The Dangers of Car Mould and How to Deal with It

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.

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.

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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.

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.

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.