How to Get Mildew Smell Out of Car: 7 Best Techniques
Have you ever noticed a musty and unpleasant smell in your car? That smell could be mildew. Mildew is a type of fungus that grows in damp places, especially in the interior of cars. Therefore, if you want to enhance the car smell, you must know how to get mildew smell out of car. Read this guide to learn about 7 effective methods to kill mildew in cars and remove bad smells.
Table of contents
- How long do car wraps last?
- Signs your wrap needs replacement
- What affects the lifespan of vinyl wraps on cars?
- Tips to increase the life span of wraps
- Maintenance and care tips
- Understanding the lifespan of vinyl wrap
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Signs of mildew in cars
Before applying techniques to remove the mildew smell, confirm whether it is mildew or not. Here are some common signs of mildew in your car:
- A strong and musty odor that stays permanently inside your car.
- Damp or wet spots on the seats, carpets, or floor mats.
- Appearance of black or white spots on the seats, carpets, or floor mats.
Top 7 tips on how to get mildew smell out of car
If you discover any of the above signs in your car, make preparations to kill mildew in car. Here are the top 7 tips on how to get mildew smell out of car:
Use baking soda solution
Baking soda is very effective for absorbing bad smells. Mix the baking soda with water to make a paste and apply it to the affected places. Apply the mixture smoothly and let it sit for a few hours for good results. The baking soda will completely absorb the mildew odor and eliminate the bad smell.
Apply white vinegar spray
Vinegar is a natural cleaner that helps to kill mildew in cars and get rid of the smell. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. If your car smells like mildew, spray this solution on affected places and let it dry. After some time, the vinegar solution will remove the mildew and its bad odor.
Vacuum and shampoo carpets
The mildew mostly grows in the carpets and seats of the car. Do you know how to get the mildew smell out of car carpets? Vacuum and shampoo are the best solutions. First, use a vacuum cleaner to remove dirt and dust, and then shampoo the seats and carpets. This technique also helps to keep the new car smell fresh in your car for a long time.
Air out the vehicle properly
Even after getting rid of mildew, the bad smell still stays inside the car. Ventilating your car is one of the easiest methods to remove the mildew smell. Leave the windows open to allow the fresh air to circulate inside the car. Other than removing the bad mildew smell, the fresh air will also remove the leftover moisture.
Place charcoal for odour absorption
Charcoal is a very effective element for removing bad odor from any place. Just place a few charcoal bags in your car for a few days to eliminate the mildew smell. These bags will absorb the mildew odor completely and leave your car smelling fresh.
Use essential oils for freshness
After removing the bad odor, use essential oils like lavender to produce a good smell. The best way is to add a few drops of essential oil to a small cloth and place it inside a car. The smell of the essential oil will start spreading quickly and create a fresh environment.
Try a dehumidifier inside the car
The dehumidifier removes the moisture and stops the production of mildew. Therefore, it is good practice to keep a humidifier in your car to avoid the production of mildew.
So, if you are worried about how to get mildew smell out of car, use any of these 7 techniques. For quick and easy removal of mildew from a car, you can also think about purchasing a car mildew remover.
Why does the car smell like mildew?
The car smells like mildew due to the growth of mildew inside. If the moisture stays for too long inside the car, the mildew starts growing quickly. After some time, the amount of mildew increases, and the car smells like mildew. If you see any sign of mildew, take quick action to get rid of it. Otherwise, the bad smell will start becoming strong and persistent.
How does mildew grow in cars?
The two main reasons for mildew production are moisture and lack of ventilation. Here are some common causes of mildew growth:
Moisture buildup
Moisture builds up inside a car due to many factors, such as rainwater, wet shoes, spills, and wet clothes. If your car is exposed to any of these things, instantly dry up the interior, especially carpets and seats. Moreover, keep your windows closed during the rainy season and avoid using liquid things in the car.
Role of poor ventilation
If the car does not get enough air due to poor ventilation, moisture starts building inside it. Poor ventilation increases humidity, which is one of the main causes of mildew production. So, if your car smells like mildew, keep proper ventilation inside.
Common areas where mildew forms
The common areas where the mildew grows are carpets, under the seat, and trunk. These areas can easily trap moisture due to less airflow, which results in mildew production. Moreover, mildew grows on carpets because we mostly spill liquid on them.
Impact of humidity
If you live in a humid area, your car is more likely to develop mildew. Keep your car ventilated in these regions to remove the humidity and mildew. If you feel that your car smells like mildew, take quick action to avoid more damage.
Signs of early mildew growth
The two common signs of mildew are a light and musty smell and small spots of mold. Mold commonly grows on fabrics, leather, and carpets inside cars. This table shows some common signs of mildew growth:
| Sign | Description |
|---|---|
| Musty odor | A faint and unpleasant smell resembling dampness. |
| Small black or white spots | Tiny dots appearing on fabric, seats, or leather. |
| Damp carpets | Carpets or mats that feel wet or moist. |
| Foggy windows | Windows that fog up due to trapped moisture. |
| Discoloration | Patches of fading or staining on car upholstery. |
| Sticky surfaces | Areas of the car that feel tacky to the touch. |
| Humid interior | The inside of the car feels humid or stuffy. |
Prevent future mildew growth
Have you learned how to get the mildew smell out of a car? If yes, follow these steps to prevent mildew growth in the future:
Keep car interior dry: Never keep your car wet for too long. If it gets wet due to rain, spills, or anything else, instantly dry it.
Ventilate the car after driving in rain: It is not possible to drive a car with open windows during rain. Therefore, after driving, keep the windows open for a few minutes to let fresh air in.
Use moisture-absorbing products: If you live in humid areas or drive during the rainy season, keep moisture-absorbing products inside your car. For example, silica gel can absorb the moisture and stop mildew growth.
Regularly clean and vacuum carpets. Mildew mostly grows on carpets due to less ventilation or airflow. Vacuum up dirt and dust and regularly clean the carpet to keep everything fresh.
Conclusion
The mildew smell inside the car is very irritating and bad for health. If your car smells like mildew, use any one of the suitable methods mentioned in this guide. Especially if you live in humid areas, you must know how to get the mildew smell out of your car. Keep your car dry, ventilated, and clean to avoid the bad smell of mildew.
FAQs
How to kill mildew effectively?
You can easily kill mildew using natural solutions like white vinegar or a mix of baking soda and water. Commercial mildew removers are expensive, but they are more effective.
How do I get the mildew smell out of the car carpet?
To remove the mildew smell from the car carpet, vacuum the area, sprinkle baking soda, and leave it for some time. After some time, the baking soda will absorb the bad odor of mildew from carpets.
Why does my car smell like mildew?
Your car smells like mildew due to the buildup of moisture on carpets, seats, and other parts. The main causes of moisture buildup are driving in humid areas, keeping windows open during rain, and spilling water in cars.
Can mildew in a car be harmful?
Yes, mildew is very harmful to your car and health, especially if left untreated for a long time. Mildew can cause respiratory issues and allergies in some people. Therefore, whenever you see any signs of mildew, quickly get rid of it using an effective technique.
What can I use to prevent mildew in my car?
The best way to prevent mildew growth is to keep your car dry and ventilated. Moreover, you can use moisture-absorbing products like silica gel to avoid mildew.
