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How to Get Rid of Mould in A Car

Last Updated on August 26, 2022 by

How to get Rid of Car Mould

Mould spores are all around us, but we never notice them until they germinate and take hold. Black mould and other types of mould can actually cause some significant health issues for many people who are sensitive. This is why it’s so important to get rid of mould whenever you find it.

​Did you know that mould can also grow in your car? Wherever there are mould spores and the right conditions for growth, mould can become a problem. So why does mould grow in your car? Consider the following:

  • You have left wet towels, wet clothes, or other wet items in the car and they have become mouldy.
  • You have ​spilt coffee or another type of drink in the car and it has created the right environment for mould growth.
  • Rain has wet the interior of your car, including fabrics, and the mould spores have germinated during hot or humid weather.
  • There is a leak somewhere in the car or the car door and rain has been leaking inside, which has created the right conditions for mould growth.

Why Should You Get Rid of Mould in Your Car?

You might think that mould is pretty harmless and it just might be for most people. Apart from the smell that mould will undoubtedly create in your car, it can also have a negative health effect on sensitive people. Some of these symptoms may include:

  • Headaches and migraines
  • Weariness, general fatigue, and lethargy
  • Moodiness and possible personality changes
  • Respiratory problems
  • Anxiety and depression

Those with existing respiratory issues may in fact find that exposure to mould can make their symptoms worse. In cases of serious asthma, for example, exposure to mould can even be life-threatening.

Did you know that many homes have a black mould problem? This mould can grow behind walls and underneath sinks. It may not even be seen by the people living in the home. One or more people may suffer general fatigue and other health effects without even realising that it is the mould causing the symptoms. In this context, the last thing you want is mould growing in your car.

How to Get Rid of the Mould in Your Car

If you can see mould growing in your car, it’s time to get rid of it. If you can detect a musty smell in your car, you might want to check for further evidence of mould growth.

To get rid of mould growth in your car, you’ll need the following things: a vacuum cleaner, clean cloth or rag for wiping, a spray bottle, and distilled white vinegar. So what do you do now? Here’s how to get rid of that mould:

1. Clean Out Your Car

The first thing to do is to get rid of all of the food debris, rubbish, and any wet or damp towels or clothing in your car. This will ensure that you don’t leave behind any possibility of more mould growing. The things that you can throw out, you should throw away in the bin.

2. Vacuum Thoroughly

When was the last time that you gave your car interior a really thorough vacuum? The next thing to do is to get the vacuum cleaner and vacuum completely inside your car, including any small spaces between seats and so on.

The problem with mould is that the spores get absolutely everywhere. They lie dormant in our environment until environmental conditions are right for germination. And then they take over.

When you vacuum the car, you can help to get rid of any existing mould spores. You might not be able to see them with your own eyes, but the vacuum cleaner will suck up all of the dirt, dust, and debris that may harbour mould spores.

3. Use the White Vinegar

More and more people are discovering just how useful white vinegar is for cleaning their homes and other areas. It’s a natural way to clean without all of the harsh chemicals in commercial cleaners. It’s also great for getting rid of mould.

Use a spray bottle filled with distilled white vinegar and spray all of the interior surfaces of your car including the seats, the dashboard, plastic trim, steering wheel, mats, and so on. Once you’ve done this, you should use the rag or cloth on the hard surfaces to scrub them down as thoroughly as you can.

The car will smell of vinegar after this but you can leave all of the doors open to allow the interior to dry and to allow the smell to dissipate. It’s important to allow everything to dry completely so that you leave no possibility of any mould growing. Any vinegar smell is going to be a lot better and safer than mould.

4. Check for Any Leaks

After cleaning out your car, you should check the door and window seals for any leaks that may be allowing rainwater to enter the car. If you find any, ensure that you have them repaired as soon as possible to prevent more mould growing inside.

Further Advice

Vinegar is pretty safe but some people may find it irritating due to the acrid, strong smell. It’s always important to wear rubber gloves and old clothing when cleaning your car out this way. If you also happen to be allergic to mould or think that you might be, you can also invest in a breathing mask or protective eyewear to reduce the chances of it affecting your health.

Conclusion

Mould doesn’t just smell; it can also cause health problems in people who are allergic to it as well as babies, young children, the elderly, and people who have compromised immune systems. For these reasons, it’s very important to make sure that your car is clean and is not a safe haven for mould. The last thing you want is for your kids or an innocent passenger to be affected.