How to Dry a Rained-In Car

by Editorial Team

If cars were living organisms, they'd be about the only ones on Earth meant to be wet on the outside and dry on the inside. And that is usually the case -- but when it isn't, you're bound to run into not only mechanical, electrical and rust issues, but with mold and mildew as well. If you someday awake to the horrifying realization that you left your windows down in monsoon season, it's crucial that you dry the interior out as quickly and thoroughly as possible. Every drop of water has mold spores waiting to flourish.

Step 1

Keep your car in a garage or covered area while you work on it. Open the doors and keep them open so the outside air can pass through. Remove floor mats and dry them in the sun.

Step 2

Check your wet-dry vacuum to make sure there's nothing in it, because it's going to fill with water soon. Start on the seats, working your way down, from top to bottom. Suck up as much water as you can. If you're worried about your vehicle smelling, use baking soda to sprinkle over the areas that you will vacuum.

Step 3

Vacuuming will not dry up all the water, so take your towels to rub seats and the floor as well as possible. Fold the dry towels and sit on them in the seats. This will bring up more water to the surface. Don’t wear good clothes for this; you may get wet.

Step 4

It's a good idea to have fans going on your car around the clock. For spot drying, use your hairdryer.

Step 5

Spray the inside fabrics with a deodorizer for the next few days. Continue to air it out. You can do this by leaving the windows down when you go for a drive or have it outside -- preferably under a covered area.

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