How To Remove Mould From Your Car

Have you found mould in your car? Unlocking your vehicle after a while to find a fungus growing on your upholstery and interior is not only unsightly but could also be very harmful to your health. No matter whether it’s a small patch or a full-blown infestation, understanding what causes mould in cars and the key steps to remove it is effective.

In this latest article, we take a closer look at some of the most effective DIY car mould removal solutions to keep your vehicle safe and looking its best.

What causes mould in cars?

Mould thrives in damp and humid environments, and some of the primary causes for finding it appearing in your car include:

1. Water leaks

This is one of the most common causes of mould in vehicles and can occur due to damaged seals, cracked windows or clogged sunroof drains.

2. Condensation

Parking a warm car in cold weather without having adequate ventilation leads to condensation, creating the perfect conditions for mould to thrive.

3. Spillages

Spillages are a common occurance, but if you do not correctly dry and clean them, then it can lead to mould beginning to grow.

4. Inactivity

Leaving your vehicle unused during humid conditions creates the ideal environment for mould to grow.

How do I identify mould in my car?

While you might think it is an obvious sign, one of the most commonly Googled questions is, “How do I identify mould in my car?”. While visible growth is obvious, sometimes hidden mould can be harder to identify, and some key signs include:

1. Persistent smell

If you are noticing a musty or earthy odour, then it is often a sign that mould might be growing somewhere in the vehicle.

2. Discolouration

If you are noticing darker areas of fabric on your seats, then it could indicate that mould is starting to grow.

3. Health symptoms

Are you finding yourself coughing and sneezing more when you’re inside your car? Then it indicates the presence of mould.

How to remove mould from a car

If you have found mould forming in your vehicle and want to remove it, then here are some key tips to help you. Before you do, then it is essential that you are taking the necessary safety precautions. Make sure you are wearing gloves and a mask to avoid touching or inhaling any spores. Also make sure to clean the car in a well-ventilated space, keeping the car doors open.

How to remove mould from a car interior

If you are looking to remove mould from the interior of your car, start by assessing the entire vehicle and identifying the areas that need to be cleaned.

How to remove mould from car seats and carpets

For fabrics and carpets, start by mixing white vinegar and water and transfer it into a spray bottle. Then, spray the affected area generously and leave the solution to sit for 15 minutes before scrubbing with a soft brush. If you are noticing a smell emanating from the growth, then sprinkle the area with baking soda first to deodorise and lift any stains.

Once you have removed the mould, rinse the area with a clean cloth and warm water before patting it dry and leaving it to air dry completely. This carpet cleaning method ensures effective removal of mould and odours.

How to get mould out of leather seats

If you are wondering how to clean mould from car seats, the fabric materials can follow the steps above. However, for leather, you should try using a mild soap solution and water first, avoiding any harsh chemicals which can damage the material. For stubborn stains, consider using a mould-specific leather cleaner, following the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

After you have cleaned the area, apply a leather conditioner to prevent it from cracking and help maintain its suppleness.

How do I remove mould from seatbelts?

If your seatbelts are showing signs of mould, then diluted alcohol is perfect. Lightly spray the seatbelt before gently scrubbing with a soft brush. Make sure you leave the belt to fully dry so as not to weaken the material.

How to remove the smell of mould from your car

If after cleaning you still find a lingering odour remains in your car, then there are several DIY car mould removal solutions that can help you. The first is to place an open container of baking soda or activated charcoal in the car overnight. This will help to absorb any residual odours and keep your car smelling fresh. Freshly ground coffee is also very effective at neutralising smells and leaving behind a pleasant aroma.

How to get rid of mildew and mould from your car’s vents

When it comes to knowing how to remove mould from a car interior, you should not just focus on your seats and furnishings. Mould and mildew in your vents can have a significant impact on your air quality and health.

To clean these vents, make sure all of the system is shut off and use a specialist spray designed for air vents. This will ensure it can reach deep into the ducts and target all of the mould. Next, run the system on high with the windows open to circulate the air and remove any mould spores.

Can Ozone Generator remove mould from your car?

If you’re struggling with persistent mould odours in your car, an ozone generator can be a powerful tool to neutralize smells and kill hidden mould spores. Ozone generators work by releasing ozone (O3) gas, which penetrates deep into fabrics, vents, and crevices, effectively eliminating odours and sterilizing the area.

To use an ozone generator, follow these steps:

1. Preparation: Remove any visible mould and thoroughly clean the car’s interior.
2. Position the Generator: Place the ozone generator inside the vehicle, ideally on a raised surface like the seat.
3. Run the Generator: Close all doors and windows, and set the generator to run according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. This process usually takes 15–30 minutes.
4. Air Out the Car: After running the generator, open all doors and let the car air out for at least 30 minutes before use.

It’s important to follow all safety precautions when using an ozone generator, as prolonged exposure to ozone can be harmful to humans and pets.

You can purchase reliable ozone generators from this trusted supplier to ensure high-quality results.

Preventing mould in your car

While knowing how to remove mould from a car is important, the best method is to ensure that you are preventing it from growing in the first place. The first step to doing this is to ensure that you always immediately dry any spillages to prevent moisture from building up. During wet weather, a dehumidifier can be particularly helpful.

Regular maintenance, such as checking the seals around your doors, windows, and sunroof, can also protect against moisture finding its way in while ensuring a consistent cleaning routine will prevent mould buildup. Finally, if you are going to be parking your car for a while, make sure you take precautions to keep the vehicle free from moisture by adding a protective cover.

Frequently Asked Questions