Mold/Mildew on seat belts

[Forager]

First time poster, very new to any kind of auto detailing.

I've tried every fluid I could find for mold removal, and only have had marginal success. I believe I have to replace the seat belts. However, I don't know how to remove the panels on my 1997 Dodge Caravan to access the upper connectors on the retractable belts. I've read that a special tool(s) is used and that it must be done carefully, or clips/panels can be damaged.
Fortunately, the lower connector(s) was easy to get to (13/16 socket).
I am not sure how pictures are handled on this forum, so I uploaded some to photobucket, and copied the urls below. I hope that is appropriate.
Anyway, I would appreciate any comments you might have.

 

[richy]

Mold is a living organism that you need to kill. Do you have access to a steamer? Might be a good time to go to a Harbor Freight and get their McCulloch steamer which is a good little unit for the money. My daughter puked all over the back seat once and I used the steamer to clean/disinfect the mess. That way you can save your belts.

 

[Forager]

Richy, thank you for replying.
I would have to buy a steamer. I have tried a lot of things: mold remover products, vinegar, salt, stiff brushes, a lot of elbow grease. One of the belts is heavily stained. I suspect it would take a very powerful steamer to penetrate this mess, which is why I think I need to replace the belts.
If that is my only recourse, then I have to find out how to remove the panels: technique, tools, etc.

 

[richy]

Richy, thank you for replying.
I would have to buy a steamer. I have tried a lot of things: mold remover products, vinegar, salt, stiff brushes, a lot of elbow grease. One of the belts is heavily stained. I suspect it would take a very powerful steamer to penetrate this mess, which is why I think I need to replace the belts.
If that is my only recourse, then I have to find out how to remove the panels: technique, tools, etc.

I understand. If they do need replacing, personally, I would go to a dealer and get a workorder done on it and have it kept on file with someone you trust. That is your family's safety. I'm all for DIY, but maybe not in this case, even though there might not be all that much to actually doing the job. I'm thinking liability issues here mainly.

 

[Forager]

I've tried everything from mold and mildew stain removers to boric acid, white vinegar, simple green, salt, and other mixtures--all with marginal success. I guess the nylon belts are virtually impenetrable, except for mold, of course. Given how deep the mold appears to be, I doubt that steam would get it.
I removed one of the belt (only 4 bolts hold it to the car) for better scrubbing, but made little progress.
I'll have to find replacements.