Halps! It rained torrentially this morning, I discovered my driver window was down.

[Bill]

Suggestions?

I've got the car running with the ac on high, set to moderately warm. I removed the floor mat. It's going to rain more all day, so opening the windows and letting it air out in the wind isn't an option.

Should I get a fan in there, too? Should I buy a dehumidifier rather than mess up my electric window controls? Is it too late?

:banghead:

[DJ_Critterus]

Fill the cab with rice to soak up any moisture inside :cheers:

[Anjdog2003]

You should quit driving. You're old and a hazard on the road.


YW

[IB4TL]

Several cups of baking soda need to be left in the car for 1-2 days.

Seriously.

I made the same mistake ~10 years ago. :cert:

[Unsuspicious]

What kind of car?
If you had puddles then you're gonna have to remove the seat and pull carpet otherwise it's going to be dank.

[Aerovette]

https://www.amazon.com/DampRid-Hi-Capacity-Moisture-Absorber-Bucket/dp/B0BQX5N9QY/ref=asc_df_B0BQX5N9QY/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=647314350455&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3362918972976160869&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9027781&hvtargid=pla-1969504153424&mcid=2b2d21c4dddd36a69d927c0d55860983&th=1

[Chuck A]

ouch
very not good, indeed

[LATB]

Trade that junk asap

[04 commemorative]

Wet vac the water out from under the carpet and then unbolt seats,remove them then remove carpet and padding to dry.

[Mick]

Sell the car, get a monthly bus pass. You're welcome.

[Chuck A]

Sell the car, get a monthly bus pass. You're welcome.

:lol::lol::shots::D

[Bill]

What kind of car?
If you had puddles then you're gonna have to remove the seat and pull carpet otherwise it's going to be dank.

It's a Cruze. The only standing water was in the recessed area to grab the door handle, maybe 1/4." Just the driver window was down.

I've just had the car running with the a/c on warm, just changed the setting to have it blow on the floorboards.

[04 commemorative]

If the floor is not flooded as you seemed to indicate.....use some paper towels to get the little bit of water out of handle .....why would you even ask what to do ?:confused5:

[DJ_Critterus]

It's a Cruze. The only standing water was in the recessed area to grab the door handle, maybe 1/4." Just the driver window was down.

I've just had the car running with the a/c on warm, just changed the setting to have it blow on the floorboards.

Did any electronics under the seat get wet? Chebby is known for keeping body modules down there.

[The_Dude]

trade it in

[The_Dude]

My wife would pull out all of the seats, the carpet, and put a fan in there.

[Chuck A]

i would use a blow dryer on high speed and warm for a couple of minutes get the area dry and slowly work in areas

[KenHorse]

Progressives love car pools.

Sell it to one

[Bill]

If the floor is not flooded as you seemed to indicate.....use some paper towels to get the little bit of water out of handle .....why would you even ask what to do ?:confused5:


I took bath towels out and blotted the carpet and seat bottom. The seat back wasn't really effected, thankfully. The a/c is drying the surfaces out, but the problem will be, the whole carpet and jute are probably wet, as well as the seat cushion foam, and that has to be dried ASAP before mold starts.

I'm on a time clock here, and since it's still raining hard here on and off all day, my options are somewhat limited. I don't have anywhere dry to even remove the seat, and I really don't want to pull the carpet if I don't have to. I'd prefer to dehumidify, and pull the water out that way.

I'm contemplating just letting the car run all day, using the a/c to do that.

[Bill]

Did any electronics under the seat get wet? Chebby is known for keeping body modules down there.

Everything underneath feels dry, but I've had the car running for about an hour now, so the only areas that feel damp are obviously the carpet and seat. There's molded plastic at the bottom of the seat, which covered the seat motor and, I assume, seat heater module, although the seat heater hasn't worked in years. They're delicate wires, not made for fat people to sit on them.

[ZipZap]

Move away from the Gulf.
With highs in the teens and dewpoints in single digits, we just park outside for a week. All moisture freezes and then sublimates away.

[Bill]

Move away from the Gulf.
With highs in the teens and dewpoints in single digits, we just park outside for a week. All moisture freezes and then sublimates away.

This information would have been more helpful.....about 40 years ago.


Thnaks.

[Unsuspicious]

Do you have a carpet deep cleaner? Those things do a good job sucking up moisture in fabric, it's just a narrow thin nozzle to concentrate all the suction. A shopvac with wide tip might get close.
Keep a window open and throw a tarp over to keep new rain out. Could even crack open the door and tarp that. Get the air flowing, extension cord and fan.
I wouldn't idle the car just to run its blowers.

[Taurus]

It's a Cruze. The only standing water was in the recessed area to grab the door handle, maybe 1/4." Just the driver window was down.

I've just had the car running with the a/c on warm, just changed the setting to have it blow on the floorboards.

A Cruz? Part it out.

Damn you Joe Biden!

[BRUIZER]

Air movement not heat.
Heat and dampness mixed with darkness will create mold.
Pull carpet back
Pull padding underneath.
Air dry everthing.

[SurfnSun]

shop vac or extract the water, put a dehumidifier in it with all windows up and door closed. Let it run over night.

I had a clogged sunroof drain on my Explorer. I did this and it was completely dry the next morning.

[jw38]

It's a Cruze. The only standing water was in the recessed area to grab the door handle, maybe 1/4." Just the driver window was down.

I've just had the car running with the a/c on warm, just changed the setting to have it blow on the floorboards.

Leave the windows and doors open, especially if it's raining. It's a freaking Cruze. Get it totalled for water damage and then buy a real car.

[Frankie the Fink]

When my '61 Corvette got rained on (the car leaked horribly) I would put a box fan on a stand, level with the car's floor, and run it on high across the interior with the opposite door open as well. Usually things dried out overnight.

[Rodnok1]

Wet vac the water out from under the carpet and then unbolt seats,remove them then remove carpet and padding to dry.

If it's soaked this is only option to avoid mold and mildew long term. If just wet some lift the carpet up and put fans o it to dry. It'll take days in winter to dry out.
No way ypu will ever get all the moisture out from the top, it'll stink sooner than later.

[CurtP]

This thread is about you: https://www.thevettebarn.com/forums/showthread.php?t=135732

[Bill]

Drove the car for about an hour, then an hour back. The seat of my pants and back of my shirt were dry when I got out each time. The carpet seems to be the main issue. I've got a fan blowing directly on it and have been cycling the car on and off, about 40 minutes a time. If it's not raining tomorrow, I guess I'll figure out how to get the carpet off. Thankfully a cold front blew in, so I should have some time before mildew sets in.

[Swany00]

make sure you don't leave your window down again

[JRD77VET]

make sure you don't leave your window down again

:iagree: You did put up the window, right? :toetap:

[Datawiz]

leaf blower

[Bill]

leaf blower

That's actually a decent idea. I think I'll try that tomorrow. I still think the answer is to put a dehumidifier in the car with the fan on.

[Rodnok1]

Carpet not the issue, the padding under it is.
No garage to pull in put fan on it maybe with heater after peal carpet up some?

[Bruze]

Simple: Flip the car over, put a bunch of towels on the headliner, and squeeze them out as the water drips down and soaks them. https://i.postimg.cc/tCLrF1Jj/whistle.gif


94490

[higgyburners]

I could never own a car with carpet again....Disgusting

[Bill]

Simple: Flip the car over, put a bunch of towels on the headliner, and squeeze them out as the water drips down and soaks them. https://i.postimg.cc/tCLrF1Jj/whistle.gif


94490

It seems the carpet is just about dry, as pressing in a paper towel hard into the carpet barely gets the paper towel slightly damp. The problem is going to be getting the jute dry. I'll leave the fan on it all night and see what it feels like in the morning.

[Bruze]

It seems the carpet is just about dry, as pressing in a paper towel hard into the carpet barely gets the paper towel slightly damp. The problem is going to be getting the jute dry. I'll leave the fan on it all night and see what it feels like in the morning.

How did you manage to leave the window open? :confused:

[Unsuspicious]

I could never own a car with carpet again....Disgusting

Weathertech mats keep my car dry from wet shoes and probably rain once I get old enough to forget to close the window.

[snide]

You'd think that Houstoninions? Houstonites? Houstoners? people from Houston would be smart enough to close their ****ing windows, what with the ****ing humidity there. :rolleyes:

[z06psi]

Let that one guy drive it and he will total it. Just don't be in the passenger seat.

[LATB]

leaf blower

Occasionally I’ll open all the windows and doors and sunroof and give the leaf blower a go at full throttle.
It works great at blowing out all the dog hair and sand and sawdust.
Wipe the seats and dash off with a damp rag and it’s like a new truck. :D

[Bill]

How did you manage to leave the window open? :confused:

I saw a neighbor on the way in, and was shooting the breeze with him for a while. I just didn't snap to rolling it up when I parked.

Occasionally I’ll open all the windows and doors and sunroof and give the leaf blower a go at full throttle.
It works great at blowing out all the dog hair and sand and sawdust.
Wipe the seats and dash off with a damp rag and it’s like a new truck. :D

Ha! I thought I was the only Redneck Roy that did that! Leaf blower not only cleans the car up, it gets whatever crap you had under the seat out, too.

:cheers:

[04 commemorative]

It seems the carpet is just about dry, as pressing in a paper towel hard into the carpet barely gets the paper towel slightly damp. The problem is going to be getting the jute dry. I'll leave the fan on it all night and see what it feels like in the morning.

one word......MOLD

[04 commemorative]

Weathertech mats keep my car dry from wet shoes and probably rain once I get old enough to forget to close the window.

This :iagree:

[Bruze]

Weathertech mats keep my car dry from wet shoes and probably rain once I get old enough to forget to close the window.

Had them in my truck included with winter package, got them in my Mazda also, although bought a different brand (Maxpiders) which are cheaper, but just as good.

They work great if you're in the mush, slush, and snow. (or if you leave your windows open, although I've never tried that. :rolleyes:)

[VITE1]

I bet you won't do that again.

[Frankie the Fink]

If you get things dried out "thoroughly", there shouldn't be any problems or mold... I've dried out both my split window and '61 Corvettes after Florida monsoons and replaced the carpets a few years later and found no issues (e.g. except for a dead mouse). The sky is not falling (even though rain did).

[snide]

I bet you won't do that again.

... until next time...

[LATB]

Ha! I thought I was the only Redneck Roy that did that! Leaf blower not only cleans the car up, it gets whatever crap you had under the seat out, too.

:cheers:

I resemble that remark. :Jeff '79:

[GTOguy]

It's a Cruze. The only standing water was in the recessed area to grab the door handle, maybe 1/4." Just the driver window was down.

I've just had the car running with the a/c on warm, just changed the setting to have it blow on the floorboards.

Oh. In that case, **** it. Go back inside and sit by the fire. The Cruze won't last long enough for rust or water damage to even be an issue.

[DJ_Critterus]

so, is the truck a penicillin factory, yet?

[Bill]

so, is the truck a penicillin factory, yet?

Update: After continuous fan use, aiming directly on the carpet for 2 straight days, other than when it was driven, I don't detect any smell or dampness.
No condensation appeared on the inside of the windows last night, and as it is warm, sunny, and windy this afternoon, I've left the windows down today as well, to further air it out, albeit without a fan going today.


edit: I have a small ozone generating machine, I may go ahead and put it in the car overnight on low, just to make sure there's nothing going on. I'm a little leery about that, because I know O3 is corrosive, so I don't want to mess up the electronics and other metal structure inside, but like Ripley says in Alien, "it's the only way to be sure."

[Bill]

Weathertech mats keep my car dry from wet shoes and probably rain once I get old enough to forget to close the window.

I looked at the Weathertech mats made for my car. I have them for my truck, and the truck mats are sloped upwards all around the edges, to protect and catch water/debris like what might happen if you, oh, I don't know, say, leave a window down overnight.

The mats offered for the Cruze don't have that. When I removed the flimsy carpeted mat, it was wet, but not supersaturated. The carpet underneath was also wet, I assume, because water came in on the sides, around the edge of the factory floor mat, and leaked under the mat.

In any event, I'd say the next couple of days will tell the tale....either I smell mold, or I don't, and if I run that ozone machine, I may never know if mold growth had started or not.

[MadInNc]

Carmax> Carvana

[Frankie the Fink]

You don't need some ozone machine, gads people forget how much cars leaked inside over the decades without alien spores taking over their minds...

[Yadkin]

Pull the carpet up in the floor area, park the car in the garage and put a fan in there. Same thing happened to my daughter's Mustang 15 years ago and that car is still solid as a rock.

[slewfoot]

I looked at the Weathertech mats made for my car. I have them for my truck, and the truck mats are sloped upwards all around the edges, to protect and catch water/debris like what might happen if you, oh, I don't know, say, leave a window down overnight.

The mats offered for the Cruze don't have that. When I removed the flimsy carpeted mat, it was wet, but not supersaturated. The carpet underneath was also wet, I assume, because water came in on the sides, around the edge of the factory floor mat, and leaked under the mat.

In any event, I'd say the next couple of days will tell the tale....either I smell mold, or I don't, and if I run that ozone machine, I may never know if mold growth had started or not.


WeatherTechs work well. So far, my wife has dumped two 44oz cokes in my new SUV and contains it fine.

[Bruze]

WeatherTechs are fine, but you're paying a premium for the name.

There are other brands that work just as well, but are lesser-known so are cheaper.

I got Maxpiders (https://www.amazon.com/s?k=maxpider+floor+mats&crid=2593W6IW3EA3V&sprefix=maxpider+floo%2Caps%2C123&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_1_13) for my Mazda, they are probably 2" deep, fit and work great for containing mud, slush, and snow.

Tuxmats (https://www.amazon.com/s?k=tuxmat+floor+mats&i=automotive&crid=3BQTOT2OS821L&sprefix=tuxmat%2Cautomotive%2C133&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_2_6) are as good, although I've never owned any.

[Unsuspicious]

Weathertech definitely costs extra for the name but it's a good company with great philanthropic activity. I usually dgaf if a company does that kind of thing but the guy donated their superbowl spot over his doggo's cancer treatment.