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Case Study: From Rat Infestation to Immaculate Interior, The Power of Thorough Car Detailing

Imagine finding your car infested with rats after two years of letting it sit on the street.


That’s exactly what this client experienced when he decided to check on his vehicle.


What he found was nothing short of a disaster:

  • Rats had taken over the interior, creating a a whole colony all throughout the car.

  • They had chewed through papers in the glove box, crafting nests out of important documents.

  • They stunk up the entire car, to the point of it becoming hazardous


Their path was unmistakable: from the glove box to under the seats, leading to the trunk.





The trunk was their headquarters, where they built two nests—one below the trunk cover and another beneath the spare tire.


The smell was unbearable; it was a toxic mix of urine and waste that permeated every corner of the car. It was so intense that the client could hardly step inside without feeling nauseated.


He felt a sense of hopelessness, thinking the car was beyond salvation.


But to me, this was just another challenge waiting to be tackled. As an expert in mobile detailing, I knew I could restore this vehicle.


With the right approach, I could turn this wreck back into a car the owner could be proud of just like I did in this case of severe molding.


After coming in for a quote, it became clear that this car needed a comprehensive detailing approach.


The extent of the damage was daunting, but every problem has a solution.


Here's what I did here:

  1. Initial Vacuuming: I began by thoroughly vacuuming the interior, removing visible debris and getting rid of as much of the rat waste as possible.

    1. This step was crucial in alleviating some of the

      overwhelming odors, making the environment safer to work in.

  2. Drill Brush Application: Next, I employed a drill brush to agitate the surfaces and loosen embedded dirt.

    1. This helped prepare the upholstery and carpets for deep cleaning.

  3. Extraction: The real work began with my extractor, which pulled an astounding seven buckets of contaminated water from the seats and floor.

    1. This process not only removed dirt but also eliminated trapped odors, making a significant difference in the overall smell of the car.

  4. Steaming: After extraction, I used a steamer to sanitize the surfaces, ensuring any remaining bacteria and odors were eradicated.

    1. Steaming also helps break down stains that standard cleaning methods might miss.

  5. Odor Removal: The trunk was particularly problematic, harboring two nests and the worst of the odors.

    1. To combat this, I used an ozone machine for 30 minutes, which effectively eliminated lingering smells by breaking down odor-causing particles.

  6. Finishing Touches: Finally, I added a “car bomb”—a fragrance product—to leave the interior smelling fresh and clean, reminiscent of a new car.


Here's what the "headquarters" looked like once I was done:

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Restoring a car from such a severe situation may seem daunting, but with the right techniques and tools, it’s entirely possible.


If you’re facing a similar challenge or simply need a thorough cleaning, don’t hesitate to reach out!


Our mobile detailing service is here to help revitalize your vehicle.


Contact us today to schedule your appointment and experience the transformative power of professional car detailing.

2 min read

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