be too sure with these things, where all they could have spread!