Do I need to replace the carper - flooded car

[ejoffe]

Hi, My car (2006 t&C) got flooded yesterday in the heavy rains in Houston. The carpets are soaking wet. Online people advise to dry the car by DIY and several measures to treat against mold and smell (though the car is not smelly at the moment). My mechanic however advised me to remove and dry/replace the carpet and replace the padding. I got a quote for 450$ to replace everything and 375 to wash and dry the carpet and replace the padding. My questions: 1. Is it really for the best to replace everything 2. Am I risking bad materials or something with the 450$ offer to replace everything. 3. Are the prices reasonable. Thank you for all your help in this difficult time. E

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[booke23]

Those prices sound reasonable, there would be quite alot of labour involved in removing and replacing the carpet alone, even before the cost of parts are factored in.

If it were me, I'd hire a carpet cleaning machine and wash the carpet with that. (it will remove most of the moisture in the process) I'd then give it a few days to let it fully dry out before deciding on carpet replacement. If the carpet doesn't smell once it's dry I'd leave it there. If after doing the above, the carpet still stinks then I'd consider replacement.

I think it's worth a try with the carpet cleaner. It'll cost much much less than the quotes you've had and it might work.

[QinteQ]

Originally Posted by booke23

Those prices sound reasonable, there would be quite a lot of labour involved in removing and replacing the carpet alone, even before the cost of parts are factored in.

If it were me, I'd hire a carpet cleaning machine and wash the carpet with that. (it will remove most of the moisture in the process) I'd then give it a few days to let it fully dry out before deciding on carpet replacement. If the carpet doesn't smell once it's dry I'd leave it there. If after doing the above, the carpet still stinks then I'd consider replacement.

I think it's worth a try with the carpet cleaner. It'll cost much much less than the quotes you've had and it might work.

I agree a cheap domestic VAX wet 'n dry [6121C] is about £60 a pro Vax [6131T] is about twice that at £140 and after the job you are left with an animal of a cleaner proft.