How to clean mold from vinyl seats?

B

bergxu

New member
Hey all,



New to the forum, although I've lurked for quite some time now. Anyhow, I'm writing to ask about removing mold from vinyl seats and door panels. I recently brought my '67 MGB out of a five year hibernation in a barn and I've got some mold on the seats. I've looked 'round the web, but can't seem to find a clear answer on what to use to effectively kill the mold and also keep it from coming back. The seats are in nice shape (I used to drive the car regularly) so I don't want to use anything on them which could hurt the stitching or potentially discolor them. The seats are black with red piping. I'm posting from my iPhone so I'll try to attach some pics;



Thanks all in advance for any help!



Regards,

Aaron



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Steam will efficiently clean and neutralize mould spores.



If not available clean using Iz einszett 'Plastik-Reiniger' an intensive, non-corrosive, non-acidic two-phase deep cleaner for urethane covered upholstery and vinyl trim, that removes grime build-up thoroughly and effortlessly, these chemicals restore the original texture, tactile feel and resiliency; use to clean all coloured and clear water-based acrylic polyurethane covered automotive upholstery and vinyl; this product is biodegradable, silicone and formalin-free as well as being environmentally friendly.



Applications - wash vinyl surfaces with soapy water and rinse with clean water and then thoroughly dry. Then use 1z einszett Plastik Reiniger. Do not use products that contain petroleum distillates as urethane absorbs them and causes it to yellow or silicon oil formulations as they are build-up type products which accelerate heat damage



Protection - 1z einszett Vinyl Rubber Care & Potectant "Tiefenpfleger” provides a temperature-resistant seal and a low-shine matte finish Dust-resistant and retards the fading effects of UV rays to keep exterior ‘rubber’ and vinyl looking like new. UV protection is a sacrificial / renewable component; this is due to the UV protection layer being degraded by exposure to the elements (sun, sand, road or sea salt, and etc) so it is imperative that you renew it and needs to be re-applied on a regular basis (dependent upon location climatic condition)



Application - Spray onto a clean micro fibre towel, agitate it well and then allow it to remain in place for 10-15 minutes. Finally using a clean micro fibre towel buff it to ensure it permeates
 
Do whatever you want, but I always use scrubbing bubbles and a mr clean magic eraser on that problem - not that I see it often. spray the mr clean from the bottom up so it doesn't drip down over untreated material, let it dwell for a minute then start at the top and scrub down with the magic eraser and wipe up the residue with a wrung out microfiber cloth. Then go over the whole thing again to make sure you killed it all. Wear a mask when working on mold, some of that stuff will kill you and use gloves, always with scrubbing bubbles.



Robert
 
Thanks guys. So, if steam is the consensus, what's the best one to get for this application? Presumably a clothes steamer won't be aggressive enough or get hot enough?



Always meant to buy a powerful steam cleaner for engine degreasing but I'll start small for now and just get my interior smelling and looking better. Also, would one of those Bissel portable carpet cleaning machines work to get any nasties from the carpets adequately? They don't appear to be moldy, however the car has a bit of a "barn" odor in it and I'm missing that lovely vintage British car smell :(
 
bergxu said:
I've looked 'round the web, but can't seem to find a clear answer on what to use to effectively kill the mold and also keep it from coming back. ]
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A long-term leather fungicidal solution is what you will need to effectively killing the mold and deterring its re-infestation for duration of 8 months.



This is recommended after a complete stripping of surface contaminants prior to fungicidal solution application.



I may agree to “steam” the mold, but would not recommend, “steaming” the vinyl – a question on the plasticizer that keeps the vinyl soft!





Roger Koh

[email protected]
 
bergxu- Welcome to Autopia!



I too would use a fungicide. I've used Moldstat Plus on all sorts of surfaces with a) great results and b) no issues. Get a bottle and you'll probably find all sorts of uses for it (household, around that barn, etc.). Really easy and effective stuff IME.
 
Accumulator said:
bergxu- Welcome to Autopia!



I too would use a fungicide. I've used Moldstat Plus on all sorts of surfaces with a) great results and b) no issues. Get a bottle and you'll probably find all sorts of uses for it (household, around that barn, etc.). Really easy and effective stuff IME.
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Mold is usually caused by moisture in the environment... I would think it would be a good idea to determine where the moisture is coming from....is the vehicle damp, under-padding wet, is there high humidity in the area where the vehicle is stored.. Solve the cause and then choose the appropriate cleaning agent and moldstat.
 
Automania said:
Mold is usually caused by moisture in the environment... I would think it would be a good idea to determine where the moisture is coming from...
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Yeah, don't want to be redoing this all the time! With any luck it was just the result of that "barn hibernation" and won't be an ongoing issue. I can sympathize, it's just sooo easy to let the "out of sight, out of mind" thing bite you.
 
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