Below we have covered some DIY methods to remove mould from your car. It may seem obvious but the mould occurs because water has entered your vehicle. If this is an ongoing occurrence for you we advise getting your mechanic to look at the possible source of water entering the vehicle. Common reasons for this are, sunroof leaks, windscreen seals leaking and tail light seals leaking.
Once you have mould in your car you will have bacteria inside it. This gets into the air conditioning system and circulates throughout the car for months to come. After cleaning the vehicle with the methods below. We strongly advise replacing the air conditioning filter in your vehicle and getting an air condition disinfectant carried out.
If you would like to arrange this with one of our teams click here.
Removing Mold Smell from a Car with Baking Soda
One great way to get rid of mould is by sprinkling baking soda over the fabric. Baking soda is an excellent way to kill mildew and mold and also acts as a fantastic air freshener. When using this method, combine it with other mold-eliminating cleaners like vinegar or lemon juice, or you can apply the baking soda by itself.
Start by sprinkling baking soda over the affected area. Allow the baking soda to absorb any moisture and mould for approximately 20 minutes.
Finish by vacuuming up the powdery residue. Even if other areas don’t have a problem with mould, this is a great way to deodorize the entire car when cleaning.
Remove Mould from the Car Interior with Vinegar
No matter how much mould you have, vinegar is one of the best solutions to use. Not only is it an excellent stain remover, but it’s also a powerful disinfectant that kills black mould. This solution works great for cleaning every surface of the car’s interior, from seat belts to upholstery to the dashboard.
Vinegar-Based Car Washing Solution
- 1 cup of white vinegar
- 1 cup of water
- 1 large spray bottle
- 1 cleaning cloth
When using this method use equal parts water and vinegar, and add them to a large spray bottle. Depending on how large a surface area you are covering, you can always increase the amounts.
Spray the mouldy surface, then allow the vinegar to soak for around five minutes. Afterward, scrub the area clean using a soft toothbrush, then wipe it down with a dry cloth.
Don’t forget to check all areas of the car for mould or other stains. Clean any visible component armrests, and even the headliner with this solution to get rid of mold or even coffee stains.
Use Lemon Juice as Vinegar Substitute
If you’re not a fan of that vinegar smell, the next best thing available is a vinegar substitute like lemon juice. Not only does lemon juice smell great, but the citric acid in the ingredient is also a great way to eliminate mould. For particularly tricky patches, you may want to try a lemony paste made with salt to scrub the mould away.
Lemon and Salt Mold Remover
- ½ cup of lemon juice
- ¼ cup of salt
Using the scrub, smear a little bit of it over the mouldy area. Whenever scrubbing or dealing with mould directly, it’s always best to keep a face mask over your mouth and nose to prevent breathing any of the spores, especially when in confined spaces. Blot up the moisture left behind by the juice, then vacuum up whatever solid particles remain.
