How Long Should a Car Be Sun-Dried to Remove Mold?
2 Answers
About ten days. If the sun is very strong, the time can be shortened a bit. If the weather is bad, the drying time may need to be longer. It is necessary to completely dry out the car. If the weather is poor, the car mats should be removed and the doors opened. Do not rush to retrieve the car. Wait at least five days. In such weather, it's best to let it dry for several days; otherwise, leaving it damp for too long can cause mold to develop inside the car. Additional Information: Hazards of Flood-Damaged Cars: If water has risen above one-third of the tire height, it is essential to clean the soundproofing cotton promptly. Whether the water level exceeds one-third of the tire height is the threshold for determining if post-flood inspection and repairs are necessary. Beyond this level, water can seep upward through the drainage holes in the car's floorboard, dampening the soundproofing cotton inside the chassis. Tip: You can spray perfume in the car or place a scented sachet. This method is relatively simple but somewhat slow. Placing a bottle of perfume inside the car can mask the smell of mold and help eliminate it.
Last month, I encountered a mold issue in my car due to excessive humidity after the rainy season. I directly parked it outdoors under the sun for a whole day, approximately over 8 hours, and the moldy smell was mostly gone. However, I suggest you not rely solely on sun exposure. First, use a vacuum cleaner to remove surface mold, then wipe the seats and carpets with a damp cloth; otherwise, residues might remain after sunning. The effect is quicker during strong summer sunlight, while in winter, it might require longer exposure. I also used car dehumidifier bags to prevent recurrence. The whole process was quite simple and saved a lot of repair hassle. Remember not to let the interior temperature get too high during sun exposure, as plastic parts may deform.
