Cosmin

the car was neglected, got some water too and the result was ....see the before pictures: mold everywhere: doors , dash , seats , trims , everywhere!
all being leather i went with 2 passes of meguiar`s leather cleaner conditioner and a soft brush, the towels i wipe with had some green dirt of them after wipe.
plastic trims got meguiar`s m40 , and some of them optimum protectant.
Main focus was to bring interior in a better shape,and even with that the leather may need some more work was mold all over and "oxidise" white spots on it. the car is a project and will see some body work too. NO Paint Correction here , was just wash with onr and got some wax s100.
seats and doors has a lot of scuffed in the leather.
sorry guys , no car show here! just some light improvement in interior.
total time 5 hours 1/2




















swirlcity

TOGWT

Identify its source

Without identifying and eliminating the source of the odour / mould you can't get rid of it, there are many products that mask odours; what you need to do is remove and clean the whole area; carpets, upholstery (inc foam and etc) that is affected, including the headliner and metal floor pan (don’t forget to clean/replace the cabin air filter).

Mould

Mould uses enzymes to digest nutrients from organic materials, the mould forms on top of the material and also down into its fibres leaving circular or black spots in an irregular pattern, chances are the material may be stained.
Dirt and moisture are essential to mildew propagation (bloom). There are many products that mask odours; what you need to do is remove and clean and disinfect the whole area; carpets, upholstery (including the upholstery foam and etc) that is affected, including the headliner and metal floor pan. Don’t forget to clean/replace the cabin air filter. (For leather upholstery method differs).

Microban Mildew & Mold Remover is an environmentally-safe, anti-microbial formula that destroys mould, mildew, and other bacterial odours on contact. When you cannot use chlorine, Microban is a very effective solution. The formula is a water-based, non-flammable bactericide, fungicide, deodorant and anti-microbial, all in one formulation

Application - do not dilute, use full strength, apply via sprayer to porous surfaces until moist, no not over wet, brush into carpeting, allow to dry 10-20 minutes

Follow up with a leather cleaner and a softner (Leather Master's Leather Soft Cleaner – (A-Aniline / Non-Coated) (P-Protected / Coated) Leather Soft Cleaner is a mild, water-based cleaner that will not affect the Leather’s original properties or finish. It is designed to remove most soiling as well as water-based stains; Leather Soft Cleaner is solvent free and works without removing the finish or harming the Leather. Always thoroughly rinse upholstery cleaners and ensure that they are allowed to dry before adding protection or use.

And finally - Leather Master’s Vital (A-Aniline / Non-Coated) (P-Protected / Coated) can be used, as leather requires re-hydration (moisture replacement) not a leather conditioner per se.


An extract from “Odour , Mould and Smoke Removal”, one of a series of 120 unbiased technical papers “The Science of Detailing”, a library of educational materials that has become the #1 reference for car care on the Internet

Chances are you'll learn something about detailing if you read any of these; although these articles will not improve your detailing skills, lead to a successful business or change your life. Applying what you learn from it, however, will. That's where your commitment comes in - you need to make a commitment to yourself right now that you will take action on what you learn.

Bergamasco

Great to see this very special car getting some TLC. Hats off to TOGWT for his usual very thorough response.

WhiteHotPepper

To kill mold I would use a ozone generator. This is what the pros use when a house is flooded and mold is present. It will also kill/eliminate odors.

Marine Blue

Wow that looks nasty. Were you able to rid the car of the musty/mold smell?

Love the Testarossa

TOGWT

Not something I would recommend with a natural leather upholstery interior.

Ozone Generators

Ozone is an allotropic form of oxygen. It is an unstable blue gas with pungent odour and a powerful oxidizing agent; passing oxygen through a silent electric discharge makes the gas, used to eliminate foul odours that have accumulated in vehicles interiors, mildew, pet odours, urine, vomit and smoke.

Ozone is a molecule composed of three atoms of oxygen (02). Two atoms of oxygen form the basic oxygen molecule--the oxygen we breathe that is essential to life. The third oxygen atom can detach from the ozone molecule, and re-attach to molecules of other substances, thereby altering their chemical composition. It is this ability to react with other substances that forms the basis of manufacturers’ claims”. If excess moisture is present (wet upholstery, carpets, etc) the ozone will be converted to a chloride which can act like a bleach and possibly discolour the wet fibres

Used in conjunction with Odour Terminator (Valuguard) most odours will be eliminated, this product chemically alters the proteins that odour-causing microbes feed on; it is non-toxic, non-allergenic, fast acting without a cover up scent or an offensive perfume smell.

Removal of smoke, pet odours, virtually any organically caused odour in carpet, seats, headliners, upholstery and heating and air conditioning ducts (change cabin air filter if fitted).

Caution: Do not breathe in any appreciable amount of the ozone or you'll get a really bad headache.

I would recommend its use with a natural leather upholstery interior

Information Resource-
1. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/ozonegen.html
2. Faculty of Chemical Technology
3. Glossary of chemical terms, American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA)