Keep Your Car Smelling Fresh: How to Remove and Prevent Mildew

Mildew smells in your car can be quite bothersome. They can make your driving experience unpleasant and may even cause health issues. Fortunately, there are several ways to get rid of these smells and keep your car smelling fresh. 

What Causes Mildew Smell in Cars?

Mildew smells in cars are typically caused by mold and mildew growth. These fungi thrive in moist environments, making your car a perfect breeding ground if it has been exposed to water or high humidity.

Mold and mildew release spores into the air, which can cause a musty smell. The smell can be particularly strong as a car is in an enclosed space. Common sources of moisture in cars include:

• Leaks: Water can enter your car through leaks in the poorly sealed roof, windows, or doors.
• Condensation: Moisture from the air can condense inside your car, especially if it’s not well-ventilated.
• Spills: Drinks or other liquids spilled on the seats or carpets can create a damp environment. Any liquid spills that are not cleaned up promptly can lead to mildew growth.
• Humidity: High humidity levels can create a perfect environment for mildew to thrive.

Why It’s Important to Remove Mildew Smell

Besides being unpleasant, mildew smells can also be harmful to your health. Mold and mildew can cause allergic reactions, respiratory problems, and other health issues. Prolonged exposure to mold spores can lead to symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, and itchy eyes.

For individuals with asthma or other respiratory conditions, mold exposure can exacerbate their symptoms. Therefore, it’s important to address the issue as soon as you notice it. Meanwhile, a mildew smell can decrease the resale value of your car, making it harder to sell in the future.

Steps to Remove Mildew Smell from Your Car

Step 1: Essential Tools and Supplies for Cleaning Mold and Mildew

Before you start, gather the necessary supplies to ensure you have everything you need to tackle the mildew smell effectively. Here’s a list of items you’ll need:

• Protective Gear: Wear gloves and a mask to safeguard your health while cleaning, as mold and mildew can be harmful.
• Car Wash Brushes: Utilize various brushes, including a vent cleaning brush, to access all the tight spots in your car.
• Microfiber Cloths: Use soft microfiber cloths to wipe down surfaces gently without causing any damage.
• Car Vacuum Cleaner: A vacuum cleaner with specialized attachments for car interiors will help you remove loose mold spores and debris effectively.
• Baking Soda: This natural deodorizer is excellent for absorbing any lingering odors.
• Mildew Cleaner or White Vinegar: Opt for a cleaner specifically designed for mold and mildew, or use white vinegar as a natural alternative.
• Optional: Steam Cleaner: A steam cleaner can be highly effective for deep cleaning and eliminating mold spores.

Step 2: Figure Out Where the Mildew Smell Come from

Here are some common areas to check:

• Carpets and floor mats: Lift up the carpets and floor mats to check for dampness or mold growth underneath.
• Seats and upholstery: Inspect the seats and upholstery for any signs of mold or mildew. Pay special attention to the seams and crevices.
• Headliner: The headliner (the fabric on the ceiling of your car) can also harbor mold and mildew. Look for any discoloration or spots.
• Trunk: The trunk is another area where moisture can accumulate, especially if you store wet items there.

Once you’ve identified the source of the smell, you can focus your cleaning efforts on those areas.

Step 3: Vacuum the Car Interior

1. Remove Loose Items: Take out all personal belongings, trash, and loose items. Don’t forget to remove any damp clothing or papers that could be causing the smell.
2. Take Out Car Mats: Remove the car mats and set them aside. You’ll clean these separately.
3. Vacuum the Seats: Use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner to thoroughly vacuum the seats. Pay close attention to seams and crevices where mildew can hide.
4. Vacuum the Carpets: Next, use the floor attachment to vacuum the carpets. Be sure to lift up the carpets and vacuum underneath to get rid of any hidden mold spores.
5. Clean Under the Seats: Moisture can collect under the seats, so make sure to vacuum these areas well.
6. Vacuum the Trunk: Finally, vacuum the trunk. This area can also harbor mold and mildew, so give it a good clean.
7. Clean the Car Mats: Vacuum the car mats thoroughly. If they are washable, consider giving them a good wash and letting them dry completely before putting them back in the car.

Step 4: Clean Mildew Spots

1. Prepare the Cleaning Solution: Choose a mildew cleaner or a mild detergent. For a natural option, combine equal parts water and white vinegar. Test the solution on a small area first to ensure it’s safe for your car’s interior.
2. Get the Cleaning Cloth or Sponge Ready: Soak a cloth or sponge in the cleaning solution and wring out the excess liquid.
3. Blot the Mildew Spot Gently: Lightly press the damp cloth or sponge onto the mildew spot. Avoid scrubbing to prevent spreading mold spores.
4. Let the Solution to Sit: Let the cleaning solution rest on the mildew spot for a few minutes to break down the mold.
5. Scrub the Area Gently: Use a soft car interior brush to carefully scrub the area, ensuring thorough cleaning.
6. Rinse with Clean Water:
   Take a clean, damp cloth to rinse the area, eliminating any remaining cleaning solution and mildew residue.
7. Dry Thoroughly: Wipe away excess moisture with a dry towel, then let the area air dry completely.

Step 5: Use Baking Soda for Carpets

After cleaning the mildew spots, use baking soda to absorb any remaining odors from the carpet. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and can help neutralize the musty smell. Here’s how to use it:

1. Sprinkle Baking Soda: Evenly spread baking soda over the carpet.
2. Brush It In: A soft brush can be used to gently introduce the baking soda into the carpet fibers, ensuring it penetrates deeply to absorb odors.
3. Let It Sit: Leave the baking soda on the carpet for an extended period to maximize its odor-absorbing effect.
4. Vacuum Thoroughly: Use a vacuum cleaner to remove all the baking soda from the carpet.

Step 6: Wipe Down Hard Surfaces

1. Prepare the cleaning solution: Mix a mild detergent with water or use a car interior detailing product.
2. Dampen a microfiber cloth: Soak a microfiber cloth in the cleaning solution and wring out the excess liquid.
3. Wipe down surfaces: Wipe down the dashboard thoroughly to eliminate any mold spores and mildew.Clean the door panels to ensure all mold and mildew are removed. Pay special attention to the center console, as it can harbor mold and mildew. Use a detailed brush or cloth to clean crevices and corners where moisture can accumulate and mold can grow.
4. Dry the surfaces: Use a dry microfiber cloth to remove any remaining moisture and leave the surfaces dry.

Step 7: Clean the Headliner

The car headliner can also harbor mold and mildew. Use a water and vinegar solution to clean it, following the same procedure as for the mildew spots. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Prepare the cleaning solution:Combine equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle.
2. Test a small area: Spray a small amount of the solution on an inconspicuous area of the headliner to test for colorfastness.
3. Spray the solution: Lightly spray the cleaning solution on the mildew spots on the headliner.
4. Blot the area: Use a clean cloth or sponge to gently blot the mildew spots. Avoid scrubbing, as it can damage the headliner fabric.
5. Rinse the area: Use a clean cloth dampened with plain water to rinse the area, wiping away any leftover cleaning solution and mildew residue.
6. Dry the area: Wipe the headliner with a dry towel to remove excess moisture, then let it air dry.

Step 8: Clean the AC Vents

Here’s how to do it:

1. Turn off the AC and engine: Make sure the car is turned off before you start cleaning the vents.
2. Use compressed air: Use a can of compressed air to blow out any mold and debris from the vents. Hold the can upright and spray short bursts of air into each vent.
3. Prepare the cleaning solution: Mix a mild detergent with water or use a car interior detailing product.
4. Dampen a vent cleaning brush: Dip a vent cleaning brush in the cleaning solution and shake off the excess liquid.
5. Clean inside the vents: Insert the brush into each vent and gently scrub the inside to remove any mold and mildew.
6. Dry the vents: Use a dry cloth to wipe down the vents and remove any remaining moisture.

Step 9: Use an Ozone Machine

An ozone machine can help remove stubborn odors. To eliminate any remaining mildew smell, place the machine in your car and let it run for a couple of hours. Here’s how to use an ozone machine:

1. Prepare the car: Remove all personal belongings and close all windows and doors.
2. Place the ozone machine: Place the ozone machine on the front seat or center console of the car.
3. Set the timer: Set the timer on the ozone machine according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Typically, a couple of hours is sufficient.
4. Run the machine: Turn on the ozone machine and let it run for the set time. Make sure no one is inside the car while the machine is running.
5. Ventilate the car: After the machine has finished running, open all windows and doors to ventilate the car and allow any remaining ozone to dissipate.

Step 10: Prevent Future Mildew Growth

To prevent mildew from returning, keep your car dry. Avoid leaving windows open when it’s raining, and clean up any spills immediately. Use a dehumidifier if necessary to keep the humidity levels low in your car. Here are some additional tips:

• Use moisture-absorbing products: Place moisture-absorbing products like silica gel packets or desiccant bags in your car to help keep it dry.
• Park in a dry, covered area: Whenever possible, park your car in a garage or covered area to protect it from rain and humidity.
• Regularly clean your car: Regularly clean your car’s interior and check for any signs of moisture.
• Fix leaks promptly: If you notice any leaks in your car, such as from the windows or sunroof, have them repaired promptly to prevent water from entering the car.

Additional Tips

Use Natural Odor Absorbers

Natural odor absorbers like activated charcoal or coffee grounds can help keep your car smelling fresh. Place them in your car overnight to absorb any lingering odors. Here’s how to use them:

• Activated charcoal: Place a few pieces of activated charcoal in a breathable bag or container and leave it in your car overnight. Activated charcoal is highly effective at absorbing odors.
• Coffee grounds: Place a bowl of dry coffee grounds in your car overnight. Coffee grounds can help neutralize odors and leave a pleasant scent.

Regular Maintenance

Regularly clean your car’s interior and check for any signs of moisture.

• Vacuum regularly: Vacuum your car’s interior at least once a month to remove dirt, debris, and mold spores.
• Wipe down surfaces: Regularly wipe down hard surfaces with a mild detergent solution or a car interior detailing product.
• Clean spills immediately: Clean up any spills immediately to prevent moisture from seeping into the upholstery or carpets.

Professional Help

If the mildew smell persists despite your best efforts, consider seeking professional help. A professional car detailing service can thoroughly clean your car and remove any stubborn odors. Here’s what to expect from a professional service:

• Deep cleaning: Professional detailers have specialized equipment and cleaning products to deep clean your car’s interior.
• Odor removal: Professional detailers can use ozone machines, steam cleaners, and other techniques to remove stubborn odors.
• Inspection and repair: Professional detailers can inspect your car for any leaks or moisture issues and recommend repairs if necessary.