Upholstery Mold Prevention for Portland’s Rainy Season

The Oregon rainy season is approaching once again. Winter months of drizzle and fog are both a relaxing and gloomy experience for Portlanders every year. Whether you are excited for the rain or dreading the coming months, you need to prepare for the moisture ahead. You know that you need to get out the boots and prepare the house. Did you know that your vehicle will need some extra consideration, too?  Car owners are not just taking care of their convertible tops in Portland OR because they are afraid of leaks. They know that mold is a serious issue for all vehicle owners in the area. Here are a few ways to keep mold away this rainy season.

Get Rid of the Car Cover

It may seem like a good idea to protect your vehicle from water and mold with a car cover. Unfortunately, mold grows in moist, poorly ventilated environments. A cover traps moisture and does not let air flow through the vehicle. Mold also thrives in the absence of natural light. A car cover destroys any chance your car has of getting the small doses of sunlight that do make it through the clouds.

Ventilate the Garage

The garage is a great place to keep your car dry, but the air will still hold moisture if the area is not well ventilated. With no natural light available, the garage then becomes an ideal place for mold to find its way into your vehicle’s upholstery. Don’t forget that this tip applies to boat upholstery in Portland OR, too. Make sure your boat is stored in as much of a dry, well-ventilated place as your car.

Find the Right Cleaning Products

Clean the vehicle’s upholstery with cleaning products that have antimicrobial ingredients. These ingredients discourage mold growth. You can also purchase moisture absorbing packs to leave in the car.

If you find that you have lost a battle with mold, be sure to get your convertible top, upholstery, or boat interior replaced as soon as possible so that the mold does not spread all over the vehicle. Bright Auto Upholstery in Portland OR can help you with all of your upholstery needs whether it is “rain” or even the occasional “shine” in the Pacific Northwest.