How to Clean a Flooded Car Carpet

A car is a prestigious asset, and proper care dictates its appearance and longevity. Environmental elements are a car’s worst enemy, primarily floods, continuous rainfall, too much sunlight, or frequent thunderstorms. In such periods, water leaks into the vehicle, and the rugs end up soaked.

Many car owners remain with the central question: how to preserve, clean, and ensure an odorless vehicle after such an ordeal!

The work is challenging, but with the right cleaning equipment, it is relatively easy to accomplish. Using simple steps, you remove any dust particles, including mud and other debris forms, dry the vehicle, and refresh the vehicle’s interiors. Here is crucial information that will help keep the car free of moisture or any way of wetness.

How to Clean a Flooded Car Carpet

A car is a prestigious asset, and proper care dictates its appearance and longevity. Environmental elements are a car’s worst enemy, primarily floods, continuous rainfall, too much sunlight, or frequent thunderstorms. In such periods, water leaks into the vehicle, and the rugs end up soaked. Many car owners remain with the central question: how to preserve, clean, and ensure an odorless vehicle after such an ordeal!

Why is there water leakage?

On many occasions, you will find the interior section of your foothold rug is wet. Whether you enjoy scorching summer days and little wet nights, it is possible to find the carpets wet now and then. However, in regions where rainfall is continuous, you can get caught in a thunderstorm. In these scenarios, water damage to your car is a definite possibility.

You need to identify conditions that you should avoid and the unavoidable to limit their consequences. For instance, if the wetness on your carpets or seats comes from the valet cleaning process, that is easy to clean and dry out. Higher moisture levels causing uncomfortable odors in your vehicle are also fixable.

Why is the vehicle carpet wet during a rainstorm?

Hearing that your vehicle is prone to leaks can be devastating to many car lovers. However, the leak-proof vehicle bottoms and the rubber liners lining the windows and doors can have leaks. These are subtle and easy to clean. However, if in a flooded section, it is better to have a professional clean the vehicle carpet and interior.

Check the vehicle before driving off. Puddles on the vehicle’s flooring are expected during the rainy season. Dry it up and clean the remaining dirt. You prevent mold formation and possible foul odors after leaving it a while. Pick up a cleaning appliance to help in cleaning your vehicle’s carpet and interior.

Using cleaning equipment allows your vehicle rugs to dry faster between a day or two. However, if you want a faster and more efficient job, consider using a steamer. The steamer is only applicable if the rugs were completely dry before the cleaning process commenced.

Before you partake in a cleaning exercise, it is prudent to confirm the carpet’s wetness is water. In some instances, the moisture may be from leaking fuel, which can be dangerous if not prepared. Sometimes, it might be antifreeze or some of the engine oil leaking and seeping through the vehicle. Make sure you run a Smog Check before proceeding to clean your vehicle. Also, conduct regular repairs to eliminate any leakage sources and keep the car in top shape.

Drying out the vehicle’s interior

Car carpet cleaning after a flood allows you to fic any repair issues the vehicle may have had. Also, you conduct maintenance keeping your vehicle running. At the same time, you get to fix every leak. With all these accomplishments, you may want to consider drying out the rest of the vehicle’s interior.

Some of the best tools for this cleaning exercise include a cleaner or n extractor that uses hot water, towels made of fabric or paper, moisture-absorbing items, and airflow.

Rubber mats on the floor also deserve a thorough cleaning after a flood. These are easy to remove and hang out. Using a hose and a brush, scrub the rubber mats to remove any dirt holding onto them. Rinse using the hose and leave them out to dry.

The process applies in situations where the water level in flood was relatively high. However, if the story is just an inch, you may consider using a dry or wet vacuuming and cleaning equipment. The electro Ning device can suck up to three gallons of the floodwaters from your car, drying it quickly and fast.

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How to increase your carpets drying speed?

Not every cleaning methodology offers your carpet a chance to clean and dry faster.  An extractor may be the fastest carpet cleaning method that will have your carpets dry within the shortest period. The equipment follows a more in-depth cleaning process removing any pigments or blemishes on your rug and does not leave any chemical residue behind.

Car seats require continuous airflow and some heat to dry entirely from a flood. For car owners living in areas that experience total sunshine and high amounts of heat, leave the vehicle windows and doors open for a short while. The weather will dry the interior for you.

If sunshine is not a luxury for your section of the world, chose an excellent climate regulation system for your vehicle or an AC. A dehumidifier or portable fan can also do the job for you. In extreme cases, a hairdryer works. But if you desire efficiency, install a garage heater where you can leave your vehicle drying through the night or day for a few hours.

Getting rid of the smell

Some sections of the car are hard to reach and dry, especially after a flood. Some hidden areas can encourage mold growth and mildew, which often is invisible. It can lead to bacterial growth, which can cause a foul odor to emanate from your car. Using a neutralizer, deodorizer, or a freshener can save you from the smell.

However, it is not a lasting solution. You have to deal with the moldy sections by killing the mold. You can kill the mold using borax powder, special agents, baking soda, and vinegar (white).

To kill the mold, apply the agents (vinegar, borax, or baking soda) and let it flow into the affected areas. Let it stay for around 20 minutes. Use clean water to rinse the vehicle fabrics loaded into an electrical cleaning appliance such as an extractor.

Check every area with the possibility of mold development and clean using the agents. Follow the same procedure with the trunk. Cover any sections that may react with the agents such as the engine before proceeding with the cleaning exercise.

Summary

When facing excessive wetness, especially in the vehicle interiors such as a flood, it is essential to clean your vehicle immediately after the water levels go down.

The carpet in specific requires immediate attention to preserve the fabric and ensure a better interior environment. Moisture can lead to mold growth and enhance decay, which results in the foul odor and much more.

Keeping your vehicle clean and with free airflow can be the best way to preserve and increase its lifespan. If facing floods, keep your cleaning equipment in hand and follow the information given to help clean your carpet.

So, now you know how to clean a flooded car carpet. You may also be interested in articles on how to dry wet carpet in basement or how to use a carpet extractor. You can find these articles on our website under the “Blog” section. Good luck!

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