How to remove mildew smell from a car

Chances are, from commuting to leisurely weekend commutes, you spend a lot of time in your car. As long as there are no bad odors, you can even take it for granted that there is usually no smell while driving. Unfortunately, mold odors are a common problem in car interiors. These odors are caused by standing water or moisture, uncleaned spills, leaking window or door seals, or condensed moisture in the air conditioning system.

To combat mold odor inside your car, you must first determine its origin. This means a thorough inspection of the interior of the car. Look under the carpets and seats, in the cracks of the pillows, and if all else fails, turn on the air conditioner and smell it. Once you locate an area of ​​mold and get an idea of ​​its severity, or determine that it is a problem with your air conditioning system, you can choose the most appropriate of the following methods to suit your needs.

Method 1 of 6: Air dry and brush

This method is ideal for small mold due to dampness in your car and may not be effective for more severe odor problems.

Necessary materials

• Shop or manual vacuum cleaner
• Stiff bristle brush

Step 1: Park your car. Park your car in the sun or in a warm garage.

Step 2: Air out the car. Open the windows and/or doors of your car to allow the mildew smell to dry and "ventilate". Depending on the amount of moisture on your carpet and upholstery, this may take 24 hours or more.

Step 3: Brush off the mold. Use a stiff-bristled brush to brush off any signs of mold.

Step 4: Vacuum. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove moldy dust and any other sand or dirt.

Functions: If you decide to leave the doors open to dry and ventilate the vehicle faster, first disconnect the battery by removing the negative terminal first and then the positive terminal. Replace terminals when finished, in reverse order.

Method 2 of 6: Odor Removal Spray

Try this method using an in-car deodorant spray for minor problems with an item already removed from your car or mold that has built up inside your air conditioner vents. Keep in mind, however, that this method can only mask odors, not eliminate their source.

Step 1: Spray the odor remover. Spray a moderate amount of odor remover all over the interior of your car, especially carpets and upholstery, which can contain bad odors.

Step 2: Spray inside the vents. Spray the odor remover generously inside each air conditioner vent to remove odors caused by mold, bacteria, or standing water. Repeat this yearly to prevent future odors.

Method 3 of 6: Anhydrous calcium chloride

If your moldy smell is due to standing water caused by something like a leaking window seal or convertible top, using anhydrous calcium chloride can help. This substance is very effective at removing odor-causing moisture, holding twice its weight in water. Often calcium chloride anhydrous comes with a perforated lid to store the chemical and a container to catch excess water.

Necessary materials

• Anhydrous calcium chloride
• Enameled pot with a perforated plastic lid that can be put on when needed.
• Lid made of perforated plastic or waxed cardboard, if needed

Step 1: Place the product on the lid. Put a few tablespoons, or the amount indicated in the product instructions, into the perforated plastic lid.

Step 2: Cover the pot with a lid.: Cover the enamel pot or other container provided with the lid.

Step 3: Place in a cup holder. Leave space in the car so that the unit does not tip over, for example in a cup holder. Depending on the amount of stagnant moisture in your car, you may need to leave it inside your car or truck for a week or more.

Step 4: Repeat as needed. Empty the container and add more anhydrous calcium chloride if necessary.

Method 4 of 6: Baking soda

For a spot treatment to get rid of moldy odors, baking soda is a cheap and effective odor neutralizer.

Necessary materials

• Baking soda
• Shop or manual vacuum cleaner

Step 1: Sprinkle Baking Soda. Sprinkle the affected area thoroughly with baking soda (enough to make it opaque white). Let stand for at least two hours.

Step 2: Vacuum. Vacuum the baking soda and enjoy the fresh, mildew-free scent.

Method 5 of 6: laundry detergent

Laundry detergent does a good job of removing clothing odors, and your car's carpet and upholstery isn't all that different. It's safe for your car's interior and inexpensive, making it an ideal method for treating mild to moderate mold problems.

Necessary materials

• Clean cloth
• Washing powder
• Spatula or spatula if needed
• vacuum shop
• Sprayer
• water

Step 1: Scrape off the dirt. Scrape off any dirty deposits from the affected area with a spatula or putty knife if necessary.

Step 2: Prepare the mixture. Mix two tablespoons of detergent with eight ounces of water in a spray bottle.

Step 3: Wet Target Area. Wet the area liberally with a mixture of detergent and water. Let it install in minutes

Step 4: Blot Excess Moisture. Blot excess moisture with a clean cloth.

Step 5Use a shop vacuum. Vacuum any remaining moisture and dirt.

Method 6 of 6: Book a professional cleaning

When other methods fail to completely remove the musty smell from inside your car, seek professional help. It can cost anywhere from $20 to $80, depending on how meticulous detailing your vehicle requires, but the smell will go away and your driving experience will improve dramatically.

Once you finally get rid of the mold smell, take steps to prevent it from reoccurring. This is best done by promptly repairing any leaks, keeping the vehicle generally clean, and performing scheduled maintenance on the air conditioning system. On sunny days, you can also leave the windows open occasionally to allow fresh air to circulate through the car and keep out odors.