Cleaning Guides

The Hidden Dangers of Car Mould and How to Deal with It

Fantastic Team
Published: Nov 22/2024
Last update: Nov 22/2024
7min read
Views: 4

Image source: rightclickstudios / Shutterstock.com

Mould in vehicles is surprisingly frequent. This is especially true for cars which are driven in damp or rainy areas. It slips in and moisture starts to accumulate, bringing with it musty odours and health dangers. It’s not just an irritation. It may destroy upholstery and make driving very unpleasant.

In this blog article, you’ll learn how mould gets into your vehicle, the health risks it poses, and how to get the mould out of your car.

What exactly causes mould in cars?

Mould in your car doesn’t just appear out of nowhere. A few factors contribute to it.

Poor ventilation – When your car isn’t ventilated properly, trapped moisture sticks around and creates a damp environment. That’s perfect for mould growth;
Water leaks – Ever found yourself asking, why is there mould in my car boot or on the seats? Leaks from faulty seals, windows, or sunroofs are the reason. They allow water to seep in. Once it’s there, it doesn’t dry out easily;
Spilt liquids – Spills may seem harmless, but not cleaning them up properly can quickly lead to problems. Mould loves those damp spots;
Condensation – If you frequently see fogged-up windows, that’s condensation building up inside the car. Condensation and mould in cars go hand in hand. Too much moisture leads to surfaces staying damp, and mould thrives in that.

How to detect mould in your vehicle

The earlier you spot mould in your car interior, the better. The key is to rely on both your sight and sense of smell. You can hopefully catch it before it spreads.

Smell – One of the first symptoms of car mould is the smell. So, what does mould smell like? Think of that earthy, stale scent you might get in a damp basement. It’s often strongest after the car’s been closed up for a while. Trust your nose. If it smells musty and damp, it’s time to start investigating;
Sight – Mould can appear in different colours. Keep an eye out for white, green, or even black mould in your vehicle. These patches may begin small, like little stains on your carpet or seat upholstery, but they can soon expand.

Mould loves to lurk in the car carpets, seats, and the boot. If you’ve left the windows open in the rain or skipped cleaning up a spill, mould on car seats and seatbelts isn’t far behind.

Oh, and don’t forget your A/C! If you catch a whiff of mustiness when you turn it on, mould in your car air conditioning could be spreading spores all over. That makes the problem even harder to control.

Effective methods to treat mould in car interior

Mould in your car’s interior may be eliminated when using the appropriate methods. Whether you choose to do it yourself or hire a professional, acting quickly is critical to avoiding more damage.

Let’s get you familiar with the most common DIY removal methods for mould on car seats, carpets, or upholstery.

White vinegar – Use for mould in the car boot. Mix vinegar and water (1:1). Pour in a spray bottle. Spray the mould and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Afterwards, scrub and wipe clean. It’s simple and effective, but expect a strong smell, which should disappear after a few hours of good ventilation and drying.
Baking soda – Perfect for mould in car carpets as it absorbs moisture and neutralises odours. Make a paste with water, apply, let it dry, then vacuum and scrub. It’s best for surface-level mould.
Hydrogen peroxide – Ideal for tougher mould like green mould in cars. Avoid dark fabrics to prevent bleaching. It works well on hard surfaces and light upholstery. So, apply 3% solution and let it sit for 10 minutes. Scrub gently. Done.
Tea tree oil – A natural antifungal for fabric and upholstery. Mix a few drops with water, spray, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe clean. Good for mild mould but not for heavy infestations.

For faster results, you can try enzyme cleaners. They break down mould by targeting the organic matter it feeds on. Antifungal sprays are another option. These stop mould growth and help prevent its return. Always test on a small area first, though.

Mind you, sometimes even that’s not enough. Mould in car interiors can penetrate deeper than surface levels. If that’s the case, you should consider professional mould removal services. Specialists use advanced techniques, like dry fog technology, to reach hidden spots that regular cleaning can’t. Think of under carpets, inside door panels, and within your air conditioning system.

They don’t just remove visible mould. Professionals treat the air and eliminate mould spores that could be causing health issues. After treatment, they apply EverPURE, an antimicrobial barrier that prevents mould from coming back by attracting and killing spores on contact.

Need a specialised mould removal treatment?

Get in touch for an appointment!

Ways to stop mould from coming back into your car

Once the mould is gone, it could return. Here are some practical tips on how to prevent mould in your car.

Have proper ventilation – Good airflow is key to keeping moisture at bay. Crack the windows slightly when parked in a safe spot or use a sun visor to avoid condensation buildup;
Clean up spills immediately – Whether it’s water, coffee, or juice, always clean it up right away. Never leave damp patches. Mould can and will thrive there;
Dry upholstery thoroughly – After washing your seats or carpets, ensure they are completely dry. One of the most common sources of mould in car interiors is moisture left behind after cleaning.
Cleaning on a regular basis, such as vacuuming and wiping down surfaces, will help you detect any possible mould growth early on. Keeping your car’s interior clean also minimises the dirt and filth on which mould thrives.
Check for leaks – Make sure there are no leaks near the windows, doors or sunroof. Water seeping into your car may cause wet areas, particularly in the car boot, and encourage mould growth.
Use moisture absorbers – Products such as silica gel packs or dehumidifiers can assist remove excess moisture in the vehicle, particularly in rainy or humid weather.

Is mould in a car dangerous and should you worry about it?

Yes, mould in your car may be harmful, and you should treat it seriously. Exposure can create a variety of health issues, particularly in the confines of a car.

Mould spores in a vehicle can induce coughing and wheezing, particularly if you have asthma or a lung condition. They can also cause allergic responses.

Prolonged exposure to mould, particularly black mould or significant moisture, raises health concerns, especially for people with weakened immune systems.

Is it safe to drive with mould in your car? Definitely not. Aside from hurting your health, the musty odour from mould in seats or carpets may make driving uncomfortable and distracting.

Avoid the harmful spores!

Schedule your car mould removal now.

Takeaways

Poor ventilation, water leaks, and spilled liquids create the perfect conditions for mould growth in vehicles;
You can detect mould by musty smells and spots, which can appear in white, green, or black on carpets, seats, and the boot;
Car detailing can reduce mould, but it may not fully eliminate spores, especially in carpets or air conditioning;
Mould in cars can cause respiratory issues, allergic reactions, and even more serious health risks;
Proper ventilation, cleaning spills immediately, and drying upholstery thoroughly can prevent mould from returning.