Mold and mildew can invade your car, especially in humid conditions. They can grow on fabrics, and surfaces, and even create a musty smell, which is not just unpleasant but can also affect your health. It is important to keep your car ventilated, especially if you live in a region that gets a lot of rain or humidity. Mold can grow on the steering wheel, across your dashboard, cupholders, and even on the seats.

The worst case is if mold has spread throughout your car’s ventilation system. In this case, a mold removal expert should be contacted.

If you notice mold in your car, it’s important to address it quickly.  This article will explain how you can clean a car of mold.

Identifying the Causes of Mold Growth in Cars

Mold growth in cars is a concern that often goes unnoticed, primarily due to the warm and moisture-rich environment inside the vehicle. Understanding the various factors that contribute to this problem is crucial for car owners.

One of the primary causes of mold in cars is the accumulation of moisture. Spilled beverages, wet clothing, or even high humidity from the outside can create a breeding ground for mold. Areas that are often overlooked, such as under the carpets, in seat cushions, and within the air conditioning system, are particularly susceptible. If not addressed, mold can thrive in these concealed locations, leading to unpleasant odors and potential health risks.

Poor ventilation is another significant factor that encourages mold growth. Vehicles that sit unused for extended periods, especially in humid climates, tend to trap moisture and inhibit airflow. This stagnant environment is perfect for mold spores to settle and multiply. To combat this, it’s essential to change the car’s air filter regularly, which helps maintain airflow and reduce humidity levels inside.

Lastly, a lack of regular maintenance exacerbates the mold problem. Failing to roll down windows or open doors periodically leaves moisture trapped inside. By being aware of these causes and taking proactive measures, car owners can effectively work towards ensuring a mold-free environment in their vehicles.

Is a Car With Mold Salvageable?

If you find that the vehicle is covered in a significant amount of mold across the interior, seats, and flooring, it may not be worth the effort to clean.

This is primarily because it is likely the mold has spread throughout the ventilation system and other components. These cases require professional mold remediation services.

If the amount of mold does not appear to major, you can follow this guide for mold removal. However, there is no guarantee the mold will not return, as it requires complete eradication to successfully remove.

How to Clean a Car of Mold

The first step is always safety.

Mold spores may be toxic and can cause harmful effects on your health. Symptoms include itchy eyes, scratchy throat, and respiratory issues.

Protect Yourself

When faced with mold or mildew in your car, prioritizing your health is paramount. Mold spores can be harmful when inhaled or come into contact with your skin. Here’s how to ensure you are adequately protected before tackling the task:

1. Use a Mold Mask: A properly rated mold mask, such as an N95 respirator, is essential. This type of mask filters out fine particles and will help prevent you from inhaling mold spores.
2. Wear Gloves: Protect your hands with disposable gloves. Latex or nitrile gloves are ideal as they provide a barrier between your skin and any mold or cleaning chemicals you may use.
3. Protective Eyewear: Consider wearing safety goggles to protect your eyes from mold spores and from any cleaning products that might irritate your eyes.
4. Ventilate the Area: Ensure the car is parked in a well-ventilated area or work outdoors if possible. Open the windows and doors to help reduce the concentration of mold spores in the vehicle during your cleaning process.
5. Avoid Breach of Mold: If the mold is extensive or severe, consider consulting a professional. Attempting to clean large areas with heavy mold growth can disturb the spores and cause them to spread further, increasing your risk of exposure.

Empty the Car

Next, it is time to empty the car as completely as you can. That means seats, mats, and any personal belongings or other items. All these contents may have mold and should be cleaned individually.

Replace the Air Filter

Remove and replace your car’s air filter. You will need to look up your car’s make and model to find these instructions online, but the air filter is typically located around the glovebox compartment.

Apply Mold Cleaner

Use a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water to spray directly on any mold you can see in the car. Any alternative commercial mold removal products can also suffice. Then, clean the entirety of the car interior with commercial interior cleaner products and hot water.

Ventilate the Vehicle

Close all windows in the vehicle and crank the heat on the max setting for about 30-45 minutes. Acquire a dehumidifier from your local hardware store. These typically can be rented. Set up your dehumidifier to run within the vehicle until it is no longer collecting moisture.

Inspect for Mold

Leave the car to sit for 2 days and then inspect the interior for any mold. A blacklight can help spot invisible mold on surfaces.

Professional Mold Removal

When it comes to cars, a professional mold removal team is always the best choice since you don’t know how far the mold has spread

Contact a mold remediation company if you discover mold in your vehicle.

About Vince Sandri

Vince Sandri is a content writer and blogger with more than 12 years of experience. His expertise is in creating content related to disaster restoration, including information about preventing and reacting to natural disasters like flooding, water damage, fire and smoke damage, mold growth, storm damage and more.
Vince has been the main contributor to RestorationMasterFinder.com since 2014. Over that time, he has written numerous service pages and blogs for disaster restoration providers featured on RestorationMasterFinder.com. Vince has done extensive research and covered a wide range of topics relating to disaster restoration to help homeowners, business owners, and property managers better protect their property. He understands the problems that disasters like flooding, fire, smoke, and mold can cause as well as the best ways to respond to these issues to limit the damage.
Vince completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at Aurora University and his master’s degree at DePaul University. He has been writing SEO website pages, blogs, and press releases since 2012. Vince is also a musician and can be seen playing in the Chicago, IL area.