Car wasn't driven for AGES, light mold inside

[Anonymous]

Hi there, anyone know a DC-area mechanic or garage that would clean the mold out of a 15 yr old car really well and for not a crazy amount of money? A guy who does mold remediation said he'd charge me $300 to clean the mold out of the inside of the car, but if possible it would be great to find someone who could do it well but cost more like $150 because that's about what I have to spend on it?

Any recommendations?

And if you know someone great, please post about them anyway even if htey're a bit more expensive because it may take another year but I'd rather know of someone good than no one at all.

Thanks everyone!

[Anonymous]

First, are you sure it's mold?

Ask him what technique he's going to use, look it up on YouTube to double-check, and then do it yourself.

Personally, $300 doesn't seem too high for me, if it's really mold all over.

[Anonymous]

A mold guy said it was mold, but I guess I'm not sure myself. I wonder what else it could be if not mold?

I'm pretty sure I don't want to handle cleaning mold by myself, even if I have all the supplies. But I will look the process up on youtube.

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A mold guy said it was mold, but I guess I'm not sure myself. I wonder what else it could be if not mold?

I'm pretty sure I don't want to handle cleaning mold by myself, even if I have all the supplies. But I will look the process up on youtube.

Thanks!

Is there some reason you can’t clean it yourself?

Where in the car is the mold located? How do you think it grew there? Was the car stored in a dark, damp place?

[Anonymous]

Its very possible (if not likely) that it is mildew, not mold. If it wipes off easily, it's probably just mildew. If so, I'd just open up the car and put on a respirator mask and go at it with a vinegar solution.

https://restorationmasterfinder.com/restoration/difference-between-mold-and-mildew/

[Anonymous]

I get it all the time as my car leaks. I just wash the floor mats in the washer and use a portable carpet cleaner on the rugs and it helps.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A mold guy said it was mold, but I guess I'm not sure myself. I wonder what else it could be if not mold?

I'm pretty sure I don't want to handle cleaning mold by myself, even if I have all the supplies. But I will look the process up on youtube.

Thanks!

If you can only afford $150 to clean out a moldy car, you'd better learn not to be squeamish, OP!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A mold guy said it was mold, but I guess I'm not sure myself. I wonder what else it could be if not mold?

I'm pretty sure I don't want to handle cleaning mold by myself, even if I have all the supplies. But I will look the process up on youtube.

Thanks!

If you can only afford $150 to clean out a moldy car, you'd better learn not to be squeamish, OP!

I see your point PP, but it's not about squeamish, it's about safety. I suppose your point is still the same, if I can only afford $150 then I'd better adjust to the safety concerns?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A mold guy said it was mold, but I guess I'm not sure myself. I wonder what else it could be if not mold?

I'm pretty sure I don't want to handle cleaning mold by myself, even if I have all the supplies. But I will look the process up on youtube.

Thanks!

If you can only afford $150 to clean out a moldy car, you'd better learn not to be squeamish, OP!

I see your point PP, but it's not about squeamish, it's about safety. I suppose your point is still the same, if I can only afford $150 then I'd better adjust to the safety concerns?

Most mold is not dangerous. Get a mask and wear gloves.

[Anonymous]

Does the $300 include cleaning the Sir vents and ducts in the car? Because if there is mold/mildew on the hard surfaces inside the car then it is in your air system. I would pay to have that cleaned and clean the rest yourself.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A mold guy said it was mold, but I guess I'm not sure myself. I wonder what else it could be if not mold?

I'm pretty sure I don't want to handle cleaning mold by myself, even if I have all the supplies. But I will look the process up on youtube.

Thanks!

If you can only afford $150 to clean out a moldy car, you'd better learn not to be squeamish, OP!

I see your point PP, but it's not about squeamish, it's about safety. I suppose your point is still the same, if I can only afford $150 then I'd better adjust to the safety concerns?

What safety concerns? Are you severely allergic to mold? If not, most mold is not dangerous when you're cleaning it up.

And good point about the ventilation system. Change the filters and run it for a long time, windows open.