How To Get Rid of Mould in Your Car?

People go to great lengths to keep their car clean and shiny on the outside. However, the inside of the car also needs as much, if not more, attention. Are you worried about an unclean car and fungus? Mould – a type of fungus – can occur in the interiors of the car if the vehicle is not well-maintained. Mould in cars can cause health issues, especially for those who suffer from asthma.

If you find yourself in a situation where you are losing sleep over getting rid of the mould in your car, don’t worry. Here are some simple tips and tricks that will help you to bid adieu to the mood-dampening and hazardous mould. Read ahead to know more about how to get rid of mould in your car.

Ways to Remove Mould from Car Seats, Carpets or Car Interiors:

If you are wondering how to remove the clusters of mould in your car, then the following pointers will enlighten you about different methods to do so. You can go ahead and choose the most suitable option to clean your vehicle.

Note that before using any of the methods mentioned below, you can test them on a sample area before going all out to check if there is any reaction. For example, if you are cleaning the seat, you can just dab the solution on the edge to ensure that the seat’s material does not react adversely to the chosen method.

1) White Vinegar:

Distilled white vinegar is known to remove mould and reduce its chances of coming again. To clean your car’s interiors with white vinegar, you need to pour it in a bottle or a vessel and mix it with tap water in an 8:2 ratio. You can use a spray bottle as it will be easy to apply. If you do not have a spray bottle, you can use a clean cloth.

Spray the solution or use the cloth to apply it over the affected area and let it get soaked – about fifteen to twenty minutes should be enough. In case you are worried about the pungent vinegar odour, you can use an air freshener afterwards to clear the smell. Use a wet-dry vacuum cleaner to clean the area and dispose of the collected spores. Open the car’s doors to allow the vinegar smell to go away and let the area dry.

2) Non-iodised Salt:

In this method, instead of vinegar, you can use non-iodised salt in similar proportions. You will need a bucket for this method. Fill a standard bucket with water and mix the non-iodised salt in it. You can make use of a spray bottle or a brush for the application process.

Apply the solution over the affected area and one to two feet around it. Let the area dry. It would be better if the area is exposed to direct sunlight. Ensure proper ventilation. This will aid in the formation of salt crusts. You can brush them off using a vacuum cleaner.

3) Oil of Cloves:

Another inexpensive way to get rid of mould in the car’s interiors is to use oil of cloves. This can be purchased easily from pharmacies. Note that it can cause skin allergies, therefore, be careful while diluting the concentration – it should be 1%. One-fourth teaspoon of oil of cloves in one-litre water.

The method of application and cleaning is the same as salt. However, the longer you keep the solution on the affected area the better will be the result. Repeat the process after the first instance and let the area dry for a day or two.

4) Dish Soap:

You also have the option to use the froth from the dish soap to clean car seats and other areas. Simply create a lather by mixing water and soap and apply it over the area. Scrub the area to get rid of mould. Dry the area using a towel.

5) Baking Soda:

Instead of dish soap, you can use baking soda as well. Just get the amount right – ¼ of it in 8 ounces (227.3 ml) of water. Apply the solution and scrub the area. Once done, wipe the area and let it dry.

Also, read: 5 Tips to Consider While Driving Through Waterlogged Roads

Items Required for Cleaning Mould:

Here’s a list of items you can keep handy while you are about to clean your car to remove mould from it.

• Material – Select the appropriate method and get the material. For example, baking soda.

• Vacuum cleaner – A wet-dry or a normal vacuum cleaner.

• Equipment – Spray bottle, normal bottle, or bucket depending upon the method and availability.

• Cloth – Two clean clothes. One to apply the solution and the other to wipe the area.

• Protective gear – Wear masks and gloves for your safety.

How to Find Mould in A Car and Why Is It Dangerous?

The answer to the second part of the question is straightforward – mould can cause health problems. More on that in the subsequent section. Regarding how to find mould in a car, read the following.

• Step 1 – Take the car out of the garage or the shade into bright sunlight.

• Step 2 – Roll down the windows and keep the doors open. Let the bad air and odour get released from the car. Allow fresh air to enter inside.

• Step 3 – Remove all damp items or items that cause dampness from your car. Example: floor mats.

• Step 4 – Search for mould in all corners of the car – seat belts, dashboard, ceiling, trunk, everywhere. Usually, it can be identified as a circular patch, which can be in different colours.

Health Problems You Might Face Because of Mould:

Here’s a list of health issues or symptoms one can encounter because of mould in a car or otherwise. It is suggested to visit the doctor in case of enhanced symptoms or prolonged issues.

• Allergies causing rashes, sneezing and runny nose

• Coughing

• Asthma

• Wheezing

Toxic black mould can lead to the following issues:

• Continuous fatigue

• Vomiting

• Bleeding – nose and lungs

• Nausea

• Headaches

How Does Mould Grow In Your Car?

There can be multiple ways in which mould can occur and grow in your car. Initially, it might be negligible but the fungus can grow quickly. Mould can grow on different types of surfaces. Therefore, you need to be aware and alert of any kind of visible growth. You can keep an eye on the car’s dashboard, seat, mats, near the door, etc.

Here are some common reasons that can enable mould growth in a car.

• Liquid on the floor

• Open windows while it is raining outside

• Storage of a wooden item over a long period that catches fungus

• Humid environment

• A car parked in a damp storage area

• Wet or damp clothes in the vehicle

• Damage due to flooding

How to Prevent Mould from Growing Back Again?

Here are some tips to prevent mould from reappearing in your car.

• Mould grows where there is moisture. Therefore, stay away from it. Keep that in mind while parking the car.

• Ensure windows and doors are shut properly.

• As far as possible, do not eat or drink inside the car. This will prevent liquid spills and ensure that no food crumbs have fallen on the floor or the seat.

• Use a dehumidifier.

• Keep your car clean and dry.

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Frequently Asked Questions:

Mentioned below are some frequently asked questions and answers concerning mould in cars.

Related Articles:

Can mould growth take place in the car’s air conditioning system?

Yes, mould growth in a car’s air conditioning system is a possibility.

Will waterproof floor mats prevent mould?

Waterproof mats are a good way to avoid damp flooring. It can be beneficial; however, it cannot prevent mould formation entirely because it can occur due to various reasons.

Can mould formation in my car aggravate my breathing issues?

Yes, mould formation in your car has the potential to aggravate breathing problems.

How can I begin removing large clusters of mould?

You can begin removing large clusters of mould by breaking them using a brush. Short and gentle strokes should do the trick. Once the cluster is broken, you can choose a suitable cleaning method from the options stated in the article to get rid of the mould.

Can leakage in car’s windows cause mould growth?

Leaks in windows and doors can allow moisture to settle indoors and lead to mould growth.

Are people with a decreased immune system vulnerable to health issues caused by mould?

Yes, people with a decreased immune system need to be extra cautious concerning mould. It can trigger health issues.

Usually, mould growth occurs in which colours?

Mould growth can occur in the following colours: brown, grey, and white. In some cases, it can be green or black as well.

I am not too confident of going the Do-It-Yourself route while removing mould from my car. What should I do?

If you are not comfortable cleaning the mould yourself, you can seek help from professional car cleaners. You can speak to your mechanic or the car servicing agency about it. However, do not delay cleaning the mould, get rid of it at the earliest.

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