What causes it
Water damage in a car comes from two directions: water rising from below, and water leaking in from above. Brisbane gets both. Summer storms dump a lot of rain in a short time, low-lying streets and car parks flood, and older door seals, sunroof drains and windscreens let water in during heavy downpours.
Typical causes we clean up after:
- Driving through or parking in floodwater
- Storm rain through a window or sunroof left open
- Blocked sunroof or scuttle drains overflowing into the footwells
- Failed door or windscreen seals
- Spills from water containers, eskies or fish tanks in the boot
Carpet underlay acts like a sponge. Even when the top of the carpet feels dry, the foam underneath can still be wet a week later.
How we fix it on-site
Wet car carpet drying starts with getting the water out, not waiting for it to evaporate. We extract standing water, clean the contaminated surfaces, then push airflow through the cabin until the carpet and underlay are properly dry. Floodwater carries mud and bacteria, so cleaning it is as important as drying it.
- Assess and record. We photograph the damage before we start, which is useful if you're making a claim.
- Extract water. A wet-vac and extractor pull water out of the carpet and, where accessible, the underlay.
- Clean. Carpets and fabric seats are shampooed and hot-water extracted to remove silt and contaminants. Hard surfaces get wiped down.
- Dry. Airflow goes through the cabin to dry carpet and seat foam. Car carpet drying can take time, and we'll tell you how much.
- Deodorise. Once dry, we treat the cabin for any damp smell.
- Check for mould. If growth has already started, we'll treat it as part of a car mould removal job.
We arrive self-sufficient where access allows; we'll confirm water and power needs when you book.
What we don't do
We don't do mechanical or electrical work. Floodwater can damage wiring, sensors, airbags and the engine. If water got above the floor or into the engine, don't start the car until a mechanic has checked it. We clean and dry interiors.
Insurance and your claim
If the car was damaged in a flood or storm, talk to your insurer before you book any work. Some insurers want to inspect the car first or use their own repairer. We're not an insurer-approved repairer, but we can provide before photos, notes on what we found and an itemised invoice to support your claim.
For smaller leaks, the cost of a clean and dry-out is often less than an insurance excess, so many people just pay for it directly. That's your call to make with your policy in front of you.
What it costs (from)
Flood and water damage cleaning is from $XX. Price depends on vehicle size, how much of the cabin got wet and whether it was clean rainwater or muddy floodwater. A damp footwell from a leaking seal is a small job; a car that sat in floodwater up to the seats is a large one.
| Situation | Typical scope |
|---|---|
| One wet footwell or boot area | Extract, clean and dry the affected area |
| Wet carpet throughout | Full carpet extraction, seat cleaning, extended drying |
| Floodwater with mud and silt | Full interior clean, contamination removal, drying, deodorising |
Our pricing page explains vehicle size tiers and condition surcharges.
How long it takes
On-site work usually takes three to six hours depending on how wet the car is. Full drying of carpet underlay can take longer, sometimes a day or more in humid weather. Leave the windows down a little in a secure spot afterwards if you can. We'll tell you when it's safe to keep the car closed up.
Before & after
Flood and water damage clean-ups around Brisbane:
Our before-and-after photos are being added. Check back soon, or book a detail and see the difference yourself.
FAQs
How soon should I deal with water damage in my car?
As soon as you can. In Brisbane's humidity, wet carpet can start smelling within a couple of days and mould can follow. Pull out the floor mats and leave the windows open in a safe spot until we arrive. Don't run the car if water reached the engine or electrics.
Can a flood damaged car be saved?
The interior often can if it's dealt with quickly and the water was below seat level. Cars that sat in deep floodwater may have electrical or mechanical damage we can't assess, and the insurer may write them off. A mechanic and your insurer decide that; we handle the interior clean-up.
Do you remove the seats and carpet?
For most jobs we extract and dry with the carpet in place. If water is trapped under the carpet or in the underlay and can't be reached, removing trim may be needed, which is work for a motor trimmer or mechanic. We'll tell you if we think that's the case.
Will you deal with my insurance company?
We can provide photos and an invoice for you to submit. You'll need to manage the claim with your insurer directly, and it's their decision what they cover.
Do you clean water-damaged houses or carpets at home?
No. We only work on vehicles. For a flooded home or building, contact a property restoration company.
Book
Water damage gets worse every day it sits. Book online or call, and we'll come to you with the gear to extract and dry the interior. All work is covered by public liability insurance up to $20 million.
Book flood and water damage cleaning online · 0402 723 464 · For other jobs, see problems we fix or our interior car detailing service.