Mold

How to Prevent

Mold forms from moisture and stagnant air

• therefore, if windows closed, the mold will generate in closed left cars
  • 1/4"->1/2" window gap
• tiny airflow (parted windows) will prevent mold

Remove moisture from air

A/C removes moisture from air and dumps it under the car

DampRid (chemically)

• home depot 11oz container, $4
• home depot bag, 8oz bag, $3
• home depot refill, $5
• Lasts about 1 month
• 10–15 oz container
• Silica gel packs work the same but are more expensive/smaller formfactor (food pouches)

A dehumidifier would work but needs electricity and the cost of electricity over time would probably exceed the bag usage!

Best method to clean

Hydrogen peroxide (3%) - spray

• walmart 8 floz spray, $2
• Safer than bleach for interiors
• Spray → wait 10 min → blot
• Effective on fabrics and carpet

Alternative Methods to Clean

White vinegar (undiluted)

• Spray on hard surfaces, seat fabric, carpets
• Let sit 10–15 min, then wipe/blot
• Kills ~80–90% of mold species

70% isopropyl alcohol

• Excellent for plastics, vinyl, leather (spot test)
• Fast-evaporating, no residue

Quaternary ammonium disinfectant

• Stronger, prevents regrowth
• Lysol, Concrobium Mold Control

Heat via steam cleaning

Best solutions

• Air treatment
  • ozone treatment
    • $50 home depot ozone generator (O3, reactive to mold)
    • Run for 30min -> 2 hours with all doors/windows closed (run 1-2 times)
    • Wipe/vaccuum mold prior, because it kills spores rather than colonies
  • chlorine dioxide treatment (professional)
• seat foam replacement