Got MOLD on my seats.. how to remove or cover up?

[redliine]

OK.. well my Eclipse was parked over the winter, water got inside.. quite a bit.. anyways, after vacuuming my car out for a few hours.. it still stinks (not as bad as before, airing it out daily with top down and hot weather is helping greatly), and there is mold spots on my rear seats.. little dots. They are black on my tan interior. It looks ugly. I was wondering if a ANY car shampoo would work to take this out? Or maybe some coloring or something to make it look like new? Is there like some kinda dye I can get maybe?

Absolutely any help is much appreciated! you guys are the best!

 

[devlish]

go to a local carpet store, or carpet cleaning place... and ask their opinion. a good family friend of mine owns a carpet cleaning shop, and he's got all sorts of stuff for mold, mildew, etc, and it all works the same for home & car. and those places are usually happy to help out whenever possible, it's all good biz for them.

 

[sc2_ct]

Actually, I had a similar problem with a project car becoming a mold factory over the winter and I managed to get it out with one of those $1 fingernail brushes they keep by the checkout aisles at the auto parts stores and foaming carpet cleaner. You'll want to scrub all of your upholstry working in little circles with the brush and then vacuum everything and it should take care of it. You might consider using scotchguard afterward to keep the problem from reoccuring and also fix any leaks that allowed water in in the first case.

 

[devlish]

good point, a medium strenth wire brush, or hard bristled brush, along with some carpet cleaner would probably do the trick. and definetely scotch guard it when done to prevent
it happening again.

 

[redliine]

Thanx for your help! I wasn't sure such a stain was possible to get out.

Its really disgusting, its also noticeable on my sun visors, floor mats and my passenger seat belt actually has black blotches.. im sure using some products will get it out. I originally tried some armour all 'orange' carpet and upholstery cleaner and that didnt help too much.. got out some regular dirt stains, but not mold spots.

Stopping the leak.. yea....... I just got a new roof put on my car and it leaks the same amount as my old one.. i've been to Pacific Auto trim like 4 times and asked them to fix the water problem.. they are nice about it cuz they wanna do the job right, but damn its like they can't get the problem.. something with the seals.. I feel bad for them cuz I have gone back there several times. I just put a towel on both front seats now.. I might go back in a few weeks.. ugh..

 

[devlish]

not to sound like an ass... but DEFINETELY GO BACK!! that is their job, to give you a complete install, and leave you satisfied. and i doubt you are satisfied with a leaking roof. as for them, honestly, give them another shot at it, and be nice about it since they are... but inform them that you WANT THE PROBLEM FIXED, and if they cannot do it, you want them to either find someone who will fix the problem, or get your money back for a defective product/install. it is their responsibility to fix the problem. and if you've already been there 3-4 times, i'd give them a few more, but then you need to talk to upper management over there. good luck with that, it sucks, but if your patient hopefully it will work out.

 

[redliine]

Yeah well I talk to the Manager, Lou, who's really a nice guy. His daughter who works at the front counter is really HOT too .. well the thing is, it might not be the roof which I had done.. I think its the seal (or they think).. well today my dad and I looked at the problem ourselves.. put a bead of black silicone type stuff ina few areas that may have helped.. I washed the car in and out today, took maybe 3 hours after everything was done.. didnt notice any water spots on the seats.. could be a good sign!

This is definately the most helpful and not to mention friendliest web forum on the 'net

 

[Mr96GSX408]

You can wash it all you want, but the smell will still be there. The best way is to use white vinegar and rinse your seat with it. This method worked with washing my towels that smelled like mold everytime you get them wet.