How to Get Rid of Car Mold

Man Vacuuming Seats

Have you noticed a moldy smell inside the cabin of your vehicle? You will want to eliminate it as soon as possible. Warning signs of car mold can range from a smell of sour milk or discoloration on the seats and carpet. To start, you’ll want to clean and vacuum the inside of the car. After that, it is time to eliminate the source of the mold. Learn how to get mold out of a car from the experts at Suntrup Automotive Group.

Steps for Car Mold Removal

Removing mold is essential for keeping your car safe and in pristine condition. If you plan on selling or trading in your vehicle, it is even more important to get rid of car mold. Fortunately, it is an easy task if you follow the steps below.

  1. Remove any trash or other items from the inside of the car. Wet clothing can cause mold to spread rapidly.
  2. Water damage is another source of car mold. Before you clean the car, allow the interior to dry.
  3. Use a dry vacuum to thoroughly clean the car’s upholstery.
  4. Select the mold cleaner you want to use. Many drivers in the Green Valley area opt for white vinegar and hot water in a spray bottle. You can also mix this solution with baking soda. This odor remover is particularly effective against black mold. One part water and one part color-safe bleach can also work. Before you use this throughout the cabin, be sure to test it in an area that is more hidden. This will let you know if it will end up causing discoloration of the upholstery.
  5. Keep the doors open while you spray down the interior of the vehicle. These cleaners can be used anywhere in the cabin. They do not have to be used on the mold only.
  6. The upholstery attachment on a wet-dry vacuum can possibly help to eliminate difficult to remove mold.
  7. After you’re finished cleaning, leave the windows down while the interior dries. If you don’t, it could end up leading to even more mold in the cabin.

More Tips for Getting Rid of Mold

To safely get rid of mold in your vehicle, consider following the tips mentioned below:

  • Use a dust mask to remove black mold. It can irritate the lungs and cause breathing problems.
  • Enzyme-based cleaners will handle many types of mold. Most hardware stores carry this type of cleaner.
  • Taking your car to be detailed at a car wash will probably not be enough to get rid of mold. This is something you will need to do on your own.
  • To ensure you are eliminating all of the molds, you will want to spray down the entire vehicle. Mold spores can travel to areas that don’t look affected.

Car Cleaning Advice from Suntrup Automotive Group

If you have more questions about removing mold from your vehicle or getting it looking spotless, the experts at Suntrup Automotive Group would be glad to share a few tips and tricks. Contact us today for more information. You can learn how to create your own car air freshener.


More from Suntrup Automotive Group

  • Ranking the Most Reliable Used SUVs: What to Know Before You Buy

    Reliability is the most important variable in a used vehicle purchase. A lower sticker price means nothing if the model you’re buying carries a history of expensive repairs. The right SUV, with the right history, delivers years of low-cost ownership. The wrong one costs you more than you saved by the second year.   These…

  • Can You Get a Car Loan with Bad Credit in St. Louis?

    Quick Answer Yes. Bad credit does not disqualify you from financing a vehicle in St. Louis. Subprime auto loans exist specifically for buyers in this situation, and dealership finance departments like Suntrup Automotive work with low-credit buyers regularly. You will likely pay a higher interest rate, and a down payment will improve your chances. The…

  • What Credit Score Do You Need to Buy a Car?

    It is one of the first questions people ask when they start thinking about financing a vehicle, and the honest answer is that there is no single number that unlocks car ownership. Lenders set their own standards, and those standards shift depending on whether you are financing new or used, how much you are putting…

Contact Us


5926 S. Lindbergh Blvd
St. Louis, MO 63123
Suntrup Automotive Group 38.5214964, -90.3451239.