What to Do If the Car Window Wasn't Closed Properly and Got Rained On?
3 Answers
Solutions for when the car window wasn't closed properly and got rained on: 1. Avoid using electronic devices inside the car to prevent short circuits; 2. Seats, floor mats, and carpets are the most affected—if rainwater has seeped into them, they need to be removed, cleaned, and thoroughly dried; 3. If there is standing water on the car floor or if moisture has penetrated beneath the floor covering, and a persistent musty smell remains after drying, it is necessary to visit a professional auto repair shop to remove the seats and floor covering for a thorough cleaning to eliminate the odor; 4. After addressing the water issue, perform a disinfection inside the car, typically using specialized disinfectants or alcohol, to prevent lingering odors.
Last month, my car had the same issue—I left the window slightly open when parking, and when I returned, the seats were completely soaked. I quickly grabbed a dry towel to absorb the water, then used a hairdryer on the cool setting to slowly dry the seats and floor mats. The key is to check the door seals and sunroof drainage holes to prevent water from accumulating in the gaps, which can lead to mold or electrical shorts. After parking in the rain, I now turn on the air conditioning’s dehumidification mode for an hour, crack the windows for ventilation, and keep some activated charcoal packs in the car to absorb moisture. Since then, I’ve made it a habit to use a flashlight to double-check all windows before locking the car—saving both money and hassle. On rainy days, I recommend keeping some old clothes in the car for emergency water absorption to avoid interior damage or electronic failures. This simple trick has saved me multiple times.
Once my car seats got soaked in the rain, and it was really annoying. I immediately wiped off the water stains with kitchen towels and then used a vacuum cleaner to remove any remaining moisture. If the seats are made of genuine leather, I would clean them with plain water to avoid corrosion, and never rush to dry them in the sun as it can accelerate aging. The roof and door panels are easier to overlook when wet, so I use a small brush to clean the drainage holes to prevent clogging and water accumulation. The next day when starting the car, I check the radio and lighting systems to ensure they are functioning properly, preventing any rain-related damage to the wiring. Now, I set reminders in my app to close the windows before locking the car or buy window seals for better protection. When driving in the rain, remember to bring an umbrella and keep towels handy—keeping the interior clean makes the ride more pleasant. Developing these habits can save you a lot of hassle.
