How to Clean Mildew from Old Seat Belts
by Shelley MooreMildew is a type of mold that can grow on many different surfaces. It usually appears thin and dark, but may also be white. Mildew grows in moist heat. It can develop on seat belts if they get wet from rain or spilled liquids and then are retracted while still damp. Seat belts must be cleaned without removing them to ensure their safety functioning remains sound.
Step 1
Open the vehicle doors and pull the affected seat belt out as far as it will go. Brush off the surface mildew outside the car, if possible, to prevent scattering it around the car interior. Otherwise, you can brush it into a plastic bag and then throw the bag away.
Step 2
Use a sponge or rag to hand-wash the seat belt with laundry detergent; then rinse it with a clean wet rag.
Step 3
Wipe down the seat belt with a rag moistened with one part rubbing alcohol and one part water if the detergent doesn't do the trick, and rinse again.
Step 4
Use a commercial disinfectant household cleaner if any mildew still remains, following directions on the product labeling. These cleaners may discolor the seat belt fabric, so you should spot-test the cleaner on a very small area first.
Step 5
Leave the windows open and air-dry the seat belt (in direct sunlight, if possible). Prevent the belt from retracting by looping it over the steering wheel, the shift lever, or a window crank handle or door handle.
References
Tips
- Remove mildew from seat belts (and any other surface) as soon as you notice it, because it can cause permanent damage if left for a prolonged time.
Things You'll Need
- Small disposable brush
- Plastic bag
- Laundry detergent
- Sponges
- Rags
- Rubbing alcohol
- Water
- Commercial disinfectant household cleaner
Writer Bio
Shelley Moore is a journalist and award-winning short-story writer. She specializes in writing about personal development, health, careers and personal finance. Moore has been published in "Family Circle" magazine and the "Milwaukee Sentinel" newspaper, along with numerous other national and regional magazines, daily and weekly newspapers and corporate publications. She has a Bachelor of Science in psychology.
