Left
the windows open in a rainstorm?
The resulting mildew not only
stinks - it can be indicative
of mold in your vehicle. Getting
at the source is the first step
in returning your car's interior
to its pre-shower state.
Steps:
1. Try to find the source of the
odor. Check rugs, upholstery and
air conditioning vents for signs
of mold or moisture.
2. Thoroughly dry the affected
area by soaking up any liquid
with a towel, then use a hair
dryer to dry it completely.
3. Remove the floor mats and lay
them out in the sun for a few
days if they are the source of
the odor.
4. Scatter Borax or baking soda
over the floor and upholstery
of affected areas. Work it into
the rugs with your hands.
5. Let it remain at least overnight
and then vacuum.
6. Use a commercial odor absorber
or enzyme cleaner according to
directions if some odor remains.
7. Clean air conditioner vents
with a cotton swab dipped in window
cleaner. If you still smell mildew
in your air conditioning system,
try running the heater full-blast
for 10 minutes to dry it out,
leaving the windows open.
8. Take the car for a professional
interior cleaning if all else
fails.
Overall Tips:
Charcoal briquettes help absorb
moisture and odors. Put them under
the seats and let them remain
until odor is gone.
On warm days, leave the car windows
open to let the car air out.
Floor mats are easily replaceable
and it may be easier to replace
them than to remove the mildew
odor.
If the mildew smell remains in
your air conditioning vents, try
an odor- or mildew-eliminating
spray (like Lysol) or a spray
product especially made for air
conditioning systems.
Overall Warnings:
Be careful that the hair dryer
doesn't overheat or come in contact
with anything in the car that
is not heat-resistant.
If moisture has penetrated into
seat pads, you may have to replace
them in order to eradicate the
smell.
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