Car Mold Removal Guide – Interior, Exterior & Carpet Cleaning
In this guide, we will focus on how to get rid of mold from your car interior and exterior, cleaning dashboards, fabric and leather car seats, etc.
The most annoying thing about mold is that it can grow anywhere, as long as the area is damp and warm. Some may assume mold can only grow around building structures, but that is far from the truth.
Mold can also grow in your car! This means you should take mold control seriously.
Professional Car Detailing Mold Removal Process
Since you’re reading this article, it’s safe to assume that you’ve found some vehicle mold on your car seat, carpet, or seatbelt!
Don’t panic, we’re here to help. This is why we’ll be discussing all you need to know about car mold removal.
Keep reading!
What Causes Mold In Car?
Mold spores are practically everywhere, and they fly around in search of the most conducive environment to land and grow their colonies. Such environments are those that are damp, dark, and warm.
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How Did I Get Black Mold In My Car?
If your car experiences any moisture and is left damp for as little as a day, then mold spores can settle there and begin to grow.
There are several causes of dampness in a car.
It could be a cracked window or something as minor as spilling your drink on the car seat. You may have also left your sunroof open on a rainy day, which will in turn leave your car upholstery soaked.
The extent of car mold infestation depends on the unique situation and how much dampness the car has taken in.
That being said, let us examine how you can remedy the situation.
How To Get Rid Of Mold From Car Interior
Removing mold from your car’s interior can be a real headache, depending on how bad the infestation is, and the part of the interior that has been infested. The good news is, it can be done.
If the infestation in your cushions has gone beyond a manageable state, then you may be forced to redo the entire upholstery. However, if the situation is manageable, then you can take a drive to a car wash and have the pros get rid of them.
Realistically, the professionals are best equipped to handle interior car mold. They’ve got all the tools and experience needed to do so. Your car is probably the 1,000th they’ve had to deal with, so they know exactly what to do.
Nonetheless, if you think the situation isn’t so bad, you can follow the tips below to get rid of them.
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Cleaning Mold From Dashboard And Other Synthetic Materials
If the mold in your car has only affected the synthetic parts of the interior, then you can easily get them off. These materials are not porous like concrete or cushion, so the mold cannot penetrate deep or latch on properly to the surface.
There are many items you can use to clean mold off your dashboard, but it would be best to go for a non-toxic option. This is because the interior of your car is not spacious, so it would be easier to inhale toxic fumes while cleaning is going on.
Natural products are best for this task, at most a mild commercial liquid soap. You can also use an all-purpose cleaner for this.
Here’s how you can get rid of them.
Step one: Take your car out of the garage or shade
It is a well-known fact that airflow and sunlight are two of mold’s greatest enemies. When these two are present absent moisture, it would be impossible for mold to grow.
If your car is parked in the garage or under a shade, then drive it out before you begin cleaning. Also, leave all the doors open so that air can come in. This will also help the interior moisture dry faster.
Step two: Use the cleaner to wipe the mold off
If you’re using a commercial cleaner, make sure you read the instructions on the pack and apply as instructed.
Add some of the liquid soap or mold cleaner to some water and shake thoroughly to produce a foam-like solution. Then use a clean cloth to wipe the affected areas.
If the cleaner comes in spray form, then apply it to the surfaces and leave it to sit for a few minutes. Use a clean cloth to wipe off the mold and solution altogether.
As we have mentioned before, mold cannot latch on properly to synthetic materials so they can be wiped off easily.
Do not use a hard brush to scrub, as this can leave scratches on the surface of your interior.
Step three: Use clean water
After wiping off the solution and the mold from the dashboard, use another clean piece of clothing to go over the surface again. This will take off any leftover mold and remove what’s left of the commercial cleaner.
Step four: Leave the car out to dry
When you’re done cleaning, leave the car out in the open space so it can dry. Don’t forget to leave the doors open so there will be appropriate airflow (this will also help get rid of the car’s musty smell).
Don’t make the mistake of re-parking the car in the garage or under a shade. It won’t dry quick enough and mold might continue to grow again on the damp surfaces.
Check the weather forecast to be sure that it won’t rain during this period. You wouldn’t want your car’s interior soaked again.
How To Remove Mold From Car Carpet
Mold can grow on your carpet if it stays moist for a day or two, especially if the car is under a shade or parked in the garage where there is no sunlight or airflow.
If the mold has started growing on the upholstery under the carpet, then you should take it to a car wash to get it removed. But if the infestation is on the carpet alone, then follow the tips below to remove it.
Step one: Take out the carpet
Remove the affected carpet from the car and take it to an open space to clean. This is the best approach because cleaning it right in the car will mean risking a spread of mold to other areas of the interior.
Step two: Use a bleach solution to clean
Mold can penetrate the surface of your carpet if it is made with organic materials like cotton. If this is the case, then you would have stubborn mold stains to deal with.
Bleach can remove hard stains and kill mold, so make a solution with a cup of bleach and some water then pour it into a spray bottle. Apply on the affected areas, leave it to sit for 10 minutes, then scrub it off gently with a soft brush.
Using a hard brush can leave the carpet damaged.
Step three: Rinse the carpet
Get a bucket of clean water and rinse the carpet thoroughly to dislodge the broken-down mold. Now spread it on a line so it can dry out in the sun.
If the carpet is machine-washable, then give it a spin using the same bleach solution. You would still need to get it 100% dry afterward.
Don’t place the carpet back in the car if it is still damp.
How To Get Rid Of Mold From Car Exterior
If your car has been parked for a long time, especially in open areas, then all the outdoor moisture would make the exterior a perfect environment for mold growth.
In this case, the mold would’ve been baked into your car paint over time, making it more difficult to get rid of.
How To Get Mold Off Car Paint
Follow these tips to remove mold from your car exterior.
Step one: Prepare the surface for cleaning
Since the car has been parked for a long time, there would most likely be some debris on it. These include leaves, sticks, bird droppings, and dust.
Take out all the debris and hose down the car to make it clear enough for the mold to be treated.
Step two: Use an all-purpose cleaner
All-purpose cleaners do not contain abrasive chemicals that can damage the car paint, and that is why they are great for exterior car mold cleaning.
Read the instructions on the pack of the car mold killer, and wipe off the mold as directed.
Preventing Mold From Growing On Your Car
Follow these steps to keep mold away from your car.
Do not leave your windows or sunroof open: When you park your car, ensure that the windows and sunroof are closed so it doesn’t get soaked on a rainy day.
This tip is meant for those who park their cars outside.
Dry the carpet when there are spills: If you spill a drink on your carpet, take it out to dry before mold begins to form on it. If the spillage is on your car seat, then leave the doors and sunroof open to allow sunlight and air to dry it out.
Drying is one of the most important mold prevention strategies.
Use polypropylene material to cover your car: If you’re going to be away for a while, you can use this to cover your car to protect it from rain and other forms of moisture.
Ensure the interior is dry before you do so.
Conclusion On Automobile Mold Removal
Remember that you have the option of taking your car to a professional car wash service if you need to get mold off. The tips provided in this article will also help you do it yourself.
Thanks for reading!