Ford Focus sprang a leak - how to dry out?

Hi folks,

I hope this is the correct forum to post this question.

My girlfriends 2012 Ford Focus has let water in, I'm not 100% certain but I suspect the rear left light assembly (passenger side rear corner). The spare wheel well was a proper well this morning, probably 1/4 full of water. Immediately inside left of the boot was also wet. Not the carpeting but just slightly below filling up spaces etc. This leak has sent water into the footwell of the rear passenger seat on the left hand side also.

I've been wet vacing out the water until the garage can have a look see and seal it up hopefully.

My concern is how to effectively dry out the car after plugging the leak as a damp cloth smell has arrived. I think there's some sort of foam underneath the carpet also which is acting as a barrier to me sucking out all the water underneath the carpet.

What's the best way to get underneath and effectively dry out this car again?

Also any tips on mold prevention?

Thanks for reading.

zg3409

herdquitter wrote: »

Hi folks,

I hope this is the correct forum to post this question.

My girlfriends 2012 Ford Focus has let water in, I'm not 100% certain but I suspect the rear left light assembly (passenger side rear corner). The spare wheel well was a proper well this morning, probably 1/4 full of water. Immediately inside left of the boot was also wet. Not the carpeting but just slightly below filling up spaces etc. This leak has sent water into the footwell of the rear passenger seat on the left hand side also.

I've been wet vacing out the water until the garage can have a look see and seal it up hopefully.

My concern is how to effectively dry out the car after plugging the leak as a damp cloth smell has arrived. I think there's some sort of foam underneath the carpet also which is acting as a barrier to me sucking out all the water underneath the carpet.

What's the best way to get underneath and effectively dry out this car again?

Also any tips on mold prevention?

Thanks for reading.

Immediately install a small fan heater powered from mains using an extension lead. Leave windows slightly open. Try get a dehumidifier if you can, which sucks water out of the air.

Try to locate source of leak or cover car or keep indoors to prevent more water getting in. I found kitchen paper put everywhere then wet car with garden hose with no pressure is good way to determine source quickly.

Once source is determined and fixed, you can try lifting carpets. Often you can easily remove seats, but beware of wiring to seat sensors for ABS, seatbelt not in alerts, heated seats etc.

wildwillow

Put some cat litter in an old pillow case and spread over carpets. Leave as long as you can, it absorbs water and eliminates smells.

If you are prepared to vacuum the area afterwards, you can put it directly on the carpet.

I used it in the house after a water leak soaked the carpets. Wet vacuumed and spread the cat litter, dried out and no smell.