I am new to this site to bear with me.... 2012' Miata has been in garage and covered. Haven't driven fro a couple of weeks because it has been raining so much. Got her out today to wash, and realized some mildew/mold on the driver's seat. Black cloth interior. Anybody have a good way to get rid of it? I don't want to just start using household cleaners...thanks

 

Umm, that's tough. You obviously can't use anything containing sodium hypochlorite (bleach). The only other things I can think of that will kill mildew and not discolor the fabric are ammonia, chemicals containing phenols (such as Sporicidin). Denatured alcohol from the hardware store may do the trick as well.

 

Thanks sixshooter.....so far we haven't done anything....hubby thinks his sweat has caused it (yuck!) I think we may take the top down one day it is not raining, and just let the sun bake it

 

Hydrogen peroxide.

Test on a section of fabric that is less visible.

 

1 part vinagear to 2 parts water. or you can use good old Lysol.

 

I've done a lot of research on mold and mildew, having had 2 Miatas covered in mold. Vinegar will do it, without harming the cloth, but doesn't keep it from coming back, especially if it has leached into the seats. Tree tea oil or grapeseed oil extract will kill mold and mildew and keep it from coming back. For cloth seats, I would recommend a mix of vinegar in water to clean the cloth, let dry, then spray with tree tee oil extract or grapeseed oil extract in a mixture of 1 tablespoon to 1 cup of water in a spray bottle. U can buy them both in a health food store. The grapeseed oil extract has no odor, which is nice. U might do what I did...Google it...u will find all the remedies there.

 

BTW....it's the combination of the cover and closed window that causes the mildew/mold. Both my Miatas got mold when they were covered, with the windows closed. Both were OUTSIDE! If u want to keep the car covered, make sure the windows are open slightly so air gets in, and don't wrap the cover too tightly. The inside needs fresh air.

 

Sporicidin works well.