Interior mold and mildew

**Wetwerks** · 05-04-2007, 12:03 PM

Have a question concerning the above topic. My partner and I went to quote a full interior on an all original 68 GTO. The owner is a movie producer and the car had been sitting outside for about 6 months, before that it had been stored in a garage since he purchased it about 18 months ago. Well since it had been sitting out, there is mold growing all over the seats, doors, and rear deck. Pretty much this stuff is everywhere, even on the seatbelts. It also smelled like my grandfathers basement back in NJ :faint: . His assistant informed us that he needed just the interior cleaned up for an upcoming shoot in June. No exterior work because the movie requires the exterior to look (used, abused, and dirty) which it already is due to sitting for so long.

We have equipment (Mytee HP60, Vapormaster 3000) but no ozone generator. The main focus is the mold and "some" odor removal. We have an assortment of APC`s including Amazing roll-off. Has anyone ever addressed something like this? Recommendations, suggestions? I know that several detailers are bidding for the job, I just want to be prepared if we get the call. TIA

Walter

Co-owner

**Wetwerks** · 05-04-2007, 01:52 PM

Just got the call about 10 minutes ago and scheduled for next Thursday :woot: . Alright guys really need that advice now!

Thanks

Walter

Co-owner

**bsdsys** · 05-04-2007, 02:13 PM

Well, from my experience of doing "some" mold cleanup it is almost necessary to completely remove everything the mold came in contact with. It is airborn and I would wear a face mask when messing with the stuff. Very dangerous stuff. When you think you got all the mold, YOU DONT!

I have never done anything related to mold in a car or anything but would "almost" be sertain there is no way around removal. BUT, if the car is just for a movie and you just want to clean it up then you could go with your typical process of cleaning the interior and address your concerns about the mold to the customer.

Maybe, someone with more experience with mold removal on automotive materials can help you but that is my thoughts on mold "in general".

Bryan

**BobD** · 05-04-2007, 02:27 PM

It`s a pain! You are goign to want to remove everything, including the seat fabric to check the foam. The foam may have to even be replaced if you can not clean it all. Also be sure to dry the foam and everything else 100% before putting it all back together.

**Wetwerks** · 05-04-2007, 02:50 PM

I`ll be sure to check everything out. The seat are either leather or vinyl so it has spot patchs of spores growing all over it. Really noticeable along the stitching and piping areas. Also have to be sure to pack the respirators for this job.

Danase- PM replied.

Thanks

Walter

Co-owner

**Flexin** · 05-04-2007, 08:47 PM

Its hard to even try to talk me into wanting to do a car like that anymore. I can`t stand mold and mildew. My shop smelled like it for 4 days after the last one. :grrr

James

**Anthony O.** · 05-04-2007, 09:30 PM

Here ya go.

Mildew Mold Remover

Anthony

**todd@bsaw** · 05-04-2007, 11:58 PM

If the mold is black, stay away, wear a respirator, and be very careful. Mold is dangerous and usually tacks an extra $50 to $100 for removal depending on the severity. Your job sounds pretty serious so it all depends on how much the owner wants `temporarily` removed. If the spores are collecting around the piping in the seats, it`s probably inside the seats/foam like someone else already said. You can get rid of what you see but it will still be there.

Bleach does the best mixed 4:1 with water and make sure you get everywhere (remove trim, carpet, seats, ets...). Again, drying completely is key before giving it back to the client.