Question For You Pro-Detailers

[vincer77]

My son had his 2005 Mustang detailed before leaving on a trip. He put the car under a car cover in a carport. After about 4 weeks, I went to get the car to service before he returned.

When I opened the door, I first thought he had gotten a camo-style seat cover and wheel cover - this is Tennessee. But it was mold!! Pic below.

Apparently, the seats did not dry enough before getting put away in the TN heat and humidity. My son said he left windows open for a couple of days

So question is, was the detailer at fault here? .


s.

[Nick Winn]

Re: Question For You Pro-Detailers

Hi vincer77,

The picture does not appear to be coming through correctly.

[AppletonCarWash]

This situation likely requires some investigation. The presence of mildew suggests the interior was still quite wet when the car was sealed up. It’s possible the vehicle was picked up before the seats were fully dry, which sometimes happens if customers are eager to get their car back. On the other hand, an inexperienced detailer rushing to finish might overlook the importance of thoroughly drying the interior.

In my experience, I’ve dealt with some tough stains and interiors, and even in hot or sunny conditions, drying thoroughly takes time. It’s critical to avoid over-soaking the seats and ensure they dry completely before sealing the car. Professional detailers typically use large fans to accelerate the drying process.

If windows and doors are sealed before the interior is fully dry, you’ll often see fogging or moisture buildup on the windows—sometimes within minutes. This is a clear sign the interior isn’t ready. At AppletonCarWash.com, we prioritize thorough drying to prevent issues like this. I hope this helps clarify what might have gone wrong!