The patter of rain against your window panes during the dawn hours might be quite calming—until, naturally, you realize you forgot to close your vehicle’s windows. Oh dear! This isn’t merely uncomfortable when entering your car; it could also harm various electronic components like your audio system as well as crucial machinery essential for operating your automobile. We shouldn’t overlook potential mold issues either! Should this happen to you, stay calm yet prompt in addressing the situation.
Here’s what needs to be done.
Water removal
To start off: remove all the water! Make sure to use plenty of towels for drying and absorbing. Afterward, employ a wet/dry vacuum to eliminate even more moisture, particularly from car seats, floor mats, and carpets. In case you lack this tool, consider getting one!
Air it out
After initially containing the damage using towels and a vacuum cleaner, proceed by setting up some fans. Turn them on, open all the doors, and direct the airflow towards the regions that got wet from the excess water.
This is when you’ll require some patience since it will take at least one to two days for your vehicle to completely dry as the fans operate continuously. Should any areas remain damp beyond 48 hours, think about employing a hairdryer to direct warm air onto those stubborn wet patches.
Remove moisture
After the surfaces seem dry, the important part is removing any leftover dampness from your vehicle to prevent musty odors. You have several options: you might utilize a portable dehumidifier or place some open containers of baking soda inside the car’s cabin. Should these measures not stop mold growth, opening all the car windows and doors for at least 15 minutes will help disperse the spores.
Inspection
Next, examine your vehicle, starting with the seats and seatbelts all the way to the
steering wheel
Additionally, identify the exact location of the mold. Next, utilize a toothbrush to dislodge the spores, ensuring you scrub every crack and crevice thoroughly. Follow this with another round of cleaning using a wet/dry vacuum to remove the loosened mold. Subsequently, apply white vinegar. Given its acidic properties, it will effectively eliminate the mold along with its spores.
Combine eight portions of white vinegar with two portions of water in a spray container and thoroughly moisten the area by spraying. Allow the mixture to remain for fifteen minutes before utilizing a wet-dry vac to hasten the evaporation.
FAQ
What is the total time required for the vehicle to be fully dried?
The drying time for a vehicle after water damage varies depending on the extent of the moisture present. It could require just a handful of hours up to several days to fully dry out.
At what point should I seek professional assistance?
If your vehicle doesn’t become dry within a few days or has a musty odor, it might be time to seek help from a professional cleaning or detailing service.
