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Mould fungus on the interior? How to get rid of it?

3.2K views 6 replies 6 participants last post by  DeftAnesthetik  
#1 ·
See the following picture:


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What is that? It looks organic, like a type of mould fungus. This car has been sitting outside in the rain for a long time and leaks. Now it is sitting in a dry garage, but it never seems to ever dry fully, even though it is not in use at all.

Last time the car was in use, there were similar white deposits, but I removed them manually just by wiping them off. Now, a month later without using the car at all, it looks like that.
 
#2 ·
Organic growth

If that is organic growth, looks like it could be from the picture, just wiping it off will actually cause it to be spread onto surrounding surfaces. Mold doesn't really die, it goes dormant if it doesn't have what it needs to survive. Mold requires a food source, the correct amount of moisture, and the correct temperature range. If the mold doesn't have these three conditions met, it goes dormant and if you just wipe it dry, the spores will become airborne and settle in other areas. There are mold cleaning products you can get at home improvement stores or you can make a bleach / water mix. Either way, I would get a rag wet with whatever solution you use and wipe the surface with that, don't spray the solution directly on the mold. As with any chemicals, be careful with your skin, breathing, and do a test area to make sure it doesn't affect the surface you are working with. Also dispose of the rag when complete to avoid additional cross contamination.
 
#5 ·
I disagree, no machine or anti fungal will stop mold appearing on leather when it's not being used, its an organic material and will come back regardless. Clean it often with saddle soap to keep it in the best condition.

Used to have horses so leather care comes with the territory & you could clean your tack before winter & put it away in a dry place & you'll still have to clean it come spring from mold growth. Just the way it is with leather.

Saddle soap will cost you 10 bucks and 5 mins of time :)
 
#7 ·
you can buy desiccate "noodles" or in cloth bags. throw them in and let them do what they do. You'll still have to deal with the mold but if you wanna get all the moisture out its yer best bet. A fan circulating the air (after mold removal of course) will help it dry out faster. Find a deal with the leak(s). Proper care and attention will prevent it coming back after.
Make sure to use an N95 or other "Organic Vapor" capable mask... It's the widemouthed black cartridges if you are using a cartridge mask. Be safe and good luck =D