How to Deal with Musty Smell After Water Leaks into the Car?

[LaAnastasia]

Use a high-power waterproof vacuum cleaner to suck up as much water as possible, then open all car doors and expose the vehicle to direct sunlight until the carpets are completely dry. You can also remove all the seats, wash them thoroughly in a bathroom, and then dry them in the sun. This helps prevent odors that might develop from sun exposure inside the car. During these steps, using a hairdryer to blow air can accelerate air circulation, promoting faster evaporation of moisture and drying out the interior.

[VanTanner]

After my car got flooded, there was a strong musty smell. It happened when heavy rain seeped through the door gaps, and the accumulated water wasn’t dealt with in time, leading to mold growth. I spent several days cleaning it—first parking the car under direct sunlight with all windows open for ventilation, then using a fan to blow air onto the carpets to speed up drying. The musty odor mainly comes from mold breeding in the damp interior, so I used household white vinegar or professional mold remover to scrub the seats and carpets, spraying it on and letting it sit before wiping it clean with a damp cloth. After thorough drying, I placed some charcoal bags inside to absorb moisture and prevent mold from returning. Usually, I check the door seals when parking to prevent rainwater from entering. After a flood, act quickly—delaying can allow mold to spread, damaging parts and possibly causing health issues like allergies or respiratory discomfort, which would then require expensive repairs. The key to prevention is keeping the car interior dry and well-ventilated, and checking that drainage holes are clear before the rainy season.

[ArthurDella]

My new car has a foul musty smell after water got in, which really worries me. I need to quickly identify the cause of the water intrusion—it could be a sunroof leak or improper car washing leading to water accumulation. The first step is to remove the standing water by using absorbent towels or sponges to soak up the moisture from the carpets. Then, turn on the air conditioning in heat mode to dry out the interior while keeping the windows open to aid air circulation. The musty smell comes from mold growth, so it's necessary to treat interior surfaces with disinfectant sprays like alcohol or mildew removers, making sure not to miss the seats and floor seams. After drying, lay down moisture-proof mats to prevent recurrence and regularly clean the AC filter to reduce the risk of mold. A musty smell after water intrusion isn't just unpleasant—over time, it can corrode metal parts and wiring, leading to higher repair costs. Taking early action saves money and hassle, avoiding long-term odors that affect driving comfort.

[ReidDella]

The musty smell in the car is harmful to the whole family's health, which appeared after the last rainy day water leakage. I need to immediately address the source by checking door/window seals or AC drainage blockage. Quick measures include sprinkling baking soda on carpets to absorb moisture/odor, sun-drying interior parts, and using fans to enhance air circulation. Eliminating mildew requires sterilization - spraying diluted white vinegar is simple yet effective. After scrubbing, ensure thorough drying to prevent mold regrowth. Daily parking ventilation is key, especially maintaining drainage systems before/after rainy seasons to easily preserve a fresh cabin environment.