Just weeks after we paid off our Toyota Camry Hybrid, it became utterly undrivable due to a water bottle leak in the back seat that went unnoticed for weeks. Unnoticed, that is, until the odoriferous mold demon made its presence known with an unbearable (and probably unhealthy) stench.
Before I get into our story, be sure you don't miss our exclusive Macaroni Kid reader discount at the end of this review AND a sneak peek into our upcoming contest sponsored by Riverchase Car Wash & Detail with an AMAZING prize package going to TWO readers.
The Tenacious Odor Monster
Our kids, like all kids, are super hard on our vehicles. Usually, though, a little time and elbow grease is all it takes to reverse whatever damage they can do. But this was a problem we could not solve on our own. And believe me, I tried. No amount of parking in the sun, angling it just right, opening all the doors, or anything else would remove The Odor. Consequently, our beloved hybrid was parked for weeks, while our gas-guzzling minivan went to work.
Finally, at my wits-end, I started researching local auto-detailing businesses. Riverchase Car Wash & Detail looked promising. Their website advertised interior shampoo and ozone odor removal. "Ozone" caught my eye. In a previous life, I worked as a biologist in the professional aquarium industry. The short explanation is that ozone is something we used in the water filtration process to kill "bugs" in the water. And it worked extremely well there, so why wouldn't it work in the air in a car?
I decided to give them a call and see if they could help. I explained to them, in so many words, "if you guys are able to exorcise the Odor Demon living in my car, so that we can finally drive it again, I will write a review and share it with our readers." They confidently accepted the challenge.
So, last Friday, I drove (windows down, fan blasting) to Riverchase Car Wash & Detail. The first person I met was Charles, the general manager. He assessed the situation and even offered to power wash our nasty booster seats too! Really?! I didn't even know that was an option! Embarrassed, I explained that I *could* machine wash the booster seat covers. "I'll take care of it," he said.
Ok. The car handed over, I went inside to go to work. Fully aware that this was going to take a while, I brought my laptop, prepared to take advantage of their free Wi-Fi. However, you should know that complimentary pick-up and drop-off is offered to any location in Hoover. The Hoover Library, Aldridge Gardens, Sky Zone Hoover and Riverchase Galleria are just a few places you could take yourself and your kids while you wait.
Entering the store, the first thing I noticed was a kids play area! A foos-ball table, a play kitchen, toys, books and more. In fact, while I was there, I met fellow mom, Rebekah Noel, and her son Graham (15 months). She told me it was her third time coming to Riverchase Car Wash and that "my favorite thing is that Graham plays in the kids area or runs up and down the hall and stays occupied the entire time.” Of course, I also wanted to know what she thought of the service she received. Rebekah said, "my favorite thing about the service is I can get a complete basic inside and outside clean and it's so affordable. And I don’t have to vacuum myself!" Well of course, she has more important things to do... like chasing Graham!
Rebekah, and her toddler Graham, enjoy the play area at Riverchase Car Wash & Detail. They are three-time satisfied customers!
Other things convenient for a long wait at Riverchase Car Wash are a comfortable lobby, with a large flat screen TV, snack and drink machines, and tables and chairs. If you are there for a long time, there are several restaurants and shopping options within 2-5 minutes walking distance (no sidewalks though, so be VERY careful with small kiddos).
But back to the actual car detailing. When I met the owner, she told me, "the guys actually called me this morning to bring the steamer in for your car!" Yeah y'all, it was *that* bad. Want to see? Well, here you go. Before and after pics. Please note, I did nothing to edit these pictures other than crop and resize. I swear the car has changed colors.
That's what I'm talking about. Nice. Can I just *not* let my kids into this car again? Ever?
Both of these car seats were hand-me-downs from friends and family. Now they look brand new! That is what the blue booster is supposed to look like?! Jaw-drop.
Pretty amazing, right?! And that's just what it *looks* like. You guys, when Charles and his team were finished, I just wanted to HUG him. I restrained myself, but inside I was just ridiculous. The ODOR was gone. It smelled CLEAN inside. And at the time of publishing this review, four days later, the bad smell has not returned!
Obviously, I have to *highly* recommend Riverchase Car Wash & Detail, 110%. Superpowers to revert a kid-destroyed car back to its natural state, combined with perks parents will love, like complimentary pick up and drop off, a kids play area, and free WiFi? That's a winning combination for Macaroni Kid South Birmingham readers.
Macaroni Kid South Birmingham Exclusive Reader Discount
Would you like to try Riverchase Car Wash and Detail yourself? Mention "Macaroni Kid" when you visit and receive 25% off any full-service "in and out" car wash! That brings "The Works" car wash down from $35.99 to $26.99! And for that price, according to their website, you get: wash, vacuum, windows, hand dry, wheels clean, tire shine, door jambs wipe, dashboard wipe, sealer wax, cup holders clean, door panel & dashboard dressing, bugs, triple foam wax and bumper dressing.
Want to keep an eye on other specials and discounts? Go like Riverchase Car Wash's Facebook Page right now.
Sweet.
Win One of Two Complete Interior Details (Include "The Works" exterior car wash) Plus Ozone Odor Removal (total value up to $210)
Get your Summer Fun Photos ready, because we are going to have a photo contest! One photo winner AND one photo voter will win what we received for our car! If your family is anything like mine, I bet you would LOVE to get your car clean and ready for back-to-school, for FREE! Watch for the contest announcement coming soon!
Disclosure: Macaroni Kid South Birmingham would like to profusely, abundantly, lavishly thank Riverchase Car Wash & Detail for coming to our rescue and providing us with a complete interior detail plus ozone odor removal in exchange for this honest review. We also love that they are giving back to our readers, with a discount for everyone, and sponsoring our upcoming photo contest!
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