Wet Car Carpet: Is It a Spill or a Leak?

Wet carpet in a car is never just wet carpet, and here’s how to tell a spill from a leak.

Spill or leak?

• Spill: one wet spot where you know something spilled. It stays dry once you dry it.
• Wet after rain or a car wash: door seal, sunroof drain, windshield seal or trunk seal.
• Wet under the dash, clear water, after running the AC: clogged AC drain.

What to do right now

1. Pull the floor mats.
2. Vacuum out as much water as you can with a wet/dry vac.
3. Lift the carpet if it’s soaked. The padding underneath holds the water.
4. Run fans or a dehumidifier with the doors open. Get it dry within 24 to 48 hours, or mold starts.
5. Find the source before you close it back up.

Burns and stains

• Cigarette burn: trim the burned fibers with small scissors. It usually blends in. A large burn needs a carpet patch.
• Stains: see the spill guide for what cleaner to use.

What it costs

• DIY dry-out: $0 to $50
• Pro dry-out and detail: $100 to $300
• Door or window seal: $50 to $200

Keep it from happening again

Clear the sunroof and AC drains once a year. Check door seals for cracks. Use rubber floor mats in wet weather.