Mould inside a car is more than just unpleasant to look at or smell. If you’re searching for how to get rid of mold from car interiors, chances are you’ve noticed musty odours, visible mould patches, or damp carpets. Left untreated, mould can spread quickly, damage your vehicle’s interior, and pose serious health risks.

Understanding how to get rid of mold from car is essential for maintaining your vehicle’s interior.

This guide explains why mould forms, how to remove it properly, and when professional treatment is the safest option.

Why Mold Grows Inside Cars

Mould thrives in warm, damp, poorly ventilated environments – exactly the conditions found in many vehicles. Common causes include:

• Water leaks from doors, windows, or sunroofs

• Wet carpets or seats after flooding or spills

• Condensation buildup during colder months

• Cars left unused for long periods

• Blocked air conditioning drain pipes

Once moisture is trapped inside the vehicle, mould spores spread rapidly across fabrics, headliners, seat foam, and air vents.

Knowing how to get rid of mold from car can help in preventing long-term damage and health risks.

Is Mold in a Car Dangerous?

Yes. Mould in a car is not just a cosmetic issue.

Health risks may include:

• Breathing difficulties

• Allergic reactions

• Headaches and fatigue

• Worsening asthma symptoms

Mould spores can circulate through the vehicle’s ventilation system, meaning even small visible patches often indicate a much larger hidden problem.

How to Get Rid of Mold From Car: Step-by-Step

Implementing the right strategies on how to get rid of mold from car can save you time and money.

Step 1: Identify the Source of Moisture

Before cleaning anything, you must find and fix the cause of the damp. If you don’t, mould will return.

Check:

• Door and boot seals

• Windscreen and rear window seals

• Sunroof drains

• Floor pans for standing water

• Air conditioning drainage

Drying the car without fixing the leak is a temporary solution at best.

Step 2: Dry the Vehicle Completely

In this section, we will discuss how to get rid of mold from car interiors effectively.

Mould cannot survive without moisture.

To dry the car:

• Remove mats and carpets if possible

• Use fans or dehumidifiers

• Park in a dry, ventilated space

• Avoid sealing the car while damp

In severe cases, interior components may need removing to dry properly.

Step 3: Vacuum Loose Mold Spores

Once you’ve vacuumed, follow up with additional steps on how to get rid of mold from car.

Use a HEPA-filtered vacuum to remove loose mould spores from:

• Seats

• Carpets

• Headliners

• Door cards

Avoid brushing dry mould, as this releases spores into the air and spreads contamination further.

Step 4: Clean With the Correct Products

Cleaning products are vital in learning how to get rid of mold from car interiors.

This is where many DIY attempts fail.

Household cleaners, vinegar, or bleach do not fully kill mould spores and can damage vehicle interiors. Bleach may also push spores deeper into fabrics.

Instead, use:

• Automotive-safe anti-fungal cleaners

• Enzyme-based mould treatments

• Low-moisture cleaning methods

All affected surfaces must be treated, not just the visible areas.

Step 5: Steam Clean Where Safe

Steam cleaning is another method to consider when learning how to get rid of mold from car.

High-temperature steam (over 150°C / 300°F) can kill mould on contact when used correctly.

Steam is effective on:

• Carpets

• Fabric seats

• Plastic trim

It must be controlled carefully to avoid soaking materials, which can worsen the problem if not dried immediately.

Step 6: Treat the Air Conditioning and Ventilation System

This step is often overlooked but critical.

Don’t overlook the ventilation system when figuring out how to get rid of mold from car.

Mould commonly lives inside:

• AC evaporators

• Heater boxes

• Air vents

If untreated, mould spores will continue to circulate every time the fan is switched on.

Professional ozone or enzyme fogging treatments are the most effective way to neutralise airborne spores and clean the ventilation system safely.

Can You Fully Remove Mold Yourself?

Consider the extent of the issue when deciding how to get rid of mold from car.

For light surface mould, DIY cleaning may help temporarily.

However, DIY methods often fail when:

• Mould is embedded in seat foam or carpets

• The headliner is affected

• The ventilation system is contaminated

• The car has suffered water damage or flooding

In these cases, mould will almost always return.

When Professional Mold Removal Is Needed

In cases of extensive mould, knowing how to get rid of mold from car is crucial.

Professional mould removal is recommended if:

• Mould keeps coming back

• There is a strong musty smell

• Large areas are affected

• The car has been written off or stored

• Health symptoms are present

Professional services use:

• Multi-stage decontamination

• Industrial steam systems

• Enzyme and ozone treatments

• Safe disposal of contaminated materials

This ensures mould is removed at the source, not just masked.

How Long Does Mold Removal Take?

Understanding the timeline is also part of how to get rid of mold from car.

Depending on severity:

• Light mould: 2–4 hours

• Moderate mould: 4–8 hours

• Severe cases: 1–2 days

Drying time is just as important as cleaning time.

Can Mold Damage a Car Permanently?

Yes. If left untreated, mould can:

• Permanently stain fabrics

• Destroy seat foam

• Cause electrical corrosion

• Reduce resale value

• Lead to insurance write-offs

Early action is always cheaper and more effective.

Preventing Mold From Returning

After you learn how to get rid of mold from car, focus on prevention to keep your car safe.

Once you’ve learned how to get rid of mold from car interiors, prevention is key.

Tips:

• Fix leaks immediately

• Keep the car ventilated

• Avoid leaving wet items inside

• Run AC regularly, even in winter

• Dry the interior thoroughly after cleaning

A dry car is a mould-free car.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to get rid of mold from car properly can save you money, protect your health, and prevent serious interior damage.

If mould is visible, it’s already spread further than you can see. Acting early is the difference between a clean car and a costly problem.