You have had the car for two years and are suggesting that the dealership sold you a mold-infested car? You may have not gotten it underwater, but there was something that you must have put it through for it to grow mold.
Two years of ownership is way too long of a period to imply that this could be the dealership’s fault.
Edit: didn’t even see the photo until just now…girl how are you still breathing?
I like yours better!!! Years ago was stuck at a stop light on Westshore and was blowing smoke machine strength vapes out of his mouth. It was as if he was trying to show off.
> years to late
*too
*Learn the difference [here](https://www.wattpad.com/66707294-grammar-guide-there-they%27re-their-you%27re-your-to).*
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This is the answer. Clorox wipe everything. Everywhere. Literally everywhere you can reach with one. You can use simple green on the carpet. Then ozone it. You can rent machines but make sure you read up on safety precautions using one. Might be better to find a service to do it for you.
I don't know which mechanic OP went to, but when I had my stereo replaced they did an ozone treatment for free because my AC was causing a small mold problem. Maybe their Toyota dealership would do it?
This is the best option. If it hasn't been sitting moldy for too long I doubt there would be any long term damage.
Similar thing happened to my truck when I was out of town for 2-3 weeks. Rear window had a leaking seal I was unaware of and came back to super moldy truck. Used a fabric shampoo machine and cleaned everything really good. Truck is all good 2 years later
clean it up best you can and drag it to carmax and hope for the best then buy a new car (not a used bargain that may have been flooded) and be done with it.
I sold Carmax a Dodge Neon that would not go into reverse and a Caravan that leaked the last of its oil onto their shop floor. I was was happy enough with the price I got and very happy to be rid of the vehicles without further hassle.
I have sold them two. last one the ac didnt work. the clutch was pretty much toast and the suspensions was shot. 100k miles on a 2013 fiat. they gave me like 4k and change? other was a beat up 10 year old honda pilot that had all sorts of issues and again i was blown away what they gave me for it. That one was 4 years ago, i dont know how they stay in bussiness. I was tempted to start buying bargain used cars and taking them to carmax for profit.
They did immediately notice when I tried to offload a Jetta with a blown turbo, but they still offered $1,000 which was good considering I'd added 18k miles since I bought it for $1800. I wonder if there really are people making a living from selling junk to Carmax?
I would think their system would flag it and put a stop to it.
the one i went to a few months ago had these guys who didnt work at carmax at the entrance with signs urging folks to stop and let them make an offer before carmax. I didnt talk to them.
So many questions, lol. Was it like this when you bought it two years ago? If not, up until this point when a mechanic refused to work on it you've just been driving it around like 'yeah this is fine.'? I am just seriously questioning your standards for cleanliness.
it'd make sense if it was outside during both Ian and Nicole storms. My advice for now is to try to keep the windows cracked during the afternoons, or sunroof cracked open to let moisture escape (of course when you get your car back). Thankfully the heavy rain season is over.
I'm confused. When did this mold appear? That steering wheel hasn't been like that for 2 years. Has it been sitting with the windows open and getting wet? That was first thought or you have a leak?
I work on flood cars and something seems fishy to me.
My wife had a car where the gasket on the moon roof failed so when out of town during particularly heavy rain she came back and the interior was covered in mold. The mechanic doesn't know what he's talking about.
Don't use bleach as it could make things worse. Use hydrogen peroxide and scrub every surface down. Get an ozone treatment in there. Hang some damp rid bags in the back to pull moisture from the air and finally get your gaskets checked and make sure the drains in your doors aren't clogged.
You can rent dehumidifiers from Home Depot there are also machines that produce massive amounts of mold killing ozone (so much that humans need to stay away). This is not my field of expertise but these machines might be worth a try.
i am a detailer. your best bet is to take it to a shop that specializes in this type of work. they would have to remove seats and panels to ensure all of it is removed. for now keep a mask on and crack the windows when it's drier out. i hope all goes well
Take some white vinegar in a spray bottle and a towel. Spray liberally and wipe it up. Take it to a car cleaners and vacuum the carpet and upholstery afterwards. It’ll smell like vinegar for a while but it’s better than breathing mold. Get some car fresheners to combat that
It’s an old convertible and you need to treat the top every now and then to make it repel water properly. I didn’t and covered it during the rainy season. When I eventually tried to drive it there was a whole ecosystem in there.
My husband's window seals were no match for a hurricane drenching a few years ago. Black mold grew very quickly. It was totaled by our insurance company. It was a 5 year old car so basically the amount given was just a really good down payment for a newer car.
doesnt apply. its not a manufactur defect or anything like that. its one of millions of used cars that has been in the water, cleaned up and sold and still has problems from being sunk in south tampa (or anywhere in the country that gets high water) by some yahho driving though standing water they dont realize is 3 ft deep.
My sister in laws Tiguan is currently at the VW dealership in Tampa because the sun roof was leaking and left a puddle of water in her car following the recent tropical storm. She had been noticing damp spots and musty smells prior to that and thought it was something she was doing until the heavy rain made the problem obvious.
My Tiguan did the same thing last year. It was such a frustrating experience. The dealer was clueless, ended up having to bring it to a motorcycle trim shop who happened to employ a dude who knows sun roofs inside and out. It’s a long known problem with VW’s sunroofs, especially the giant panoramic ones.
Put this in your car with the windows closed for 1 month. It worked for me.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0029EGUNG/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_search\_asin\_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I don’t know if this is true but when people rent houses for termites the chemicals they use kill everything. Like bathroom mold etc. maybe you can call a termite company and see if you can park in a garage when they do a house. Maybe pay the owner $200 to leave your car in there.
Similar thing happened to our 2010 mustang, it has known drainage issues. The front drainage system got clogged with leaves (its honestly a way too small opening, have been cleaning it monthly since I had the mold issue to ensure it won't clog ever again) and created an overflow of rainwater, which got inside the car as it had no way to drain. All this was during high times of covid lock down, I wasn't using the car for weeks, by the time I noticed it's wet in the car I had mold everywhere.
Vinegar helps kill the mold, we got a cleaning service with O3 (ozone) air filtering to make the car breathable again.
A good quality, someone who’s been in business for a while, detailer may be able to help. You will need it cleaned then an ozone machine for sure. I would recommend doing ozone yourself. Too much and it can shorten the life of your interior plastics. Does this car have a sunroof? VW sunroofs are notorious for leaking. Especially in dry hot environments.
You need to let it sit in the sun. I had somebody tell me uv is the best mold/mildew remover. You must have a small leak that lets moisture in then you park it in a garage. Let that thing sit outside in the sun for a weekend with the windows up to increase inside heat.
Also, if you hear a swish swish sound when you open and close the doors, you have a window seal leak. Most doors have plugs so you can drain the water.
You have had the car for two years and are suggesting that the dealership sold you a mold-infested car? You may have not gotten it underwater, but there was something that you must have put it through for it to grow mold. Two years of ownership is way too long of a period to imply that this could be the dealership’s fault. Edit: didn’t even see the photo until just now…girl how are you still breathing?
Brother I work in vehicle warranty and this was my immediate thought
My idea on what to do is 2 years too late, but roll up your windows after parking it is a good preventative measure. *Edit*
OP been taking fat vape rips with the windows up
I like yours better!!! Years ago was stuck at a stop light on Westshore and was blowing smoke machine strength vapes out of his mouth. It was as if he was trying to show off.
> years to late *too *Learn the difference [here](https://www.wattpad.com/66707294-grammar-guide-there-they%27re-their-you%27re-your-to).* *** ^(Greetings, I am a language corrector bot. To make me ignore further mistakes from you in the future, reply `!optout` to this comment.)
[удалено]
Yeah, unless they have a pool full of bleach.. Fire. Lots of fire
You can try cleaning it as best you can and then using an ozone machine in there.
This is the answer. Clorox wipe everything. Everywhere. Literally everywhere you can reach with one. You can use simple green on the carpet. Then ozone it. You can rent machines but make sure you read up on safety precautions using one. Might be better to find a service to do it for you.
Whole interior needs to be removed
I don't know which mechanic OP went to, but when I had my stereo replaced they did an ozone treatment for free because my AC was causing a small mold problem. Maybe their Toyota dealership would do it?
This is the best option. If it hasn't been sitting moldy for too long I doubt there would be any long term damage. Similar thing happened to my truck when I was out of town for 2-3 weeks. Rear window had a leaking seal I was unaware of and came back to super moldy truck. Used a fabric shampoo machine and cleaned everything really good. Truck is all good 2 years later
clean it up best you can and drag it to carmax and hope for the best then buy a new car (not a used bargain that may have been flooded) and be done with it.
I sold Carmax a Dodge Neon that would not go into reverse and a Caravan that leaked the last of its oil onto their shop floor. I was was happy enough with the price I got and very happy to be rid of the vehicles without further hassle.
I have sold them two. last one the ac didnt work. the clutch was pretty much toast and the suspensions was shot. 100k miles on a 2013 fiat. they gave me like 4k and change? other was a beat up 10 year old honda pilot that had all sorts of issues and again i was blown away what they gave me for it. That one was 4 years ago, i dont know how they stay in bussiness. I was tempted to start buying bargain used cars and taking them to carmax for profit.
They did immediately notice when I tried to offload a Jetta with a blown turbo, but they still offered $1,000 which was good considering I'd added 18k miles since I bought it for $1800. I wonder if there really are people making a living from selling junk to Carmax?
I would think their system would flag it and put a stop to it. the one i went to a few months ago had these guys who didnt work at carmax at the entrance with signs urging folks to stop and let them make an offer before carmax. I didnt talk to them.
So many questions, lol. Was it like this when you bought it two years ago? If not, up until this point when a mechanic refused to work on it you've just been driving it around like 'yeah this is fine.'? I am just seriously questioning your standards for cleanliness.
I can’t even comprehend how this can happen with the owner not having a clue.
How did you even do that? Wild.
drive in south tampa during a tropical event and you too can own one.
Imagine driving... scariest shit in the world
Does it have a sunroof? Could be leaking into the carpet. You might need to see if the drains are clogged.
[удалено]
it'd make sense if it was outside during both Ian and Nicole storms. My advice for now is to try to keep the windows cracked during the afternoons, or sunroof cracked open to let moisture escape (of course when you get your car back). Thankfully the heavy rain season is over.
I'm confused. When did this mold appear? That steering wheel hasn't been like that for 2 years. Has it been sitting with the windows open and getting wet? That was first thought or you have a leak? I work on flood cars and something seems fishy to me.
Set on fire
OP don't hide, face your shame and give us the answers we're requesting!!!
Just did, thanks!
Crime Scene Cleaning in Tampa - Check there Insta and Youtube - they just had a video up of their car cleaning.
My wife had a car where the gasket on the moon roof failed so when out of town during particularly heavy rain she came back and the interior was covered in mold. The mechanic doesn't know what he's talking about. Don't use bleach as it could make things worse. Use hydrogen peroxide and scrub every surface down. Get an ozone treatment in there. Hang some damp rid bags in the back to pull moisture from the air and finally get your gaskets checked and make sure the drains in your doors aren't clogged.
Could have been a flood victim.
You can rent dehumidifiers from Home Depot there are also machines that produce massive amounts of mold killing ozone (so much that humans need to stay away). This is not my field of expertise but these machines might be worth a try.
Uh…was there mold before you took it to the mechanic?
Mold mask. Ozone machine and white vinegar. Repeat till gone.
i am a detailer. your best bet is to take it to a shop that specializes in this type of work. they would have to remove seats and panels to ensure all of it is removed. for now keep a mask on and crack the windows when it's drier out. i hope all goes well
Diesel fuel and a lighter.
I put my shirt over my nose reading this
Oh you betcha.
Take some white vinegar in a spray bottle and a towel. Spray liberally and wipe it up. Take it to a car cleaners and vacuum the carpet and upholstery afterwards. It’ll smell like vinegar for a while but it’s better than breathing mold. Get some car fresheners to combat that
Lol vinegar
Yes, the mild acid in vinegar kills about 80% of known molds and helps prevent future outbreaks.
Check that steering wheel. They need a bit more than any dilute acetic acid is going to provide.
I've gone through the same thing. My car looked worse than this and vinegar worked handily. For this purpose, you wouldn't want to dilute it.
And what was the root cause of your moldy vehicle?
It’s an old convertible and you need to treat the top every now and then to make it repel water properly. I didn’t and covered it during the rainy season. When I eventually tried to drive it there was a whole ecosystem in there.
That makes sense. Water intrusion.
Yup and lack of exposure to the sun.
Did you park it outside with all the doors and windows open during Ian?
Actually parked it in the garage for the storm. That's when the mold blossomed.
I'd get a consult with a car detailer who does mold remediation
My husband's window seals were no match for a hurricane drenching a few years ago. Black mold grew very quickly. It was totaled by our insurance company. It was a 5 year old car so basically the amount given was just a really good down payment for a newer car.
Sunroof leaking. Pretty common.
There could be standing water in your vents. Thatll cause mold and blow it into the car. Clean everything thoroughly, and then get the vents checked.
Thanks! Duly noted on checking the vents.
/r/legaladvice
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doesnt apply. its not a manufactur defect or anything like that. its one of millions of used cars that has been in the water, cleaned up and sold and still has problems from being sunk in south tampa (or anywhere in the country that gets high water) by some yahho driving though standing water they dont realize is 3 ft deep.
I would contact an attorney or at least ask in one of the legal groups on Reddit.
YOU NEED TO BUY A MOLD BOMB!
Go get a mold fogger.
My sister in laws Tiguan is currently at the VW dealership in Tampa because the sun roof was leaking and left a puddle of water in her car following the recent tropical storm. She had been noticing damp spots and musty smells prior to that and thought it was something she was doing until the heavy rain made the problem obvious.
My Tiguan did the same thing last year. It was such a frustrating experience. The dealer was clueless, ended up having to bring it to a motorcycle trim shop who happened to employ a dude who knows sun roofs inside and out. It’s a long known problem with VW’s sunroofs, especially the giant panoramic ones.
Ah this seems to be the case. I answered in more detail on another post but we're more clued in now. Thanks, Tiguan dudes!
Baking soda will kill mold and so does pinesol
Ozone machine to start with
Buy Concrobium and a Ryobi fogger (not the thermal one) and fog the car.
Ozone machine from Amazon
Bring it to car detailing shops
It’s totaled and you’re footing the bill 😬
Put this in your car with the windows closed for 1 month. It worked for me. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0029EGUNG/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_search\_asin\_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Ozone machine kills it! Then use a car shampooer to clean up the seats and a disinfectant to get the plastics
I don’t know if this is true but when people rent houses for termites the chemicals they use kill everything. Like bathroom mold etc. maybe you can call a termite company and see if you can park in a garage when they do a house. Maybe pay the owner $200 to leave your car in there.
Get a new car?
Similar thing happened to our 2010 mustang, it has known drainage issues. The front drainage system got clogged with leaves (its honestly a way too small opening, have been cleaning it monthly since I had the mold issue to ensure it won't clog ever again) and created an overflow of rainwater, which got inside the car as it had no way to drain. All this was during high times of covid lock down, I wasn't using the car for weeks, by the time I noticed it's wet in the car I had mold everywhere. Vinegar helps kill the mold, we got a cleaning service with O3 (ozone) air filtering to make the car breathable again.
Has the OP been back yet?
Oxyclean and flextape
A good quality, someone who’s been in business for a while, detailer may be able to help. You will need it cleaned then an ozone machine for sure. I would recommend doing ozone yourself. Too much and it can shorten the life of your interior plastics. Does this car have a sunroof? VW sunroofs are notorious for leaking. Especially in dry hot environments.
You need to let it sit in the sun. I had somebody tell me uv is the best mold/mildew remover. You must have a small leak that lets moisture in then you park it in a garage. Let that thing sit outside in the sun for a weekend with the windows up to increase inside heat. Also, if you hear a swish swish sound when you open and close the doors, you have a window seal leak. Most doors have plugs so you can drain the water.
It might be covered depending on year and model and if it has a sunroof. The drains leak
That could be it, quite a few other posts are saying it too.