Stopping Mold Growth in Your Car

One place people do not always think about mold growing in is their car. Though it is not very common if you take care of your car, it can happen. It is not a fun sight or smell to have mold growth in your car. Mold in your car can also cause health issues. That is why it is essential to identify mold growth in your car and remove it as soon as possible.

Today we will explore the causes of mold growth in your car and how to stop it.

Why Mold Grows in Your Car

Mold is a fungus. It grows when it can feed off of something in the right conditions. There are many potential causes of mold growth in your car. Here are some common ones:

• Moisture from a spill or leak
• Rainwater entering the car 
• A damp/humid environment or parking area
• Damp items in the vehicle (such as wood or clothing)
• Flood damage

Florida often has ideal conditions for mold growth, and your car is not immune to them. Thus, it is vital to maintain your vehicle to protect it from these conditions.

Identifying Mold Growth in Your Car

Aside from a damp and stale smell, you can typically spot mold in your car. However, you may have to remove items and floor mats or any covers from your vehicle to check. 

Check the following areas of your car for potential mold growth:

• Flooring
• Seats
• Seatbelts
• Carpets

These areas often get damp and thus are breeding grounds for mold growth. If you can remove the seat covers to check the foam inside your seats, we suggest doing so. Mold growth in your car can appear brown, gray, green, black, or white. Mold tends to grow in circular clusters. 

Removing Mold From Your Car

There are many different methods when removing mold from your car. Depending on how much mold is in your vehicle, it may be very easy or a bit more difficult. If it is too severe, you should call a mold remediation company to inspect and remove the mold.

When removing mold from your car, the first thing you should do is ensure you have the proper gear. This includes gloves, glasses, and a mask to cover your mouth and nose. Open all your car doors and windows to allow for air ventilation when you are cleaning it. You may need to brush or vacuum mold off the surface before deep cleaning. Remove items from your car before cleaning as well.

You will need a bucket, brush, sponge, and your chosen cleaning product. You may also want a spray bottle, depending on the method you choose. For cleaning mold from your car, bleach is not a good choice because it does not kill every mold spore. Do not forget to clean every possible area where mold is growing. If it is inside your vents, be sure to spray your cleaning solution in them. 

Here are some of the best methods for removing mold from your car:

• White vinegar. For the worst cases of mold in your vehicle, we suggest white vinegar. Use a 4 to 1 ratio of white vinegar to water. Put the mixture in a spray bottle or bucket with a cloth. Spray/soak the entire area with the solution. You may need to scrub some of the areas. Let it soak for a while, at least 15 to 20 minutes. If there is still a moldy smell in your car, sprinkle baking soda over the area. We recommend using a wet/dry vacuum afterward to finish cleaning the area.
• Non-iodized salt. Create a mixture of non-iodized salt and water. Spray or brush the mixture onto the affected areas. Let it dry before vacuuming up excess salt.
• Dish soap/car cleaner. Create a mixture of soap and water and scrub the mixture into the affected areas. Let it dry in the sun, or use a towel to dry it. This is typically used for less severe mold cases.

Preventing Mold From Growing in Your Car

Once you have removed mold from your car, it is vital to prevent it from returning.

Make sure you have no leaks in the car where rain and other moisture can get in. If you park somewhere where it is often humid and moist, consider parking it elsewhere. If you happen to spill anything in the car, make sure it is thoroughly cleaned immediately.

The most essential thing is to keep your car dry. Warm moisture is a significant cause of mold growing in your car, so preventing such is necessary. You may want to look into a car humidifier if you find it is humid often. You can also buy a mold-prevention spray and spray your car with it every month.

We hope this has helped you stop mold growth in your car. Follow iMold on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for the latest news.