Had a 1987 911 covered in a dry New Hampshire barn for just over two
years. Pulled it out and there was light mold all over the interior.
After detailing there's no visible mold but the car has a persistent
odor that I believe is mold-related. Practical remedies to deal with
the mold and/or odor appreciated.
WC

"WCH" <whexeterDEL@ETEyahooTHIS.com> wrote in message
news:0O-dnZ31Ep0EKIDYnZ2dnUVZ_tudnZ2d@comcast.com...


There are ozone generators designed specifically to be used in cars and are
reported to be effective in killing mold and removing mold odor. They are
often used in older, classic cars that have had mold problems in the
carpeting.
A Google search will result in many types and manufacturers. Nice thing is
that you don't risk damaging interior surfaces with harsh chemicals.

Eisboch

Eisboch wrote:

Wet vacuuming, followed by using a HEPA vacuum after it's thoroughly dry
would be more effective, I think.


Actually, ozone *is* a harsh chemical! In particular ozone can
accelerate the disintegration of rubber components, including window
seals and carpet backing. See http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/ozonegen.html
for more detailed information. One thing that they note is that ozone
generators won't actually remove mold spores effectively unless the
ozone concentration is 5-10 times the maximum level for human safety.
That might not be a problem in a closed car with nobody inside, but I
think it's not the most efficient way to do it. See
http://www.epa.gov/mold/index.html for some practical tips on mold
remediation.

Ed

I appreciate the responses and varying perspectives. I noted the
cautions from the EPA about ozone effectiveness at "low" levels and
toxicity risks, although as noted using an ozone generator inside a
closed car could easily exceed safe ozone levels for inhabited spaces
and should mitigate that risk. I'm skeptical about wet vacuuming and
HEPA vacuuming because of my concern that mold may be deep inside the
car upholstery. No doubt such a method would be less radical but might
not be effective. But I don't KNOW that, either, having no experience
in this area.

If I decide to go with an ozone generator to kill the mold and the odor,
do I have to buy one or are there reputable sources where one may be
rented or applied by professionals? I'm in NH, as noted earlier, which
is lovely and all but may not have a high concentration of technicians
for such things. It's easy to Internet browse and find sources to buy
an ozone generator, but if I went, say, to the exotic used car dealer
nearby would they be likely to have such a thing and would that be a
viable means of getting the machine or treatment? I'm perfectly willing
to do research and legwork but would much appreciate having the benefit
of the knowledge of others.
Thanks again --
WC

Ed Beroset wrote:

WCH wrote:

I live in the southeastern US and it's humid here, so mold is not at all
uncommon. Another place I've seen mold in cars is inside the door.
Specifically, on the plastic vapor barrier. You have to disassemble the
door to get in there to scrub it (I've done that before, but not on my
Porsche). That might be a point in favor of ozone -- I can tell you
that scrubbing off mold can really be a lot of work, no matter what
chemical assist you use! If you've already cleaned mechanically as much
as you can, ozone might be worth a try.


I understand there are places where one can rent them. A friend in the
northeast some years ago did so after his basement had flooded and said
it seemed to help.


Try typing "ozone rental" into your favorite search engine. You might
even find something local. There seem to be a number of such
businesses, but I don't have any experience with one.

If you try one, please keep us all posted as to the results. I don't
currently have any moldy cars, but I've had that problem in the past and
even passed up a bargain price on a Porsche once because it had a mold
problem.

Ed

Ed Beroset wrote:

My 911 spent the night at a detailing shop with a commercial ozone
generator closed up inside. I don't think it effected the odor at all! I
could still smell it right away and it hasn't faded in four days. I
hosed the interior down with Febreze(sp?) yesterday. Didn't phase the
odor at all. Now what???

I;ll bet if you decided on an Arizona vacation, your mold would just wither
and die - and it would be thouroughly baked it you left your car there over
the summer - or bring it farther west and visit beautiful Mojave in the
summer - or any of the other places with single digit humidity and triple
digit temperatures.




--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com

have you tried the forums on Rennlist.com?


"WCH" <whexeterDEL@ETEyahooTHIS.com> wrote in message
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"WCH" <whexeterDEL@ETEyahooTHIS.com> wrote in message
news:tPOdncT0O_muarrYnZ2dnUVZ_tudnZ2d@comcast.com. ..

idn't phase the odor at all. Now what???

a couple of large (Churchill size) cigars. I recommend Vargas Reserve; mild
and aromatic, earthy tones, an excellent smoke (but not inexpensive).