What to Do If You Left Your Car Windows Down When It Rained
Photo: The News Wheel
Rain storms can roll through when you least expect them. You’ll enter a store when it’s clear and sunny, but by the time you leave, it’s pouring rain. And you’ve left your windows down.
If you left your car’s windows or sunroof open and the interior was soaked, you need to take these steps now. Here’s what you need to do if you left the car windows down when it rained.
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If you left your car windows down when it rained, follow these steps immediately
Step 1: Remove water as fast as you can
If there’s any water left in the car that hasn’t soaked into the seats or carpet, pull it out with a wet/dry vacuum and large towels. Standing water can harm more than just the upholstery, especially if your seats have electric elements in them.
If you’re not at home with access to a vacuum, look in your trunk for blankets or towels. Even resort to wiping up water with a coat or extra layer of clothing you’re wearing. The more you mop up now, the better your chances of recovery are.
Step 2: Dry it out
Any lingering moisture in the seats and floors — even if you don’t feel it to the touch — can fester and cause deterioration. Pull the moisture out by blowing large fans (you can rent some industrial-strength ones, depending on the damage) on full blast across the seats. Place a dehumidifier next to the open door for extra moisture-removing power.
Step 3: Clean the cabin
Removing the water won’t automatically stop mold from forming. You need to clean the upholstery, too, so grab some cloth or leather shampoo and scrub the surfaces thoroughly. After drying the cleaned seats, keep some moisture-absorbing packs in the car for the next week.
If it seems like the rain damaged any mechanical or electrical operations in your car, take it to a mechanic immediately for an inspection.
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Aaron is unashamed to be a native Clevelander and the proud driver of a Hyundai Veloster Turbo (which recently replaced his 1995 Saturn SC-2). He gleefully utilizes his background in theater, literature, and communication to dramatically recite his own articles to nearby youth. Mr. Widmar happily resides in Dayton, Ohio with his magnificent wife, Vicki, but is often on the road with her exploring new destinations. Aaron has high aspirations for his writing career but often gets distracted pondering the profound nature of the human condition and forgets what he was writing… See more articles by Aaron.