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How do you clean a flooded car carpet?

I live in New York, and some water got in my vehicle during the hurricanes a few weeks ago. What’s the best way to clean a flooded car’s floor?

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Matthew Macgugan · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
“So sorry to hear about the flooding—water from a flood can do a lot of damage to the engine and electrical components of your car. We recommend visiting a mechanic to make sure everything is safe and functional!
To clean a flooded car’s carpet, first use towels to absorb excess moisture (should moisture still be present). Follow that with a wet-dry vacuum to pull out any remaining water.
Once the water is gone, it’s time to address the smell. Dirty, standing water breeds mildew and bacteria that can leave a pungent odor in your vehicle. Try pouring a 1:1 mixture of water and peroxide on the surface area of the carpet and scrub it with a brush.
Let it sit for about half an hour so it soaks in and kills the bacteria. Then, whip out your wet-dry vac again to remove any remaining liquid.
Allow your vehicle to air out and thoroughly dry by leaving the windows cracked. Lastly, sprinkle a bit of baking soda over the carpets to make sure the smell is gone.
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Enjoy your clean rugs!”
MORE: How to prepare your car for a hurricane
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