what happened to the cleaning forum area?

[smokin5s]

Since I can't find the detail forum... My Z has been in storage for about 3 years, I opened it up the other day and found that every inch that has Leather on it is covered in mold... yup, MOLD...

 

how do I get it off and make sure it doesn't come back?

[evan9381]

No idea how to get the mold off...as for keeping it from coming back, get out and drive that fucker more than once in 3 years

[nurkvinny]

Josh, looks like the detailing forums around the web have some great write-ups about this.

 

That's the good news.

 

The bad news is that all the ones I looked at were VERY labor intensive.

 

GL

[BrianZ06]

I would try dish soap and water first. This is why I have a dehumidifer in my garage. My garage is very damp at times.

[Mitch]

will it wipe off with a damp towel or did it stain?

after you got it off, you can use woolite to clean, and then get something similar to Zaino Leather in a bottle to condition it.

 

As far as keeping it from coming back. http://www.fcs.uga.edu/pubs/current/C767.html

[mjrsplat]

good luck. happened to my cutlass, and I stripped the interior and power washed everything.

[Doc1647545523]

I would try dish soap and water first. This is why I have a dehumidifer in my garage. My garage is very damp at times.

 

I've got to disagree with you on that one, my friend.

 

Water is okay. Leather cleaner/leather soap is okay. I suspect that dish soap is going to damage the leather.

 

Josh, if you want, bring the car to my shop when you're ready to clean it. I've got Lexol leather cleaner and Lexol conditioner which I'll let you use. After you have it thoroughly clean, it needs to air out in a dry environment for a good while. Outside in the sun for an afternoon will work.

 

Once thoroughly clean, keeping the leather cleaned/conditioned and keeping moisture out will prevent the mold from returning. Mold has spores, so I'd recommend you shampoo the carpet and clean any fabric surface in the car while you're at it. I'd also recommend shocking the system with an ozone generator to totally eliminate the smell.

[smokin5s]

Doc, once I get it running I might take you up on that.

 

as far as if it stained or not I didn't want to try cleaning it until I knew more about it.