Mold has a smell. Does van smell? Pull up carpet and check for dampness and use your nose as a mold detector.

 

No smell to the van, I haven’t attempted to clean it yet either without knowing if it’s potentially mold or not.

 

The bottom of the mats can flake off and leave a residue, my mats are like that, though since i have gray carpets it's less obvious.

 

Bottom side of the mats start disintegrating and leave a powdery residue.

 

Thanks for everyone’s help. Now I guess it’s time to get cleaning.

 

It'll keep happening because the underside foam has hardened and started crumbling.

 

When I got my van it did have water intrusion issues and the mats were nasty smelling. In the process of thoroughly cleaning/scrubbing them that foam backing came off. Have never aeen backing like that on other cars and not a fan of anything other than spiked rubber. May eventually replace with all season mats as the smell is not completely gone

 

Years ago, I went to a shop that reconditioned and sold used vans. What they did was to remove all the seats and floor trim, pull out the carpet, power wash and dry it, and put it back. They said it saved them lots of time and got much, much better results.

 

2007 Exl I’m struggling with this as well black disintegrating backing on mats black moldy spots. Looks like it’s been eaten away. Threw away all mats (minus all season). Dry cleaned carpet with baking soda then professional detail made it worse. They ozoned it twice. Smells horrible burns your eyes. Had all carpet removed professionally. Wondering if it’s the drain lines coils or AC?? Any experience with this situation. Otherwise no leaks. Van is immaculate.

 

What does your nose say? You've got to put your nose everywhere! My MIL, who's been gone 15 years, had a super sensitive nose! Maybe you can find a friend or family member to sniff around!

Do other family members have the 'burning' eye problem?

You might want to drive car without the carpets and underlayment in place, making it easier to find leaks.

Replace your carpeted mats with rubber mats.

Once you find the 'source', sliced apples make a great natural deodorizer. Just throw them under your seats and forget them. Been there, done that!