In many areas, experiencing a flooded car is an unpleasant reality of the rainy season. When the moisture makes it’s way within the carpeting, upholstery and underlying padding of a car’s interior it is often challenging to dry before an odorous mildew takes hold of the automobile.
Fortunately, there are several household remedies that can be performed to remove the moisture and return the car’s interior to normal. By following some of the below suggestions, your car will be smelling fresh without a hint of mildew musk.
Deodorizing Solutions for a Flooded Car
1 Blot Dry Moisture
The first step that is required is to remove the moisture from the car’s interior. In many cases this can be effectively performed by blot drying the car with several clean dry towels. When blot drying, be sure to press with the entire force of your body to ensure that the moisture is effectively drawn out.
2 Run a Dehumidifier
If blot drying leaves remaining moisture within hard-to-reach locations, you can rent a dehumidifier and run it within the confines of your car. These tools are excellent at removing moisture from confined spaces and maintaining an inhospitable environment for mildew. As a note of caution, be sure to read the instructions of your particle dehumidifier before running within your automobile.
3 Spray White Vinegar
This household substance has anti-fungal properties and is highly effective at cutting through mildew odors within upholstery and padding within the automobile. Mix a solution on one part white vinegar to three part water within a spray bottle. Proceed to spray down the entire interior of the car, paying close attention to moisten the areas which have been most affected by the the mildew infestation. To hurry the evaporation process, leave windows cracked for 3-4 days after spraying the interior of the car down.
4 Spray Tea Tree Oil
This slightly more expensive alternative works in the same fashion as white vinegar. Tea tree oil also carries anti-fungal properties and works well in eliminating the mildew at the source. As an additional benefit, many believe that this substance will leave less odor within the car during the drying process than using a solution of white vinegar. To use, mix a solution of one part tea tree oil with ten parts water within a spray bottle. Once created, spray down all affected areas of the carpeting, upholstery and padding with a heavy coat of of this mixture. To speed the drying process, crack the windows of the car for 2-3 days proceeding this step.
5 Sprinkle Baking Soda
This kitchen ingredient has been used for generations for it’s natural odor absorption capabilities. After neutralizing much of the odor within the car, this powder can be sprinkled over the affected carpeting and upholstery to contain any remaining musk left over from the mildew. Be sure to provide a minimum of 3-7 days for the baking soda to work it’s magic in absorbing the any remaining musty smells.
6 Run an Ozone Machine
When all efforts seem to be coming up short, a ozone machine can be rented to neutralize and contain any mildew odors that may be lingering within the automobile. These devices are very powerful and effective, but can be deadly if improperly used. Be sure that you have read the product’s instructions in full before using this solution to eliminate odors within the automobile.
7 Seek Professional Help
If you are short on time or if your personal efforts are not effective, you may want to consider taking your car to professional auto cleaners. These people can be very helpful in breaking down the source of the mildew odor within your car and returning the freshness within the interior of the automobile.
[contact]
