How to Remove Mold Odors From Inside Automobiles

Co-authored by NW Maids

Last Updated: September 18, 2022 References

Mold odor in automobiles can easily form when moisture seeps into a surface and stays around long enough to form bacteria and mildew. As that bacteria and mildew grows, so does an unpleasant musky scent. When you start to notice that scent in your car, it can and should be addressed.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Locating the Source of the Odor

1
Inspect the interior of the car. Check everywhere, even in places that are hidden from you view like under the floor mats and seats. Look for any traces of moisture or mildew.^{[1]
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- Use your hand to feel around in places you can't see.
- Kill any mold you find with 2 cups (470 ml) of vinegar mixed with 1 cup (240 ml) of water. Leave it on the mold for 30 minutes before wiping it clean.^{[2]
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  House Cleaning Service
  Expert Interview. 28 August 2019.}
2
Examine the upholstery on the front and back seats. Make sure they are mold free and are not moist when you touch them.^{[3]
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- Let the automobile sit in the sun with the windows rolled down to dry out.
- Brush away any loose mold from the upholstery.
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3
Inspect the air conditioning system. When the A/C is running, water condenses and attracts dust, spores, pollen, and other germs. This later forms fungi and causes a mildew smell that can be treated.
- Use an odor remover spray to treat your car's A/C every year.
- Spray the odor remover into the A/C vents to eliminate odors caused by stagnant water, bacteria, and mildew.^{[4]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Removing Moisture from Inside Your Automobile

1
Use a shop vacuum to suck-up any moisture. If you do not own a shop vacuum, you can rent one from most home improvement stores. These machines work great to suck-up moisture that lies deep within fabrics.
2
Absorb the moisture with anhydrous calcium chloride. This product comes in white granules and works to absorb moisture. It can hold double its weight in water and liquefies as it absorbs moisture. Here is how to properly use anhydrous calcium chloride:^{[5]
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- Put the granules in a waxed cardboard container that has perforated holes.
- Place the container in an enameled pot to collect the liquid that drips away from the container.
- Leave the pot in the automobile until only liquid is let in the container and then refill it.
- Take care while handling calcium chloride and dispose of it properly after use.
3
Leave the car windows open to let the car air out. This is a helpful tip to consider when there is too much moisture for you to get rid of on your own. The heat from the sun will warm up the inside of the car and work to evaporate some of the moisture left behind on seats, the floor and anywhere the mold smell originates.^{[6]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Neutralizing and Deodorizing the Odor

1
Spray the designated areas with an air freshener. Spray each spot a few times, and allow it to seep into the area where the mold smell is. This will help to remove mold odor from within your car.
- Do not over saturate the area with air freshener. If you do, blot the area dry.
2
Sprinkle baking soda inside the car where the moisture and mold is. Allow this to seep into the carpet. After about two hours, vacuum the excess baking soda with a portable handheld vacuum or shop vacuum.
3
Shampoo the floor and mats. It is perfectly safe to use laundry detergent on your car floor's and upholstery to remove stains, mold, or any other culprit causing unpleasant smells.^{[7]
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- Remove any stuck-on grim or substance with a putty knife or spatula.
- Mix two tablespoons of laundry detergent with eight ounces of water into a spray bottle, and get the affected areas wet.
- After allowing the cleaning solution to set for a few minutes, begin blotting up the area by padding it with a white wash cloth.
- Soak up the remaining moisture with a shop vacuum when done.
4
Go to a car care professional. Check the extent of the damage. Mold or mildew that has soaked through to the padding of cushions needs to be cleaned by a detailing company that has access to fumigation.^{[8]
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- Call around to your nearest car care professionals to ask about pricing. This service could be expensive.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Preventing Mold Odors from Returning

1
Keep the inside of the automobile clean. Food and debris that fall in your car can provide favorable conditions for mold and mildew to begin growing. Regularly vacuuming and shaking off car floor mats can be a great way to prevent mildew growth.
2
Keep the interior dry. Moisture nurtures mildew which is the cause of musty odors. It is important to maintain a dry atmosphere in the automobile.
- Wipe up any spill immediately.
- Remove wet floor mats and allow them to air dry before returning to the car.
- Allow the automobile to replenish stagnant air with fresh air by leaving the windows down.
3
Keep rugs and carpets dry. In the case of flooding or major spills where the carpet has been saturated, be sure to address the problem right away to prevent mildew growth. The carpet needs to be cleaned, deodorized and dried completely.^{[9]
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- Consider a professional cleaning for major saturation.^{[10]
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4
Improve the air quality inside the automobile. Mildew and mold odors will return if there is poor air quality. It is important to have moisture control, proper ventilation, and make sure contaminated air is removed.^{[11]
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- Roll your car windows down occasionally to allow new air to flow in.
- Keep up with annual A/C maintenance.

Community Q&A

Question

How do I remove mold from leather?

Community Answer

I put 4 parts water to 1 part white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray the affected area and let it set for a few minutes with the doors open, then wipe it down with paper towel.
Question

Can mold grow in the roof of a car from a sunroof leak?

Community Answer

Though mold itself will not grow on top of the roof, if the interior roof is fabric, it is certainly possible for mold to grow there due to a sunroof leak.
Question

How do I remove a mold odor from my home? Can the smell make me sick?

Community Answer

Vinegar is a great way to rid areas of mold. The vinegar kills fungus and mold and will reduce or rid the areas of the smell. Also, the vinegar smell will quickly dissipate. It's the best product to add to laundry to rid those towels of mildew smells. If you're concerned about mold growth in your home, contact a mold removal specialist.