People love to keep their prized possessions clean – but often forget that cleaning has to be done on the inside as well. People clean their cars almost daily, but the exteriors only and often forget that the interiors can get dirty as well.
An unclean or dirty car can lead to fungus buildup inside the car. Mould is a type of fungus that can be found in the inside of an unclean car. Moulds can lead to diseases, discomfort and stink. But do not worry, as we have you covered. Here is a thorough guide on how to get rid of Mould in a car, especially during monsoons.
What Causes Mould Growth in Cars During Monsoon?
Moulds are especially prevalent in monsoon, due to high humidity levels and water leakage due to rain. Here are the causes of mould buildup inside your car during monsoon:
- High humidity inside the car
- Water leakage from windows, doors, or the sunroof
- Wet floor mats, seat covers, or upholstery
- Poor ventilation and closed windows for long periods.
- Clogged AC vents or drainage pipes
- Storing damp items like umbrellas or clothes
- Lack of regular cleaning and drying
Signs Your Car Has a Mould Problem
Here are the definite tell-tale signs that your car has a mould problem:
Musty smell inside the car
Visible patches on seats or carpets
Fogged-up windows without a reason
Allergy symptoms during or after driving
Damp or wet floor mats
Foul smell from the AC vents
A stale or damp smell is an example of hidden mould growth, especially if it worsens after rain.
Black, green, or white fuzzy spots that can be seen on fabric or leather surfaces are a clear sign of active mould infestation.
If windows frequently fog up even though there is mild weather, excess trapped moisture and mould may be the cause.
Sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, or skin irritation while in the car are signs of airborne mould spores.
Continuously damp mats or carpeted areas that don't dry quickly can easily lead to mould infestation.
A strong, unpleasant smell when the AC is turned on may signal mould buildup inside the vent system.
Steps to Take When You Spot Mould
Once you know the signs or have spotted the mould buildup inside your car, now is the time to take action. Here’s what you should do:
1. Inspect the source of moisture
Check for leaks around windows, doors, sunroof, or AC vents to check what's causing the dampness.
2. Remove all damp materials
Take out wet mats, seat covers, clothes, or any items that may have mould spores.
3. Dry out the car completely
Leave the windows open on a dry day, use fans or a dehumidifier to remove all extra moisture.
4. Clean the affected areas thoroughly
Use a mix of water and vinegar or a specialised mould cleaner to scrub seats, carpets, and hard surfaces.
5. Disinfect the air conditioning system
Clean or replace cabin air filters and have the vents professionally cleaned to remove any hidden mould.
6. Vacuum and sanitise the interiors
Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter and follow up with upholstery-safe disinfectants to kill lingering spores.
How to Remove Mould from Different Car Areas
Here’s how you can remove mould from different parts of your car using natural and effective remedies like white vinegar, non-iodised salt, oil of cloves, dish soap, and baking soda:
Seats and Upholstery
Carpets and Floor Mats
AC Vents and Cabin Filters
Rubber Seals and Door Linings
Hard Surfaces (Dashboard, Steering, Doors)
Boot Area
Spray a 1:1 mix of white vinegar and water on the mouldy areas, let it sit for 15–20 minutes, then scrub gently with a soft brush. Finish by vacuuming and drying thoroughly.
Sprinkle baking soda over affected areas, leave it overnight to absorb moisture and odours, then vacuum. For stubborn patches, apply dish soap and warm water, scrub, rinse, and sun-dry.
Add a few drops of oil or cloves to water, spray near vents, and run the AC for a few minutes. Replace the cabin filter and clean vents with a cotton swab dipped in vinegar.
Mix non-iodised salt with warm water and apply it to the mouldy rubber using a sponge. Let it dry in sunlight—salt acts as both a scrub and a natural fungicide.
Wipe with a soft cloth soaked in a vinegar solution or dish soap and water. Avoid over-saturating to prevent electrical damage. Dry with a microfibre towel.
Use a combination of white vinegar and baking soda to treat mould on carpets or under the boot lining. Air out the boot thoroughly and check for trapped moisture.
Health Problems You Might Face Because of Mould
Moulds are especially dangerous for asthma patients, causing discomfort and a potential asthma attack. Other health problems that you might face due to mould in the car include:
1. Respiratory issues
If the issues persist and exposure still goes on, it can lead to coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, or even bronchitis.
2. Allergic reactions
Common symptoms related to allergic reactions include sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and skin rashes triggered by mould spores.
3. Weakened immune system
Continuous inhalation of mould spores can deteriorate your body's ability to fight infections over time.
4. Sinus infections
Mould can irritate your nasal passages, causing headaches, congestion, or chronic sinusitis.
5. Fatigue and brain fog
Some individuals report persistent tiredness, lack of focus, and memory issues due to mycotoxins released by mould.
Preventive Measures to Avoid Mould in the Future
Once you get rid of the mould, you also need to make sure that the issue does not persist again in the future. To ensure that, you can use some preventive measures so that mould does not show back again:
Keep the interiors dry
Use moisture absorbers
Ensure proper ventilation
Clean and vacuum regularly
Check for leaks and blockages
Dry floor mats and upholstery
Park in shaded or covered areas
Immediately wipe off any spills and remove wet items like umbrellas, clothes, or towels.
Place silica gel packets or baking soda in the cabin and boot to absorb excess humidity.
Crack the windows slightly when parked (if safe), and run the AC regularly to circulate air.
Remove dirt, food crumbs, and debris that can trap moisture and support mould growth.
Inspect doors, windows, sunroof, and AC drain lines for any signs of leakage or clogging.
Take out mats and seat covers regularly, especially after rain, and dry them in the sunlight.
Avoid parking under direct rain or in damp surroundings where humidity remains trapped.
Final Thoughts
Nobody likes to drive or sit in a dirty car, especially if it is a mould-infested one. Moulds cause sickness, irritation, discomfort, and give out a bad, stinky smell in the car. Clearing moulds is one task, making sure your car is not infested by moulds again is equally important. Car insurance plays a vital role in protecting your financial well-being while in the car, but cleanliness and removal of moulds is something that you should be doing on your own, to safeguard your health and the passengers in your car.
Also Read:
How your Car Insurance Can Be Your Savior During Heavy Rains
Things you must have in your car this Monsoon
Car Insurance Important During Monsoon Time?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to get rid of mould in a car?
Use a 1:1 solution of white vinegar and water to spray affected areas, scrub thoroughly, and dry completely in sunlight.
How do I stop mould growing in my car?
Keep interiors dry, use moisture absorbers, clean regularly, and fix any leaks or drainage issues promptly.
How do you prevent mould in rainy weather?
Remove wet items immediately, air out the car regularly, and use silica gel or baking soda to absorb excess moisture.
What kills mould in a car?
White vinegar, baking soda, oil of cloves, and non-iodised salt are effective natural mould killers when used correctly.
How do you stop mould growth permanently?
Control moisture, maintain airflow, clean interiors often, and avoid storing damp items inside the car.
Can mould formation in my car aggravate my breathing issues?
Yes, mould can trigger asthma, allergies, and other respiratory problems, especially in sensitive individuals.
Can mould growth take place in the car’s air conditioning system?
Yes, mould can develop in vents and filters if not cleaned regularly or if moisture builds up inside the system.
