Hello everyone,

Its been awhile since I've posted, but I really could use some help and advice from the forum. I put my all original 82 SE in storage into a friend's garage when covid happened, but due to a medical condition I didn't get to see it until last week. I was finally able to check on it, and I was stunned to see that the interior is covered in white mold. Cloth seats, leather steering wheel, everything, everywhere is covered. I dont know what to do or where to turn, I've had it for 36 years, and I dont want to lose it. I also cant be exposed to mold with my medical condition. I'd like not to expose the person's garage to a mold infestation either. Really really need some serious advice here, please let me know if I have options other than totaling it as a biohazard.

Thank you, -Keith (82firebirdse)

 

Mold is not a big deal to get rid of. If you want to do it cheaply, you can use vinegar like I did:

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/inte...d-removal.html

Or, there's more expensive sprays you can get at hardware stores and such, that will also work and not leave a couple weeks of vinegar smell. I have heard ozone generators are very effective. I would also put a damprid moisture absorber afterwards in the car while it is stored:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/DampRid-...FG96/307424772

I was not a fan of the fresh scent, but the tabs also come in fragrance free. The little starter kit thing is nice because you can wedge it behind the passenger seat and drive around without it spilling.

 

Weak bleach and warm water will do the trick!\

 

I think that's a fine idea, at least to start. They are advertised for that purpose among others.

I bought this model right after my garage fire, to knock down the very worst of the smoke smell and keep it out of the house. Worked very well. Surprisingly well in fact. Although I had to use it many times, which I didn't want to do. Prolonged / repeated exposure to high ozone can attack rubber. While I have not found a single item that was negatively impacted by this, it's something to think about. The timer will allow you to use it for shorter periods to allow for the smaller space being treated. It could also be run in the whole garage to knock down spores in the room that might reinfect the vehicle.



I think this would be a great first step for you as it A) is something you can set in the car, close up in the car and walk away. You don't have to start the cleaning process by sitting in the car surrounded by the stuff for long periods of time, and B) it goes everywhere...under the seats, into the materials, under the dash, int eh duct wok, etc. Places you can't / won't ever be able to get to to clean by hand. If you buy one, read the instructions. I chose this brand and size of unit for it's strong reviews, and flexibility.

Then after a couple of ozone treatments to your satisfaction, you can attack what remains with the other methods mentioned. I like the vinegar or dedicated mold killer approach myself.

 

gloves, respirator, googles, carpet cleaning machine. get down and dirty with some soap and water to start. the ZEP carpet cleaner stuff they sell at home depot is cheap and works great. I used it in a Bissell machine and really got things clean. save the chemicals as last resort. you may want to remove the seats to make it easier.

 

With this situation to be considered, don't ya think it'd be best to hire someone to clean it, so that the car & it's mold don't end up outliving you

 

First of all, id get it out of there and park it outside wtith the windows down and in the sun...

then id call a detailing shop. that would be no issue for them

 

I use hot soapy water on a rag, dry then windex an dry followed with detailer of choice

 

If you cannot be exposed to mold at least get the car out in the sun to dry out. Take it to a detail shop and expect to pay a few hundred for a full detail. They may cut you a break if they do the interior only. They will have all the little tools and carpet cleaners to properly delouse the car.