Help Removing Subwoofer Enclosure Smell

larry_ois3 · Postby **larry_ois3** » September 26th, 2023, 1:23 pm

Hi, I recently got a t-line subwoofer encloser. Extremely pleased with the sound but the enclosure is emitting a very strong, unbearable, chemical odor into the cabin of the vehicle (especially in the heat). I have the enclosure out in the sun over a week now and the exterior is virtually odorless but the line still emits the strong scent.

What can I do to remove the smell from the line of the box?

kavaninho · Postby **kavaninho** » September 26th, 2023, 7:25 pm

what lends to the smell? Upholstery adhesive or resin coating inside?

Gladiator · Postby **Gladiator** » September 26th, 2023, 8:04 pm

leave a bucket of water in the car overnight for a couple nights and it will absorb the odor. Just remember to take it out in the morning before you drive off.

Had the same problem and this worked well.

larry_ois3 · Postby **larry_ois3** » September 27th, 2023, 12:13 am

kavaninho wrote:what lends to the smell? Upholstery adhesive or resin coating inside?

It is the smell of the MDF itself, I removed the carpet and sanded the exterior thinking that was the cause.

Gladiator wrote:leave a bucket of water in the car overnight for a couple nights and it will absorb the odor. Just remember to take it out in the morning before you drive off.

Had the same problem and this worked well.

Okay, thanks. The box is currently outside the vehicle because of the strong smell. I will place the box in a closed room and see before putting in the vehicle again.

:lol:

Scared no arse because the factory amp is under the driver seat & DSP under the passenger seat. If it doesn't work out in the room I'll place the bucket in the trunk with the enclosure.

Thx again, will update.

pugboy · Postby **pugboy** » September 27th, 2023, 6:53 am

yeah some mdf have a musty funny smell.
i had a closet made with mdf which the smell never went and the clothes if left long does pickup the smell

Postby **Dave** » September 27th, 2023, 7:46 am

If using water is a concern, get an open dish with baking soda.

david12 · Postby **david12** » September 27th, 2023, 9:13 am

I heard coffee works the same as baking soda

kavaninho · Postby **kavaninho** » September 28th, 2023, 5:18 pm

leave sub outside the vehicle to air out for a little and reinstall. The coffee trick works semi-ok
i did a few mdf enclosures well and never had issues with the smell of the mdf itself. If you dont get reprieve, try painting the open surfaces to seal the material.

larry_ois3 · Postby **larry_ois3** » October 1st, 2023, 5:21 pm

Update:
After airing out the box for a few days with a bucket of water the scent was still there.

I got some sealant for the box then left it to air out overnight. Now I'm using the baking soda to remove the remaining sealant smell.

Thanks for the help!