Mildew

[Mike Hom]

After leaving my cars closed tightly (in what I thought was a fairly dry environment) for the last three years while I was in Brazil, I opened them a few weeks ago only to find that the 65 and the 91 are very much "green" on the inside. I am particularly concerned about the 65, since it has a very pungent accompanying odor. The surfaces will be easy to clean, but I am wondering what else I will need to tackle. Will I need to have the seats torn down to replace cushions, etc (original leather covers)? Remove carpeting to replace the jute? Where should I start on this project and what am I in for? Any and all advice will be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[Wayne K.]

Re: Mildew

Mike,

Sorry to here about your issue. I would advise you contact a restoration service that handles water & mold claims for insurance claims and get their opinion. They have equipment that may save you a lot of time and trouble and get it done right.

Wayne

[Wayne K.]

Re: Mildew

Mike,

Sorry to here about your issue. I would advise you contact a restoration service that handles water & mold claims for insurance claims and get their opinion. They have equipment that may save you a lot of time and trouble and get it done right.

Wayne

[mike cobine]

Re: Mildew

About the only thing that kills mildew is chlorine bleach, and that doesn't go well with carpet and other colored items. Wayne's suggestion of a professional cleaning shop is a good one. They probably have something to kill it.

Otherwise, you could just use a Rug Doctor to clean and sit open in the hot sun to dry, but that won't kill the mildew. It will look clean on dark surfces, but on light surfaces you will see it is still there. Frequent cleaning and use will hold it in check, but if you are allergic to it, you will suffer.

[mike cobine]

Re: Mildew

About the only thing that kills mildew is chlorine bleach, and that doesn't go well with carpet and other colored items. Wayne's suggestion of a professional cleaning shop is a good one. They probably have something to kill it.

Otherwise, you could just use a Rug Doctor to clean and sit open in the hot sun to dry, but that won't kill the mildew. It will look clean on dark surfces, but on light surfaces you will see it is still there. Frequent cleaning and use will hold it in check, but if you are allergic to it, you will suffer.

[Mike Hom]

Re: Mildew

Thanks for the responses. Sounds a little more involved than I had imagined. I would have have thought that many members would have had to go through this, either becausee of a situation like mine, but more likely when purchasing a car that had been sitting for a while.

I'll try the approach of contacting a resto company and see where that goes.

[mike cobine]

Re: Mildew

Unfortunately, most when buying a car that has been sitting long and is moldy and such simply rip out the old interior and install a reproduction interior. That doesn't help you much, I know.

Good luck.