water, water, flash flood

[Sweet]

OK, I'm one of those idiots, I'll admit it now! I got caught committed to driving through deeper water than I would have liked. Don't really know how deep it was, I just knew I had to keep driving. Time-wise it was maybe a minute, probably less. Well, come to find out that the carpet is damp-wet on the left back and left front side. A little wetter in the back seat. Son just wet-vacced the heck out of it.

Question - what do I have to do now? Must I take it in and have the seats and carpets removed and replace the padding? (I'm about to put a fan on it to help draw more moisture out.)

This is my keeper car and I plan to drive it for a long time.

Any and all advice appreciated!!!! Thanks!!!!!

[alondra]

Assume the water was fairly clean, no idea of the age of the car but you might look over what holds the carpets in place quite often under railing at doors , years ago screws but today so ofter they use snap in fasteners, that break when pulled.( for robot install and speed. ) and need to be replaced, and the like you might have to remove the seats to get them out, then just dry them, may need to replace the pading, maybe heat and fans but dont know if would be successfull, would try it, good luck.

[no1_vern]

Best would be to remove any material and air out preferably in sunlight. Since I an unsure you would get the rugs and seats back into the car properly, having all the material wet-vacing is a good start.
Keep the fans on the material until several hoursafter it feels dry to hand in fact I suggest a couple of days if possible. The faster you dry the material the fewer molds and other buggies you will have to deal with. After a few days spray with a good disinfectant but make sure the material wont be damaged first.

Next week rent or buy an ionizer. Put into car with windows rolled up, and let run over several nights, or continuously if possible for 2 or so days. If you need the car, turn off ionizer and air out for about 5 minutes or so before getting in and driving.

Drive as normal, preferably running the A/c if possible whenever you get in. Is you get a smell after about 2 weeks or so repeat the above treatment.

I wish you good luck.

BTW - NO MORE FORDING WATER!