Mouldy seats
- Thread starter ShivP
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Get a dehumidifier in there stat, then make sure all your drain holes are unblocked. Unless you treat the root cause (humidity) it'll just keep coming back. Then use a spray bottle with diluted white vinegar to clean it off. Google the dilution ratios, they vary depending on leather/cloth/whatever.
It depends how bad it is - probably for a month not terrible so above should work.
When mine stood for 2 years (with a cracked windscreen) I had to wet vac the whole interior twice and then use an enzyme odour eater which is designed to break down biological stuff - more for vomit and pee - but it will break down the mould too.
But as above, definitely try to find how moisture has gotten in and fix it too.
When mine stood for 2 years (with a cracked windscreen) I had to wet vac the whole interior twice and then use an enzyme odour eater which is designed to break down biological stuff - more for vomit and pee - but it will break down the mould too.
But as above, definitely try to find how moisture has gotten in and fix it too.
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Soldato
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Yes, your car is not watertight, so find that issue.
In the meantime, air the car daily and use a cloth to wipe off any condensation on the windows to keep it drier.
Are they cloth or leather seats?
In the meantime, air the car daily and use a cloth to wipe off any condensation on the windows to keep it drier.
Are they cloth or leather seats?
Check drain holes and door seals. Make sure your footwells are dry and that the interior carpet is also dry. The water is coming from somewhere. You will likely find a clogged drain hole or a leak somewhere. If the leak is bad, you should start to find sitting water rather than just the humidity.
Soldato
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Arent there any car specific dehumidifiers? Apart from those packs of dessiicant
yes - lift the carpets, in particular on downhill side if you usually park on non-level drive - newspapers and old towels are great for taking out any moisture which migrates to lowest point,
problem I had was weather seals on the inboard side of door cavities
(learned recently that the pros use some kind of ozone generator that will kill all bacteria - and us if you stay inside during application)
problem I had was weather seals on the inboard side of door cavities
(learned recently that the pros use some kind of ozone generator that will kill all bacteria - and us if you stay inside during application)
Soldato
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If you wipe them with a damp cloth, or perhaps as suggested above using diluted vinegar solution, does it come off?
Once you've done this, leave the doors or windows open if you can to dry the seats.
I'd buy an enzyme cleaner from a detailing shop or whatever. I wouldn't want to be breathing in any spores at all. Not healthy!
Soldato
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Yeah be really careful, mould spores can be extremely bad for you and cause lots of health issues.
Just because you can't see any visibly left doesn't mean its not still there, i'd personally want it professionally cleaned or just replace the seats with non contaminated ones, it's not worth the risk imo.
Just because you can't see any visibly left doesn't mean its not still there, i'd personally want it professionally cleaned or just replace the seats with non contaminated ones, it's not worth the risk imo.
Soldato
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Yes mould can be extremely bad for you, but this is when you have an indoor problem that has not been addressed and you are being subjected to it 24/7.
I agree it should be taken seriously, but once you have cleaned it off, aired out the car, and made sure the car remains dry, then I don't think it will be much of a health risk. If it was a small patch of mould, then I don't think you'd need to replace the seats. If they were covered in it then I would.
I was going to recommend this too. Unless you've got a wet vac, etc. I would consider getting it professionally cleaned.
Also, as above - check the drainage holes, etc. as you need to stop the water ingress
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I've luckily got a mate with a wet vac, so will attack it tomorrow with that and an antibacterial cleaner, then hit it with an ozone machine.
Probably time to sell it after that unfortunately, although it is a family heirloom!
Probably time to sell it after that unfortunately, although it is a family heirloom!