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Writer's pictureMarshall Pastore

How to Clean Mold from Your Car: A Detailer's Guide

SprayRVA is a locally owned and operated mobile car wash and detailing service.

Mold in car

Mold. The very word sends shivers down the spine. It's not just the smell—although that damp, musty odor is unmistakable—it's also the knowledge that mold is living, growing, spreading. And the worst part? It can thrive in places you didn’t even know were wet.


If you’re reading this, you’ve likely found mold in your car. That’s a tricky place for an infestation, but not impossible to tackle. Let’s talk about how to clean mold from your car and why it’s essential that you do.


First Things First: Don’t Panic, but Don’t Wait


Mold is sneaky, and it grows fast, especially in a confined space like your vehicle. Your car is essentially a rolling petri dish, and if conditions are right—warmth, moisture, darkness—mold will happily set up camp. The sooner you address it, the easier it will be to manage.


Leaving it too long, however, allows the mold to penetrate deeper into the fabric, carpet, and even the HVAC system, which can affect not only the smell but your health. So, don’t wait. Mold doesn’t take vacations.


Step 1: Find the Source of Moisture


Mold doesn’t happen by accident. Somewhere, your car has been exposed to moisture, and that’s what’s fueling the growth. It might be a leaky window seal, a forgotten water bottle that spilled under the seat, or even condensation from the air conditioner. Before you do anything else, identify and fix the moisture problem. If you don’t, the mold will just keep coming back.


Step 2: Suit Up


Here’s where things get real. Mold spores can be harmful if inhaled, so before you dive into scrubbing, take a few precautions. Wear gloves, a mask (preferably an N95), and safety glasses. Open your car doors and, if possible, do the cleaning outside to ensure you’re in a well-ventilated area.


Step 3: The Right Tools for the Job


You don’t need a chemist’s lab to clean mold, but you do need the right supplies. Here’s a simple, effective approach:


  • White vinegar: Known for its antifungal properties, vinegar is your go-to. Fill a spray bottle with undiluted white vinegar.

  • Baking soda: For tougher spots, this will add a scrubbing element.

  • Microfiber cloths: You want something that picks up the mold without spreading it around.

  • Vacuum with HEPA filter: If the mold has been there for a while, vacuuming is your best first step to remove surface mold and debris.


Step 4: Time to Clean


1. Vacuum: Start by vacuuming the moldy area thoroughly. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to ensure that the mold spores don’t just get redistributed into the air.

2. Spray vinegar: Saturate the moldy area with white vinegar. Mold hates acidity, and vinegar is a natural, safe option to kill it at the root. Let the vinegar sit for at least 15-20 minutes. Don’t rush this step—vinegar needs time to work its magic.

3. Scrub: Using your microfiber cloth (or a brush for tougher spots), scrub the area gently. If the mold is particularly stubborn, sprinkle some baking soda onto the moldy spot and scrub again. This will help lift the mold and neutralize odors.


4. Wipe clean: After scrubbing, wipe the area down with a clean, damp microfiber cloth. Be thorough.


5. Let it dry: Mold loves moisture, so make sure everything dries completely. Open the car doors, park in a sunny spot, and let the interior air out. If necessary, use a portable fan to help speed up the drying process.


Step 5: Prevention


Now that you’ve evicted the mold, how do you keep it from coming back? A few tips:


  • Keep it dry: If possible, park in a garage or use a car cover. Regularly check for leaks.

  • Use a dehumidifier: Small, car-sized dehumidifiers can make a big difference in preventing moisture buildup.

  • Regular cleaning: Don’t wait for the smell to alert you. Routine cleaning can prevent a minor issue from becoming a major mold infestation.


Mold in your car isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a health risk. But with a bit of diligence and the right approach, you can keep your vehicle mold-free—and breathe easy.

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