How to Remove the Musty Smell from a Flood-Damaged Car?
2 Answers
Methods to remove the musty smell from a flood-damaged car: 1. Bamboo charcoal bags: Bamboo charcoal bags have strong odor-absorbing capabilities, making this method highly effective for eliminating odors inside the car with long-lasting effects. Bamboo charcoal bags can selectively absorb various substances in the air to achieve disinfection and deodorization. 2. High-temperature exposure: The higher the temperature, the more active the molecules become, moving faster. This method helps dilute the odors inside the car by mixing them with flowing air, expelling the bad odors and allowing fresh air to enter. The advantage is that this method is the most direct, quickest, and cost-free. 3. Natural ventilation: Open windows for cross-ventilation while driving and keep windows open as much as possible to accelerate gas volatilization.
After my car got flooded last time, there was a particularly strong musty smell. During the cleanup, I first removed all the interior carpets and thoroughly washed and dried them, then sprayed disinfectant to kill bacteria. Ventilation is especially important—I opened all the doors and windows and used a large fan to blow air for several days. If possible, adding a dehumidifier can speed up the drying process. Placing activated charcoal or coffee grounds in the car is very effective for odor removal. I kept them inside for a week, and the musty smell noticeably faded. Later, I also checked hidden corners for any remaining water stains, as mold can recur otherwise. Regularly parking the car in the sun can also help prevent odors from developing. These small methods really worked—my car is much fresher now and doesn’t affect my driving mood.
