Extreme Odor Removal | Smoke Damaged Mercedes | Chicago Auto Pros

[@kylefeilmeier7261]

I see why other detail shops turned this job down. Lots of labor for this one that's crazy

[@ChicagoAutoPros]

I really didn't think it would be as much work as it was.

[@birkleandetailing]

Charge for your time, if the customer what's the problem sorted they will pay. The right detailers would love a go at this. I sure would.

[@AvianaAircraft]

@@ChicagoAutoPros experience is what you get, when you didn't get what you want.

[@Mwap439]

A customer reaction would have been LIT

[@ChicagoAutoPros]

Unfortunately, we didn't get to meet the customer on this job.

[@Jonnybarbs]

@@ChicagoAutoPros probably for the best that you didn't meet the customer ;)

[@SDav21]

I'm SO happy that this lovely ML was saved. 16 years later and it still looks great. Excellent condition.

[@ryanhorie9650]

These MLs are so nice 😍

[@lucascooper4188]

changing the cabin air filter would help a lot i’m sure

[@chrislangdell117]

Haha. This was going to be my comment. As well as soaking the new cabin filter with a douse of industrial oder neutralizer.

[@dojomojomofo]

Something I once did on a Corolla I inherited is to remove the cabin blower motor assembly and the grills over the air intake under the windshield, and then clean the blower out and actually reach up into the vents and scrub them out from the inside (at one point, some mice had made a home on the blower.) I found there are no shortage of people trying to deodorize their vent system, but it seems like virtually no one realizes you can actually get inside it.

[@waynefromcanada]

That was a pretty impressive presentation of your skills as a professional detailers. Well done! 👍

[@ChicagoAutoPros]

Thanks Wayne!

[@JesseyDoggy]

Please do more videos like this! Videos focusing on one car is so more satisfying and interesting to watch! Keep up the good work!

[@fermonayers5963]

I've been in the detail business for 34 plus years..and I have to say is that your freaking awesome...much respect to you and your staff you guys are bad ass my man!😉😁

[@ChicagoAutoPros]

This is awesome, thank you brother!

[@holybusiness9624]

Enough work was in that interior for three crews to work three 8-hour shifts. Countless folks would have never removed the seats and door panels. #Job4WorkaholicsOnly #QualityTakesTime

[@heatherk2467]

You've earned my business and I live in Minneapolis, lol. This family has already lost so much in the fire, having their car back likely meant more to them than we'll ever know and seeing the care you took and attention to detail was amazing. It's nice to see skills and integrity in one shop. :-)

[@matthewbrand6580]

No one touches the skill, ability, passion, care, and professionalism of Chicago Auto Pros. I live in NY but when the time comes I have to find a way to get my car done by you guys.

[@smitty1952]

Justin,I watch all your videos but this was my absolute favorite. Impresses the boss personally worked on this. You are the man Jason!

[@CheaperEngineer]

Impressed that you took on this job. Using vinegar as an odor trap and an ozone generator are great ideas. Thanks for posting.

[@TheCarDetailingChannel]

Something so satisfying about bringing a car back to life with a good detail

[@davidleitch3199]

It is amazing how the smoke just infiltrated that cars interior! You guys made a very valiant effort to mitigate that smoke damage truly impressive. When your in a business that prides itself in the quality of its work, sometimes you have to eat a few extra labor dollars. Because anyone in the Northern Illinois area who is passionate about the appearance of their vehicle is going to come to your business because you do it right. A righteous man swears to his own hurt and does not change.

[@jthomas1770]

Jason, you are living the ultimate entrepreneurs dream. Big props to you man.

[@chrispietrzak21]

Just shows you how hard work and persistance pays off. I love Jason's attitude and hard work. Great shop and the I wish you guys nothing but the best.

[@PreetSingh-gp3re]

I must say that is a good looking truck. We had one 20 years ago and I swear it started looking old after 7 years of having it. Good job guys

[@shokstudios]

I love seeing videos like this from you guys! Like you said, a lot of times, high end shops won’t take on a job like this and I think this is what makes you guys one of the best in the business!

[@ShiftedPerspective]

I bet that ML costs as much as the detail performed on it! Amazing transformation guys!

[@jaymorello4161]

Shifted Perspective I think because it was an extremely low mileage car (26k original miles) which is insane... it’s probably worth $9-10k all day long. That detail was probably $1500-2000 if I had to take a guess.

[@T3rraL33t]

@@jaymorello4161 my thoughts as well. Still 20% the value to have it cleaned. Just throw the whole thing away lol.

[@ShiftedPerspective]

@@jaymorello4161 you're probably right! I have no issue spending the money to clean up any car, especially with a transformation like that!

[@CAPTJ696]

@@jaymorello4161 I was going for maybe 2500. Alot of attention to detail here. Obviously the owner can view the footage and see the amount of work. Insurance probably covered some of the cost.

[@ronayotte3571]

That was a true "Lazarus Project"! OUTSTANDING WORK!

[@DarkKnight-ws3wx]

You guys rock!!!! It amazes me when a shop refuses an opportunity to gain business and the trust of a customer. Great job

[@daveh2612]

Candy Man weird right? Some people don’t want money apparently

[@user-sx4yu3nw4j]

Maybe they had a better idea of what would be involved, and that even after the degree to which Jason and his crew slaved away on it, they *still* couldn’t get the smoke odor completely removed? This job required a lot of manpower to get done in only 3 days, maybe they didn’t have that kind of capacity remaining in their full calendars - maybe they wanted the work, but just wouldn’t be able to get to it soon enough? This car also stunk up the entire garage - maybe they have smaller garages and didn’t want to risk contaminating other customers’ cars? There are a number of valid reasons why a detailer would turn away business, if they’re professional and making decisions objectively and rationally.

[@Nurse_Lucy]

I'm so glad you finally put on some respiratory PPE. Even just simply soot can cause a respiratory issues

[@user-sx4yu3nw4j]

I just hope that it was Jason’s personal respirator - that’s a piece of PPE that you should never share!

[@unrealorbit]

Amazing job guys. After them being turned down by other detail shops, you guys accepted the massive challenge of restoring it. Way to go!

[@billyduncan6713]

That was awesome! Hands down my favorite video I’ve watched in quite sometime. Extremely informative and just watching how much effort you all put in was incredible.

[@ChicagoAutoPros]

Thanks Billy!

[@andyfire47]

That's incredible work! You guys literally transformed the car and made it look 1000x better than when it got dropped off. Props to the everyone

[@BZ1340]

Kudos for taking this on. You’ll get more sales from this detail then those other goofs that declined to take a crack at it.

[@makischilakis]

Guys this is one of the most educational videos.....so many things that you did and I really enjoyed every minute. Keep up guys and enjoy every minute. Detailing is passion is a therapy for the soul and mind of a detailer.

[@dav264]

WOW, that looked like a massive amount of work. Fantastic job guys! I hope the owners were happy with the results.

[@beecee2046]

Very well done, most insane cleanup and odor removal process I have ever seen ! Great work

[@rontronnesjr]

Customer: Our vehicle was in the garage and we had a house fire. There is soot damage throughout the vehicle and we can't find....... at this point, the customer is interrupted by Jason Jason Otterness: Challenge accepted. Pick it up in 3 days. AWESOME video showing your dedication to customer service and PROVING one again Chicago Auto Pros is THE PREMIER detailing business in the Chicagoland area.

[@Get_yotted]

You guys did an excellent job on the tint on my Sonata. May come in soon to get my Santa Fe done up too

[@mikehall117]

As a ML350 owner this video made me very happy. Amazing job.

[@shanejones5885]

They have a kit that you induct into the heat/ac duct system, let sit and then run through the system. Maybe for a future job... As for the carpets and smell, you need something to get down deep into the fabric. You didn't remove the carpet so you'd need something topical. Baking soda, coffee ground mixtures are all options. I've used a mixture prior that worked well, but as long as you aren't getting down deep the smell will remain and come back. It's similar to pet urine on home carpets, companies now completely lift the carpet and pad, then treat all the way down to the subflooring. Great videos though.

[@ReginaTrans_]

I haven't watch the video and I already know its gona turn out *_INCREDIBLE_*

[@ChicagoAutoPros]

LOL

[@bay1595]

What a transformation I have to say my favourite part of detailing has to be interior and getting it near perfect gives the most satisfying feeling ever!

[@ChicagoAutoPros]

Me too!

[@triggerhappyreviews]

Was this vehicle considered a total loss? I've been in the insurance industry a long time. I've yet to have them pay for a detail job like this but it's an interesting option.

[@bm121084]

Keep the podcast coming! I’ve listened to all them probably 4 times now and have to say it’s the best out there👍🏻

[@ChicagoAutoPros]

We will get back on the podcast bus soon.

[@cuda528]

You guys did a fantastic job, it really shows your dedication to your work. Well done.

[@detroitcustom]

Tornador to the rescue!!!!great job Jason and crew...

[@haimy007]

This is new, detailing a car with fire smoke. Well done,,,

[@mustangrider9197]

I like your work good customer service good bless you

[@kevinfry3642]

Wow how does this have only 74k views compared to other detail vids. Gotta love that algorithm. This is impressive.

[@kawh8719]

I love that under carriage pressure attachment

[@Procrastinatorgarage]

I know the struggle. I did a 2010 Camaro SS with 4 miles on it for a customer with a collection of cars. One of the 55 Chevys he had started on fire. I did the undercarriage all by hand with no lift. The inside wasn't as bad as yours. I used a product called Smoke Out to wipe everything down and pre spray before shampooing. The worst areas were the trunk and engine bay and exterior. My Ozone got a workout. It took me a couple months but I was only doing it on the weekends.

[@mskudlarczyk]

Also ZEP smoke remover spray I USE IT EVERYWHERE!!

[@dustybaker890]

very well done guys.always learn something from the show and i thank you for that.stay clean stay safe and God Bless!!!!

[@bobsmithinson2050]

First, phenomenal video presentation and commentary. This was an insane undertaking, and many would’ve turned it down. Taking out ALL of the interior is the only true way to rid the car of the smoke. Just seeing what was behind the door panels tells me the same is behind the dash, A, B,C pillars, underside of the headliner, and even under the carpet in some areas. I understand removing all of that would triple labor costs and would not be economical for a middle ground of being cost effective and result effective. That being said, the job done here was an amazing result and I’m sure it’s beyond good enough and exceeded the customers expectations. Subscribed as I’d like to see more videos like these. The gents in the video seemed like really cool guys as well (not cringy, not punchable)

[@ChicagoAutoPros]

Yes, there was is point where we would lose money on the labor hours spent on the vehicle. We went well over what was quoted for the job. You could still smell the odor coming from the outside of the car. I image between the fenders and quarter panels there was a lot of soot hiding. Thanks for the kind words and look forward to bringing you more content. I will try to stay not punchable, no promises though.

[@travisc7506]

A magic eraser doesn't "pull" anything out of the cars plastics etc. Its essentially just sanding down the plastics. Personally if this was my car I wouldn't have been very happy about the use of a magic eraser on any of the textured materials in the car. I have magic erasers in my detailing arsenal as well but I never use them on anything with a texture or treated materials such as leather seats etc. Not trying to hate or anything and the final product turned out great just kind of an FYI so people don't run out and start using magic erasers all over their cars then wonder why they took the finish or texture off.

[@Mogsy28uk]

well done sir, showing the other detail shops how its done. 👌👌👌

[@chandarussell]

If you think that smoke odour inside the vehicle was bad you should have smelled the vehicle that a fellow who died of a heart attack in. He had parked in his garage after coming home on a Friday, closed the big door then promptly died. It was the middle of the summer and nobody came looking for him until Tuesday. Let me tell you that is a smell that sticks with you. The seat he was sitting in was replaced but the scent of decaying flesh permeates everything. Eventually after a good clean and hours of the ozone machine sitting in the car the scent came out. That was something. Good job on this vehicle.

[@dylanstonerds]

My pride and joy project chevy pickup suffered the same fate in ny garage fire. Garage is all fixed up, just now dealing with the truck and man the smell! The soot is everywhere and a lot of shiny parts are blistered.. wish me luck

[@berniepeskett2566]

Very impressive job! Loved your attention to detail. Hope the owner watched the video to see the lengths you took to reach the back to new look. Hope the smell does not return over time!

[@DEVUNK88]

tornadors and carpet extractors are wonder weapons in a detailers arsenal, O also use them in all sort of non detailing cleaning tasks around the home and shop to clean carpets and furniture, window sills, old linoleuom floors, tornador sawdust and oil from my chainsaw and yard and garden equipemnt, air conditioners and fans from people who smoked had to dis assemble them, I even used a tornador to clean my buddies woodshop, blowing sawdust of wall and equipment and out the door. So many uses, not sure how I ever lived without one

[@red55chief]

Dealing with soot from a house fire can be dangerous, especially when it isn’t baked on. You guys should be wearing N95 masks for the whole process, as well as the gloves. Make sure to shower in luke warm water as soon as possible after work and wash your clothes separately from other laundry. The soot can be carcinogenic, but you won’t find that out for at least ten years. Take care, Redchief 52.

[@kenbode8806]

Great job guys! Amazing the amount of smoke damage.

[@CrystalLookDetailing]

Hey guys, did you change the air filter in The engine bay and cabin filter? Ozone treatment?

[@KaliberAutoDetailing]

This is kinda funny. I just did my first truck that was in the garage with a garage fire about 4 days ago. The entire outside was dark and evenly covered, not in streaks like that one. Also NONE of it would spray off with a pressure washer. It was super greasy, like you had been working on the engine. Couldn't touch it with car soap and a towel as it would just grab the towel and it wouldn't move on the surface. I figured out that using meguiars all purpose cleaner worked really well, around the 8:1 mark. This worked much better than a degreaser like super clean at 7:1. I had to clean it panel by panel with many towels and rinse each panel. Most of them I had to go over twice to get clean. Came off the paint easier than the glass. It took a little over three hours to get the entire outside done along with the tires. Also the smell was really strong on the on the rubber areas like the tires. Luckily the interior was nothing like that one. Just a bit into the door jambs, but I just treated it like a smokers car and cleaned the interior really well.

[@eddiegdrums1646]

God, I'd love to be able to do stuff like this all day. You boys are very good at what you do.

[@CarlosSilva-cn1bc]

Lot of labor, but always gets in a final perfect results! I’ve using many tips that you uses. Thanks a lot! Good job guys!

[@patrickcollins1000]

Did you replace the cabin air filter?

[@luisantoniosblog.gonzalez9315]

What an excellent satisfying result!

[@gtlegacy8]

looks like the window was slightly open when the fire happened.

[@paultcon]

Now that’s Detailing!!! Serious work lads, I’ve had to do a few smokers cars which can be a nightmare but this is a whole different level! 👍🏻💪🏻

[@ChicagoAutoPros]

Cheers!

[@dustin3700]

Just a tip on removing seats, unfasten then and wrap the metal brackets before attempting to remove so you if you hit the plastics, painted surfaces or leather so you and the customer don't have to deal with the issue.

[@jamesgilliam6615]

Superior job fellas I would have loved to see what the customers reaction was maybe next time

[@Thumper1968]

Good stuff. That job looked brutal. Question: Why not use an ozone generator? I use one on almost every interior detail and it completely eliminates all odors, especially in a smoker's car. I'd think that it would have been the final step on this job to remove the rest of the odor. Anyway, amazing job. I like how you guys go into the most difficult spots to get the job done.

[@ljguy300]

Why didn't you change the cabin air filter?

[@sh2011os]

You should have used Oud incense To get rid of the fire smell and replace it better smell

[@nathanielricopuerto5985]

OMG 😂😱 you guys are so patience; kudos for the most tedious cleaning I've ever seen thus far

[@mcr1photo]

Great work! Does the ozone machine get the smell out of a fire damage car? I’m looking a a vw van that had an engine fire. The backend is burnt but not the front. Would I need to get new front seats or is the van F’d? Thanks

[@chrislucibello8067]

Awesome! Great job fellas...Chicago Auto Pros is the best!!!

[@recklesslyarrogant7242]

Crazy how the car already looks nice after a good wash and clay.

[@ajjax89]

Another great video!!! Detailed!! Lovin it.. hope you guys didn't get sick from breathing all that smoke.

[@mz8210]

Hi there...Sometimes you use compressed air (for inside the car or engine bay) in combination or not with the TORNADOR. ... What kind of a setup or compressor do you use ? Capacity ? Power (PSI) ? etc... How much pressure would you recommend using on the interior when blowing out things ?

[@TheJared1445]

Awesome work! Did you happen to open the sun roof and clean the seals and surrounding areas?

[@michaelpowell4823]

Wouldn't this be easier to just use Febreze? That's sarcasm for those that can't tell

[@DavidM-qx9bt]

Super helpful content for a detailer. Thanks!

[@jtb681]

What is being used to clean the headliner?

[@citizenpark2782]

@chicagoautopros and what steps and products did you use for the dashboard?

[@justinfigueiredo5393]

What dewalt tool are you using and what attachment?

[@jdv86er12]

For future reference, coffee grounds also work to eliminate odors👌

[@ChicagoAutoPros]

I really hope we don't do another one, LOL

[@jdv86er12]

@@ChicagoAutoPros Respect for even taking it on, love the channel👍

[@MyGuyKirby]

Nice to you in action on this special case! I was wondering if you would use the ozone machine as a final step. Did the vinegar trick do anything except smell like vinegar? And the amount of MF towels used was a few loads in the washer! Lots of tips and as always the crew came together and did their best!

[@istewart4922]

Also want to know if vinegar trick worked

[@angelluisortiz4300]

Hello, please can you tell me what is the model of the air gun that you used for the top of the car. Thanks. Best regards.

[@LimitlessDetailing]

Awesome job guys!

[@williamconnolly7810]

what a subject to tackle! you have my upmost respect. how many towels did you have to trash? how many manhours?

[@DEVUNK88]

I always keep a bucket of clean water to rinse the dirt out of my magic eraser, just swish and squeeze it clean or run it under a hose for a couple seconds and squeeze, you wont be smearing dirty cleaner all over, after I scrub a panel or portion of one I rinse out the eraser and mist more cleaner onto the area and wipe with a clean rag

[@ymmf6863]

I'm wondering what would happen when you switch the air-con on, and would you have a good method to deal with smelly air-con in general?

[@StartrekTNG1701]

I live in Illinois and I have a 2003 Mercedes Benz ML500 pretty much looks identical to that car how much does that detailing cost mine does not have smoke damage but it is been sitting for several years and is very musty on the inside

[@austinscott4977]

What products did you use first in the tornado thing? RTU? Or mix? Also love this kinda videos explaining what chemicals are being used 👌🏼👌🏼

[@Clint_L]

Amazing video gents. Incredible turn around. I was going to suggest a mask, then boom you’re wearing one. Ha, well done. How on earth did the ash get inside, guessing the windows were down. But the inside of the door panels. Wow. Amazing. Just amazing.

[@ChicagoAutoPros]

Must have been some thick heavy smoke!

[@joshuakidd6180]

Satisfying!!!loved that vlog!!!

[@DavidJuarez-fq5xs]

What light bar was used inside the car?

[@TheBigdutchster]

Similar to how you used the vinegar in the bucket, using bleach in that manner is also a very effective odor neutralizer.

[@ChicagoAutoPros]

Good to know!

[@istewart4922]

So it does work?

[@bringonthemonsters]

I'm in this situating right now. What did you charge for this? I have no basis to what to charge the repair shop for this detail.

[@KMedeiros41]

New drinking game: take a shot Everytime Jason says “Sut”

[@ChicagoAutoPros]

😜

[@agger838]

Soot

[@ronayotte3571]

I was a firefighter for 33 years... I am extremely familiar with the aroma of "Parfum de Conflagration"!

[@tjctpuppets2108]

Such a well looked after car

[@mjmellock]

The moisture in that car was crazy! Smoke stick to it.

[@nimanthagunawardana7661]

What was the machine that was used to clean the headliner?

[@musti7516]

wow tornador is legit, my headliner has a lot of dirt, now i know how to clean it