Question from Margaret L
HI, Has anyone had successful experience with cleaning upholstery that has been contaminated by pesticides? (possibly petroleum solvents too)
My car seats got contaminated and for the time being I’ve been driving around with plastic bags atop them to protect myself. I was thinking of applying a heavy coat of white vinegar with a mini fogger. Or maybe some kind of baking soda solution.
But I know nothing of the science or chemical feasibiliy of these ideas actually working. So, any info or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Debra’s Answer
Polyethylene plastic will block fumes if it is at least 5 mil thick, but it would be better to remove the toxic substance.
Unfortunately, we are dealing here with manmade chemicals that do not break down when exposed to natural solutions like baking soda or vinegar.
I once had success removing a pesticide by calling the manufacturer and asking what the “cleanup chemical” was. It turned out the ordinary household bleach would break the chemical bonds of this pesticide. I had bleach applied to the area and in fact, the pesticide did break down and dissipate. This would be my recommendation.
Thanks for asking this question, Margaret L. Debra, please share how you mixed the bleach. My husband and I bought a new travel trailer and haven’t been able to use it for over a year due to a very strong chemical odor. The walls are covered with a type of fuzzy indoor-outdoor carpet. We’ve been scrubbing it with a strong borax and baking soda solution without much success. The cushions need to be treated too. We live in Arizona, and even the heat here hasn’t removed the strong smell. Any suggestions you or your readers may have are greatly appreciated.
I didn’t actually apply the bleach myself. I’m assuming my client followed the instructions from the pesticide manufacturer. I don’t know of any way to remove odor from an indoor-outdoor carpet.
Hi Debra, When you had your car seats treated with bleach–did it discolor them? Just trying to determine what possible dilution of bleach to use… and assuming that full-strength wasn’t used… Margaret
COMMENT FROM DEBRA:
I never treated my car seats with bleach. I did once use bleach under a house to remove pesticides. I don’t suggest you try this without checking with the pesticide manufacturer to be sure that bleach will work with this pesticide.