Interior mold build up - leather

[198491132]

I posted over in the detailing forum, but not sure many filks read over there.

Hello All, been wet here in the north east and my leather interior on my 3.2 is taking a beating with mold attack. I have read white vinegar is a good tool for removal. Anyone have some guidance on removing molding how to keep it off?

Thanks, Dave

[RSBob]

This appears to be a good remedy, thoughtfully written. Will try it on my VW mold.

3 Natural Ways To Remove Mold From Car Seats and Interior | Wheels Guide

I used Griot’s mold Exterminator to get rid of moldy and old car funky smell on my 911, 914 and Sportwagen with excellent results. https://www.griotsgarage.com/product/odor+exterminator.do

[Evans, Marv]

After you remove the mold, there are a number of moisture absorbents you can get at H.D. or off of Amazon. They need to be changed out periodically.

[gtc]

also try a small heat source to keep the moisture away.

[sky1jord]

From the Obenhuaf website:

"DEALING WITH MOLD AND MILDEW ON LEATHER
Mild vinegar and water solution kills mold at the root. Once you have eliminated the mold, you need to immediately treat the article with Obenauf’s Leather Oil or LP to restore the natural oils. Obenauf’s Leather Oil and Heavy Duty LP have anti-bacterial properties that will provide protection from future mold and mildew problems. Dirty and damp leather will mold. Keep it clean and treated with a preservative and stored in ventilated dry areas."

[porsche930dude]

I use Damprid buckets in my cars it works great. To remove mold I just wipe it down with normal cleaners. I think the leather conditioner allows for mold growth more than anything else. I put some on a vinal seat in my relatively dry basement and it got moldy quick.

[gshiwota]

I use a Mcculloch steam cleaner with excellent results in removing mold and years of dirt from my leather interior. Steam works so well on leather I always use it now before I condition and treat my leather seats.

[merlinfe]

Lysol to treat. Then control the humidity while storing.

-Steve

[reclino]

I chose the nuclear option. SunPac mildewcide. It is 91% Paraformaldehyde. It is only available for sale in Florida, they won't ship it out of state. I bought a bunch online, shipped it to a friend and he delivered it to me here in North Carolina. I have a pack in the cabin, and one in the trunk. It sublimates from solid to gas, but it's heavier than Air, so I have a small fan in the cabin blowing air up and around. That plus about 10 lbs of silica gel desiccant in the car I rotate out every 4 months or so. The mold is dead, any bugs that find there way in are dead, mice don't want to be anywhere near it, or they are dead. Perfect solution for long term storage. Just need to air the car out well before returning to service. I understand it's often used for long term storage of boats.
David