The smell of mold in the car can easily arise when water seeps onto the surface of the car and is left long enough to become bacteria and mold. Along with the growth of bacteria and fungi, a disturbing pungent odor also appears. When you notice the smell in your car, treat it as soon as possible.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Finding the Source of the Smell
Step 1. Check the inside of the car
Check in all locations, even in places that are hidden and out of sight such as under floor rugs and chairs. Look for signs of mold or moisture.
Use your hands to check where you can't see
Step 2. Check the front and rear seats
Make sure the upholstery is not moldy and not damp to the touch.
- Dry the car in the sun with the windows open to dry the inside of the car.
- Sweep any mushrooms that fall off the upholstery.
Step 3. Check the air conditioning system
When the air conditioner (AC) is on, the water will condense and invite dust, spores, pollen, and other germs so that mold is formed and the smell emits.
- Use deodorizing spray annually to maintain your car's air conditioner.
- Spray deodorizing spray into the air conditioning vent to remove odors caused by stagnant water, bacteria, and mold.
Method 2 of 4: Removing Moisture from Inside Your Car
Step 1. Use a large shop vacuum to suck up all the moisture
If you don't have one, you can rent one at a home improvement store. This machine is very useful for sucking up all the moisture deep in the fabric.
Step 2. Absorb moisture using anhydrous calcium chloride
This product is available in the form of white granules and is useful for absorbing moisture. This product can hold twice its weight in water and will melt once it absorbs moisture. Here's how to use anhydrous calcium chloride correctly:
- Place the powder in a waxed cardboard container that has been perforated.
- Place the container in an enameled pot to collect any liquid that drips out of the container
- Leave the pot in the car until only liquid remains in the container and then refill it.
Step 3. Leave the car windows open to let the air out of the car
This is a helpful tip when there's too much moisture in your car and you can't clean it yourself. The heat from the sun warms the inside of the car and is useful for evaporating the moisture left on the seats, floors, and wherever odors originate.
Method 3 of 4: Neutralizing and Removing Odors
Step 1. Spray the smelly area with an air freshener
Spray each of these areas a few times, and allow it to soak into the area where the odor is coming from. This will help remove odors in your car.
Do not overspray the air freshener. If so, pat the area dry with a cloth
Step 2. Sprinkle baking soda on the damp, moldy area
Let it soak into the carpet. After about 2 hours, suck up the remaining baking soda with a small or large vacuum cleaner.
Step 3. Wash the floor and carpet with shampoo
Laundry detergent can be safely applied to the floors and upholstery of your car to remove mold stains or other causes of unpleasant odors.
- Remove any oil stains or sticky substances with a putty knife or spatula.
- Mix two tablespoons of detergent with 0.23 liters of water in a spray bottle, then spray onto moldy areas until wet.
- After letting the cleaning solution soak in for a few minutes, start patting the area dry with a clean white cloth.
- Vacuum up any remaining moisture with a large vacuum cleaner when you're done.
Step 4. Go to a professional car repair shop
Check the damage level of your car. Mushrooms that remain even after being patted with a cloth need to be cleaned by certain professionals who provide fumigation services.
Contact the nearest professional car care center to inquire about prices. This service is quite expensive
Method 4 of 4: Preventing the Return of Mildew Smell
Step 1. Keep the inside of the car clean
Food and crumbs that fall on the car can create conditions that allow mold to grow. Vacuuming and vacuuming the carpet regularly is a great way to prevent mold growth.
Step 2. Keep the car interior dry
The inside of a car that is damp to the point of getting moldy is the main cause of a musty smell. It is very important to keep the car dry.
- Clean up immediately if anything is spilled.
- Take a wet car rug and allow it to dry before returning to the car.
- Let the fresh air into the car by opening the car window
Step 3. Keep the car carpet dry
If a large spill or flood causes the carpet to become dirty, be sure to fix the problem immediately before mold grows. Carpets need to be cleaned to remove bad odors, and dried completely.
Consider using a professional cleaning service for high humidity
Step 4. Improve the air quality in the car
The smell of mildew will return if the air quality is poor. It is very important to have controls for the humidity of the car, good ventilation, and make sure to expel contaminated air.
- Open your car window to let the new air into the car.
- Perform routine air conditioning maintenance every year.
