How to Deal with Strong Musty Smell After Car Gets Wet?
2 Answers
Here are the reasons for the strong musty smell after a car gets wet: 1. Waterproof vacuum cleaner: You can go to a car wash and use a high-power waterproof vacuum cleaner to suck up as much water as possible, then open all the doors and let the car sit in the sun until the carpets are completely dry. There are usually no important wires under the carpets, and the vehicle chassis is rust-proofed. As long as the carpets are completely dry, no harm will be done to the vehicle. 2. Remove the seats: You can remove all the seats to completely take out the carpets, wash them clean in a bathroom, and then dry them in the sun. This can prevent odors from forming after sun exposure in the car. 3. Air circulation: During the above operations, you can use a fan to speed up air circulation, promoting rapid evaporation of moisture and drying the interior.
After the car got flooded, there was a musty smell. I immediately started by quickly cleaning the wet carpets and seats, using a vacuum to suck up the moisture, and then placed some dehumidifier bags inside the car to absorb the dampness. I also tried leaving the windows open under the sun to reduce mold growth. If the musty smell is too stubborn, I recommend visiting a professional shop for a thorough interior cleaning, including removing the carpets for high-temperature disinfection and replacing the cabin air filter to prevent bacterial spread. It's crucial to address water damage promptly to avoid part damage or odors, which can affect health in the long run. I check the door seals and sunroof seals every six months to prevent leaks from recurring, as prevention is much cheaper and easier than repairs.
