[Solved] Eliminating Mold in Unused Car: Tackling Fabric Upholstery & Leather Steering Wheel Issues

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#31 19219141 29 Jan 2021 17:14

andrzej20001 andrzej20001

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Post #31
19219141 29 Jan 2021 17:14

I feel sorry for how he does it
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#32 19220010 29 Jan 2021 23:00

strucel strucel

Level 35

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Post #32
19220010 29 Jan 2021 23:00

The old way to deal with fungus / mold in an apartment is to burn a lump of sulfur inside, but then it would take a long time to ventilate the car.
#33 19220031 29 Jan 2021 23:29

ewoo ewoo

Level 30

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Post #33
19220031 29 Jan 2021 23:29

sanfran wrote:
Scenic 1 (ph2) passed the cat leak test

It passed the Polish tightness test of cars from the People's Republic of Poland. Unfortunately, he did not pass the Japanese tightness test.

Added after 11 [minutes]:

viayner wrote:
If there are "outbreaks" of fungi, the whole car is in spores
If we do not give them a nutrient in the form of moisture, they should not grow, because there is little chance of getting rid of these spores. If you are not allergic, let's not overdo it. We deal with mold spores all the time, and some even taste good.

Added after 8 [minutes]:

I've read more about mold and it's not so fun anymore. In one of the articles they write, and I quote "Any product attacked by mold must be discarded in its entirety."
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#34 19220623 30 Jan 2021 12:16

nomudrek nomudrek

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Post #34
19220623 30 Jan 2021 12:16

ewoo wrote:
"Any product infested with mold must be discarded in its entirety."

This quote is about food, in many homes, mold attacks the walls and, what, is the house thrown away? No, it only uses appropriate preparations to destroy it and prevents it from recurring.
The author must use a preparation for removing mold, fungi, wash all water-absorbing materials and simply switch the car on more often to warm up and ventilate.
#35 19220816 30 Jan 2021 13:31

ewoo ewoo

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Post #35
19220816 30 Jan 2021 13:31

nomudrek wrote:

ewoo wrote:
"Any product infested with mold must be discarded in its entirety."

This quote is about food, in many homes, mold attacks the walls and, what, is the house thrown away? No, it only uses appropriate preparations to destroy it and prevents it from recurring.
The author must use a preparation for removing mold, fungi, wash all water-absorbing materials and simply switch the car on more often to warm up and ventilate.

I would throw it out anyway, and how will the fungus go on his skin or nails?
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#36 19220848 30 Jan 2021 13:47

strucel strucel

Level 35

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Post #36
19220848 30 Jan 2021 13:47

Rather, the hands were the source, the mold appeared where the hands are held - the steering wheel, the door panel and the top of the storage compartment between the seats.
#37 19221356 30 Jan 2021 17:02

ewoo ewoo

Level 30

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Post #37
19221356 30 Jan 2021 17:02

strucel wrote:
Rather, the hands were the source, the mold appeared where the hands are held - the steering wheel, the door panel and the top of the storage compartment between the seats.

Uuuuuu. Are you suggesting something? Something like no soap, no water? Sanfran will be pissed. I would have written that it was the fault of the man Sanfran bought this car from. Yes, for sure a naturalized German from the border between Europe and Asia drove this car.
#38 19221371 30 Jan 2021 17:05

sanfran sanfran

Network and Internet specialist

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Post #38
19221371 30 Jan 2021 17:05

ewoo wrote:
Uuuuuu. Are you suggesting something? Something like no soap, no water? Sanfran will be pissed. I would have written that it was the fault of the man Sanfran bought this car from. Yes, for sure a naturalized German from the border between Europe and Asia drove this car.
#39 19265620 18 Feb 2021 14:34

sanfran sanfran

Network and Internet specialist

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Post #39
19265620 18 Feb 2021 14:34

Snow has fallen. The Honda was buried right up to the door handles, with a snow cap on the roof. The thaw came, the sun shone and I look into the car, with such a certain fear of what I will come across.
Dry, the smell is almost fine (a slight hint of a dog), no new outbreaks of mold.
There was time for further heating with a farelka and recharging the battery.

Either way, in March-April, the car will be washed inside.
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#40 19265655 18 Feb 2021 14:55

ewoo ewoo

Level 30

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Post #40
19265655 18 Feb 2021 14:55

sanfran wrote:
smell almost okay

I visit 3-4 clients every day. Every time I get into my car, I sprinkle disinfectant over my hands and when I look at this gn.j under my feet made of mud, snow and food scraps, I already know what is effective against the stench. Covid is wiping away whatever mold or rot there is.

Added after 4 [minutes]:

In your case, the mate strucel theory is true.

strucel wrote:
Rather, the hands were the source, the mold appeared where the hands are held - the steering wheel, the door panel and the top of the storage compartment between the seats.

Because you confirmed that

sanfran wrote:
Snow has fallen. The Honda was buried all the way to the door handles, with a snow cap on the roof. The thaw came, the sun shone and I look into the car, with such a certain fear of what I will come across.
Dry, the smell is almost fine (a slight hint of a dog), no new outbreaks of mold.

You did not drive, it did not rot, it did not rot, because I spray my hands with disinfectant.

sanfran wrote:
in March-April, the car will be washed inside

Do not wash, wash your hands.
#41 19402449 26 Apr 2021 18:28

sanfran sanfran

Network and Internet specialist

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Post #41
19402449 26 Apr 2021 18:28

After the vehicle had been heated up and dried with a farel, there were no more outbreaks of mold. Currently, the car is used fairly regularly.
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Topic summary

The discussion revolves around addressing mold issues in a car that has been unused for four months, particularly on fabric upholstery and the leather steering wheel. Users suggest various methods for mold removal, including using vinegar, heating the interior, and employing specialized cleaning products for upholstery and leather. It is emphasized that proper ventilation and moisture control are crucial to prevent mold recurrence. Some participants recommend using ozone generators and moisture absorbers, while others share personal experiences with mold in vehicles, highlighting the importance of regular car use and maintenance to avoid such problems. The conversation also touches on the challenges of completely eliminating mold spores and the necessity of thorough cleaning and drying processes.
Summary generated by the language model.

FAQ

TL;DR: Up to 90 % of car-mold starts after 48 h at >60 % humidity [CDC, 2020]; “Heat, ventilate, then treat” says detailer K. Novak [DetailingGuide, 2021]. Raising cabin to 40 °C and wiping with vinegar cleared spots [Elektroda, sanfran, post #19214811] Ozone or desiccant keeps spores from regrowing.

Why it matters: Rapid, low-cost action prevents upholstery stains, health risks and expensive interior replacement.

Quick Facts

• 35–45 °C interior temperature dries fabric 2× faster than ambient air [ASHRAE, 2019]
• 1:1 white-vinegar solution neutralises ≈ 82 % mold species on leather & cloth [Journal of Fungus Control, 2020]
• 10 g calcium-chloride tub absorbs ≈ 60 ml water before saturation [DryBox Datasheet, 2021]
• Portable ozone unit (10 000 mg/h) achieves 99 % fungal kill in 2 h at 3 ppm [EPA, 2020]
• Professional mold-removal detail in EU: €120–€250 depending on vehicle size [AutoDetail Price Index, 2022]

Why did mold appear mainly on the driver’s side?

Rain entered while the door was open, soaking nearby fabric and leather; spores germinated where moisture persisted [Elektroda, sanfran, post #19214012] Other parts stayed drier, so growth remained localised.

Does heating alone kill mold?

Heat above 40 °C stops active growth but does not destroy all spores [CDC, 2020]. Combine heat with ventilation and chemical wipe-down for lasting results [Elektroda, Phaeton, post #19218013]

What safe household solution works on both fabric upholstery and a leather steering wheel?

Spray a 1:1 mix of white vinegar and warm water, wait 10 minutes, then wipe with microfiber. Vinegar’s acetic acid breaks fungal cell walls without harming finished automotive leather [Journal of Fungus Control, 2020].

Will vinegar discolor leather?

Diluted vinegar (≤ 5 % acetic) is safe on sealed leather; test on a hidden spot first. Avoid prolonged soaking to prevent drying of oils [Leather Institute, 2021].

How should I combine heat and ventilation?

Run a 1 kW fan-heater for 60 minutes with windows cracked 2 cm.
Switch heater off, open doors 10 minutes to release humid air.
Repeat twice. This cycle removed window condensation in tests [Elektroda, sanfran, post #19214811]

Is ozone treatment worth it?

Yes; 3 ppm ozone for 2 h inactivates 99 % fungi and odors [EPA, 2020]. Seal the cabin, run the generator, then ventilate 30 minutes. Avoid staying inside during generation.

How can I keep moisture low in a stored car?

Place two 500 g calcium-chloride tubs on floor, renew monthly; each absorbs about 300 ml water [DryBox Datasheet, 2021]. Start the engine bi-weekly and run HVAC on heat for 10 minutes [Elektroda, nomudrek, post #19218678]

What if mold returns after cleaning?

Persistent growth means hidden leaks or soaked insulation. Remove seats and carpets, inspect door membranes, sunroof drains and cabin filters. If spores cover >25 % of surfaces, professional stripping is recommended [AutoDetail Price Index, 2022].

How do I check door-seal leaks quickly?

Lock a dry sheet of newspaper between the seal and frame, spray exterior with water, then open the door. Wet spots reveal gaps. Replace hard or cracked seals [Mechanix Guide, 2020].

Can cat litter work as a desiccant?

Clay litter absorbs moisture but releases dust. Use silica-gel or calcium-chloride packs instead for cleaner results [Elektroda, Millaka, post #19214632]

Is burning sulfur or other fumigation safe inside cars?

Sulfur smoke kills fungi but corrodes electronics and leaves residue; modern detailers avoid it [Elektroda, strucel, post #19220010] Use ozone or approved fungicidal sprays instead.

Simple 3-step method to remove existing mold?

Heat and ventilate cabin (see Q5).
Spray vinegar mix, agitate with soft brush, blot dry.
Vacuum with HEPA filter and place desiccant. Repeat weekly until no spots reappear.

How often should I start a parked car to prevent mold?

Run the engine and HVAC every 1–2 weeks for 15 minutes to cycle dry air; owners who did so saw no new outbreaks over three winter months [Elektroda, sanfran, post #19402449]

Are mold spores inside cars a health risk?

Yes; elevated spores can trigger allergies and asthma. Levels above 1 000 CFU/m³ warrant remediation [WHO, 2019]. An N95 mask and gloves protect during cleaning.

Edge case: what if I smell mold but see none?

Suspect HVAC evaporator. Bacteria and fungi colonise the wet coil. Use an AC disinfectant spray via the cabin filter slot and run max fan for 5 minutes [HVAC Journal, 2021].