How to remove moisture from the car and what could be its cause? What can dampness in a car lead to?

Fogging windows, an unpleasant smell - the accumulation of moisture can be a real nightmare for car owners. This is especially true of the upcoming autumn period, when the weather often does not indulge, and the days are short. We explain what the accumulation of moisture in the car can lead to and how to get rid of it.

Rain can take its toll on car users and remind us of the importance of keeping the car sealed and properly draining the water. Autumn has already begun, and with it a damp aura, frequent fogs, rains and short days. At this time, it is especially worth taking care of the proper removal of moisture in the car. Moisture accumulates in the cabin all year round - it is enough to walk in wet shoes and clothes so that moisture accumulates inside the vehicle. The consequences of its presence can bear fruit not only with an unpleasant smell, but also with financial consequences. We tell you how moisture accumulates in the car, what it can lead to and how to avoid it.

What can dampness in the cabin lead to?

Seeing how moisture accumulates in the cabin, most often in the form of misted windows, many drivers act from time to time, wiping the windows with a microfiber cloth. They forget that the source of the problem may lie somewhere else. We usually learn about the accumulation of moisture in the cabin through foggy windows or an unpleasant musty smell in the cabin, but the cause of the problem can be located much deeper. The most common source of moisture is water entering the cabin through wet shoes and clothing.

As a result of the accumulation of moisture in the cabin, not only an unpleasant smell appears, but also many microorganisms that are dangerous for our respiratory system (especially for allergy sufferers). Dampness can also result in stubborn stains, damp and unpleasant upholstery and door panels, corrosion of some elements (for example, seat rails), and in extreme cases even failure of the on-board computer. .

Causes of moisture accumulation in the cabin

The reasons for the accumulation of moisture in the cabin can be rotten door seals, clogged drainage channels, clogged drain grates in the pit and a clogged pollen filter, otherwise known as a cabin filter (it can be replaced independently in accordance with the instructions on the website of this model, and its cost is several dozen złoty). These elements are especially important in convertibles, because there are a lot of gaskets, and the roof folding mechanism is subject to constant work, so it is important to monitor the condition of the gaskets and their regular maintenance. Sometimes it is possible to unblock the drain channel in a trivial way, for example, by inserting a clothesline into it and unplugging the drain. Water can also accumulate in the trunk, incl. in the spare wheel well, causing corrosion. Another cause of moisture buildup is heater leaks and heating problems. They can be caused, for example, by low coolant levels, broken ventilation control cables, or a clogged heater. When searching for the causes of moisture, it is also worth checking the condition of the car floor and the windshield and rear windows for corrosion.

How to deal with the symptoms of dampness?

To find out why moisture is accumulating in your car, you first need to understand the symptoms. The easiest, but also the most time-consuming way is to ventilate the car for several hours. Then it is worth removing the wipers and removing the covers from the seats, if we have them. Or you can take the opportunity to thoroughly vacuum carpets, armchairs and rugs. The carpet, impregnated with moisture and dirty, after the autumn-winter period is suitable only for washing and drying. Rugs are best washed at home or dry-cleaned, which will also refresh chairs, floors and even ceilings. This is especially important in the case of old dirt, when the smell in the cabin is unpleasant and very noticeable. Of course, you can also try freshening up the interior yourself with a soft-bristled brush, sponge or curtains, and carpet or upholstery cleaner. However, it should be remembered that the consequences will not be as noticeable as in the case of dry cleaning.

Simple Home Remedies to Recommend

Moving on to home remedies, newspapers or paper towels are good moisture absorbers. They help remove excess moisture by spreading it across the floor and absorbing water. Animal bedding or rice is also a good method of dealing with moisture - these products have hygroscopic properties. The filler also absorbs unpleasant odors. After a few hours, spread them out in damp places, pull them out with a vacuum cleaner. These products can also be placed in small cloth or gauze bags with fine mesh, and the bags prepared in this way should be placed in places particularly exposed to moisture, such as under seats. Of course, do not forget to replace the bags from time to time so that they themselves do not become a source of moisture.

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A simple and cheap method of removing moisture from the cabin is also the use of silicone granules that absorb water from the air. They cost about a dozen zlotys and come in containers or bags. Placed in the cab, they operate without maintenance. They are disposable and last no more than a few weeks. There are also reusable versions costing around PLN 50. They change color when they absorb the maximum amount of water. Then just put the desiccant in the microwave for a few minutes and it's ready. Another solution is an absorber that uses special tablets. They are placed in a container so that they are in contact with moist air. The tablet absorbs moisture, turning into a liquid that drains into the reservoir below. When the tablet is used up, a new one is inserted and water is poured out. Such a dehumidifier costs about PLN 30, but you need to be careful with water tanks, because they are easy to tip over, destroying the whole effect.

How to get rid of unpleasant odors in the cabin?

In the fight against unpleasant odors, ground coffee in a linen bag or odor neutralizers available in stores will come in handy. You can also be tempted by ozonation of the interior, which consists in the destruction of microorganisms responsible for unpleasant odors of organic origin.

Fogging of windows is the most common and persistent effect of moisture accumulation in a car. You can use special chemicals or window cleaning foam. In addition, it is recommended to degrease them from time to time with household detergent (eg dishwashing liquid) and then wash them with glass cleaner. In the spring, it is also worth remembering about the revision of the air conditioning system and its possible erosion. An effective air conditioner helps to defrost the windows.

moisture in the car. Summary

As you can see, the reasons for the accumulation of moisture in the car interior are different. Often they can be prosaic and arise simply due to the carelessness of the user associated with irregular maintenance of the car, as well as inaccurate cleaning of the car. This is also due to the mess that often reigns in the cabin, which is an excellent environment for the development of pathogens. With many causes of dampness in the cabin, we can cope on our own with simple home methods. Some, however, require the intervention of specialists. First of all, we must take care of the regular maintenance of the interiors of our cars, because this will not only make the trip healthier and more enjoyable, but also save us unnecessary expenses, not to mention aesthetic issues.

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