Need Help Getting Rid of MOLD!!!

[blasterfdc]

I have a 69 that has a strong mold/mildew smell to the interior, so much it gives me a head ache to drive it. Does anyone have any ideas on getting rid of the smell without replacing the entire interior which is in fantastic conditoin.

The guy I bought it from said it was stored for several years. He said he replaced the carpet but who know when or if he replaced the underlayment.

I am planning on pulling the carpet and everything under it and replacing the carpet and underlayment. I am just wondering what to use to clean everything else or if it is possible.

 

[Copdogcorvettes]

There are different ways of doing this. I live right on the Pacific coast and this is a problem here year round.

First thing to try is: Lysol spray on everything
A box or two of Baking soda
Frebreeze also works sometimes

Next if you remove all the carpet and pad wash everything with a bleech water

Also be sure and clean the seats, door panels and interior trim well with the Lysol. This will give you a start on the problem and most of the time it works. Also if you have a place inside to put it. Air it out very well.

Good luck and let me know how it goes.

Gary

 

[vette-dude]

I would be careful using bleach water on carpets. They also make a ionizer that you can put in your cigarette lighter to help get rid of the odor. See MADVETTE.com catalog.


Randy

 

[Grizzly]

One of the things I learned from the NCRS guys at Nashville last year was that you always use a cleaner based upon bleach, not ammonia. Ammonia will promote mildew

 

[Zixxer]

This may sound strange but I would try www.boatfix.com I went to this site a few years ago seeking additional boating knowledge and there's a huge amount of information about cleaning boats that would certainly apply to cars in most cases. There's a great forum manager in the winterizing or detailing forum that knows every secret to cleaning spots, mold, mildew, etc. I think you'll find a solution there.

 

[ironcity]

I think you'll find a solution there

would that be a solution for the solution...

 

[blasterfdc]

thanks for all the input, I will keep you all posted on my results...... Hopefully they will be positive.....

 

[DetailingDude]

First of all, if you're experiencing a mold problem it's from (Obviously) moisture getting into your car........ I suggest you find the concentration of the mold and follow it to where you think the moisture may be entering from...... and solve that problem first.

Note: The concentration will be at the lowest part so follow a "lazy man's trail" to all possible points of entry.


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Secondly, when you're cleaning up the mold don't treat the odor...... treat the problem. You're going to want to find the concentration of the mold by peeling back the carpets and finding all spots. What you may also find is that if you've had some water leak into your car in volume the moisture may have become condensation on the windows, seats, dash board and even in the vents so a thorough upholstery, carpets, moldings and ceiling may be in order.

Note: When you're cleaning you're going to need to attack the mold directly as "CopDog" has said. Hopefully the concentration of the mold is in somewhat hidden areas as you may find some cleaning products discolor the fabric......... test on an inconspicuous area first.


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Next, once you've cleaned the mold you're going to want to physically extract as much moisture as possible from all fabrics. Once you've physically extracted as much moisture as possible here's what I suggest:

Option 1: Park in direct sunlight and allow the car to heat up naturally. Roll the windows down to where the opening is roughly the width of 2 fingers.


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Option 2: Park in a ventilated area and turn on the heat full-blast with the engine running. Roll the windows down to where the opening is roughly the width of 2 fingers.​

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This will allow the heat to build up inside your Corvette to get the moisture to evaporate quicker.

Note: If you've been unable to remove the carpets all they way place spacers between the carpets. If you want to get creative an you've chosen Option 2's drying method you can use some plastic tubing from your vacuum to guide the heated air underneath.
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Get to a point where you feel that they're over dry.

And finally after you're done cleaning and drying:

• Vacuum the carpets and upholstery
• Condition the Leather and vinyl
• Put a box of baking soda under the Driver's and Passenger's seats

 

[blasterfdc]

Thanks Detailing Dude, lots of great information. Now the task of getting down and dirty.,.....

 

[XJ6GUY]

plain old alcohol,research it on google.i used it on a maserati and it worked great,plus it does not hurt leather or have any bleaching effect

 

[blasterfdc]

you mean like rubbing alcohol?

 

[Zixxer]

No officer, I swear it's coming from the carpets I just cleaned with the 151 Couldn't resist.....thanks for that tip, would have never guessed

 

[XJ6GUY]

yep,
just plain rubbing alcohol. mold needs moister to grow, alcohol evaporates and takes the moisture with it. it smells more like a hospital than a bar,so the cop might believe you

cheer's, Tom