How to Remove Mold from Car Interior?

Mold can be disgusting, as we all know. Mold can cause a pizza to be ruined by its smell, dust, and mustiness. A few mold species can pose a danger to human health if they are inhaled or ingested.

Although your car might not be the first place you expect to find mold, it is an ideal environment for fungus growth. Mold thrives in warm, moist spaces. This is why unkempt cars are often a problem.

Here are some ways mold can be created in your car:

• Drinking water, juice, or coffee on the floor.
• In rainy weather, open windows
• High levels of humidity
• Parking in a damp garage
• Place damp clothes on the chairs.
• Flood damage.

Mold is easily spread by airborne particles. The more you delay addressing the problem, the worse it will become.

You don’t need to spend much to remove the mold from your car. You can clean it up yourself with just a little effort and time. Here’s how.

How to remove mold from your car

First, you should not attempt to combat mold without the proper protective gear. Before you begin, ensure you have the proper protective equipment: rubber gloves, rubber boots, a proper face mask, and goggles.

Once you are done, prepare your vehicle by removing any moldy materials. This includes wet swimming trunks, gym bags, floor mats, and seat covers. You can leave them behind to be dealt with later.

You will also want to park your car in an open, sunny area. Air out the interiors by opening the windows. This will reduce your risk of inhaling mold spores.

Now you can destroy the mold. You can choose from any of these methods to do this:

1) White Vinegar

Distilled white vinegar is a great anti-microbial agent. Vinegar is mildly acidic and kills mold spores, minimizing their chance of returning. It can also be used on leather and vinyl.

Use your white vinegar bottle to dilute with water. For extremely moldy areas, you can use white vinegar straight. Apply the mixture to the mold areas with a cloth or spray bottle. Please give it a gentle scrub and allow it to rest for around twenty minutes. Finally, you can use a dry-and-wet vacuum cleaner to remove the mold. This method has a downside: vinegar can have a pungent odor. You can remove the smell by spraying the air freshener in the car or leaving the doors unlocked for it to dissipate naturally.

2) Non-Iodized Salt

Saltwater kills mold spores by dehydrating them with water. You should know that dusting salt on mold won’t accomplish anything. You must have the salt in a solution.

To remove the surface mold, vacuum the area. Combine salt and water in a large bowl. You need to make sure that the solution is sufficiently concentrated. To apply saltwater to mold spots, use a sponge or spray bottle. You should also consider the surroundings for any rogue mold spores. If possible, leave the car out in the sun and let the surface dry. The vehicle should have a crusty residue. To finish, wash off any mold traces with water. A vacuum cleaner can also be used. This mold treatment has a slight disadvantage. Salt can cause the leather to deteriorate and is corrosive. Salt stains are another issue. Although it isn’t the best way to protect against mold, you can still use it if there are no other options.

3) Clove Oil

Clove oil has been used to treat digestive problems and toothaches. However, it is also a powerful antiseptic. Clove oil can reduce mold spores growth—you only need one-quarter teaspoon of clove oil for every liter of water.

First, vacuum the affected area. Make a paste with the clove oil, and then use a small amount on the mold spots. After it’s dried, clean the area, and you are done. You can add a few drops to some clove oil and baking soda in severe cases of mold growth. Use a toothbrush to apply the oil and scrub the area. You can then wipe it off once the surface has dried.

4) Baking Soda

Baking soda is a household favorite due to its fantastic cleaning abilities. This kitchen staple is equally effective when it comes to mold or mildew. It also acts as an excellent air freshener.

You can sprinkle baking soda over the mold spots and let it sit for 20 minutes. Baking soda will absorb any moisture and leave behind a powdery residue. For more substantial results, you can use baking soda alone or mix it with white vinegar.

5) Special Cleaning Agents

You don’t have to worry about organic ingredients. A specialty product can be used to rid your car of any mold.

Be aware that some of these cleaning products may contain harmful chemicals. You must be careful with these cleaning agents and follow all instructions. Check that the product is safe for use on vinyl and leather.

What is the best time to call a professional for car mold?

Sometimes, mold can persist even after multiple cleanings. For help, contact a trusted automotive detailing company.

These key warning signs will help you know when to call a specialist if you are unsure.

• Stains such as black, mold, green, or white are splattered in a splash-like design.
• You can’t seem to stop recurring mold growth.
• Lingering moldy smells, even after extensive scrubbing and vacuuming.
• After exiting the vehicle, you may feel lightheadedness, nausea, and breathlessness.
• Flaking and brittle weather-stripping

How to Prevent Mold Growth

Mold is not something you want to see in your home or car. Anyone who has experienced a mold infestation will tell you how complex the remediation process is.

It is not an easy task to clean mold from a vehicle. Mold spores can quickly build up in your car, making driving difficult.

You won’t allow mold to return once you have dealt with it. You can do many things to prevent mold growth inside your vehicle. Learn to:

1) Minimize Moisture

Mold growth cases almost always involve excess Moisture. It is best to protect your vehicle from the elements as much as possible. Instead of leaving it outside, put it in your garage and cover it with a waterproof cover.

2) Open all Windows

If you don’t roll up your windows fully, you will leave little entry points for mold spores, dust, and debris. To keep mold spores from entering your windows, ensure they are tightly sealed.

3) Never Eat in the car

Although it may seem complicated, we strongly recommend that you stop eating in the car. Because food crumbs and juice spills can be excellent substrates for mold growth, it would be best if you cleaned up after eating in the car.

4) Clean and disinfect your car’s interior

Car owners forget to take care of the interior of their cars. To eliminate any mold spores, disinfect your vehicle with an anti-microbial product. For maximum protection, clean the lock buttons, door handles, steering wheel, HVAC, and HVAC systems.

This can be a lot of work. You may consider hiring a professional car detailing service. They can clean and disinfect your vehicle before it becomes a full-blown mold infestation.

The bottom line

Removing mold from your car’s interior may seem complicated, but it is possible. You will need the correct cleaning methods and the appropriate safety gear to get rid of mold from your car interior.

You can always seek professional assistance if the DIY methods fail to work.

Montana Auto Pros can assist you with this. We are a top mobile car detailing business in Helena, Montana, and we use high-quality products and refined methods to beautify your automobile. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!