We`ve been looking fro ages now for a budget van to try out caravaning, not seen anything that is right for us yet. Whilst looking at some vans we have often wondered if the smeel of smoke or dogs we`re x smokers and not yet dog owners, would we be able to clean up the van and not smell the wiffs or will they always be there.
What do you mean about smokers and dogs? Haven't you read any adverts for pre-used vans, they were ALL owned by non-smokeing, dog-free people!!!
Don't know where they used to go cos nearly everyone I see has got a dog and I'm sure that not everyone is suddenly a non-smoker!!
Can't say that our van smells with our dog but we put fitted sheets on our seats so they can be washed frequently and we've got cushion floor with rugs on top so no carpet to attract sweaty dog.
Just like damp, you should be able to smell offensive smells when you open the door of prospective buys.
Good luck in finding your little home from home. We love ours and are sorry we didn't get one sooner.
ex-smoker after many years and the worlds worst on smoke smells.firmly believe you not rid the seats of the smell of smoke whatever you use.found an old jacket the other week and could still smell it.
------------- the only silly question is the one you do not ask.
When we bought our caravan we thought it did not smell, but after having it a while the smells just seemed to come out. Previous owners had a couple of dogs and they were allowed on the furniture, the seats stank! I set to them with the attachment on a carpet cleaning machine, worked wonders. But there was still a little something. Took me ages to find out what it was, the walls. Morrisons own "Trust" and some time taken cleaning the walls and cupboards, everything now is good.
The smells are deep in the upholstery and curtains etc(tobacco and dogs) all soft furnishings collect damp and that is what holds the majority of the smells.
Wash the walls and floors with antibacterial wash or use a small amount of biological washing powder in the water.
Clean the upholstery best you can then put a dehumidifier in the van and empty the water regularly, keep the unit running with all vents closed/covered until ALL the water has gone and the smells with vanish with the stale water.
we steam cleaned all of the cushions & washed the curtains. As an interim, if you can't get that done yet, try one of those fabric sprays like febreeze - asda do one of their own, antibacterial & less than a quid a bottle - smells nice too, so always have one handy!!
Mind you - having said that, am about to embark on making new curtains for the caravan - doing it the cheats way though - bought readymade lined curtains & cutting them to size!!!
------------- Bringing up baby to be a seasoned caravanner - we bought one to holiday cheaply - working well so far - & caravanners are lovely - helped us on our virgin voyage & our awning!!!
Mind you - having said that, am about to embark on making new curtains for the caravan - doing it the cheats way though - bought readymade lined curtains & cutting them to size!!!
Although I smoke, the smell in a folding camper we bought a few years ago was awful. I washed the curtains and valances but couldn't get the staining out so I bought new ready made ones and put them up. The upholstery got a good scrub and then a spray with Febreeze. Left it up for a couple of days in nice sunny weather while the upholstery dried, then put a few tumble drier sheets in it while it was folded.
It was like a new one when we opened it up again.
------------- Caz
If you can't see the light at the end of the tunnel, just keep going till you go round the bend.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Getting rid of wiffs
