Home Cleaning Mildew Smell in Your Car? Here’s How to Remove It Thoroughly

Mildew Smell in Your Car? Here’s How to Remove It Thoroughly

By Albert G. Croley
3.5K views 1 min read

There’s nothing quite like the frustration of getting into your car and being greeted by a musty, mildew smell. Whether it’s from a spilled drink, damp upholstery, or water leakage, mildew odors can make your car feel less inviting. Worse yet, mildew not only smells bad but can also contribute to health issues, particularly for those with allergies or respiratory sensitivities. 

So, if you’ve been wondering how to remove mildew smell from car, you’ve come to the right place! Fortunately, with the right approach, you can eliminate that unpleasant odor and keep your car smelling fresh.

Why Does My Car Smell Like Mildew?

Mildew odors develop when moisture gets trapped in your car, creating the perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow. Common causes include leaky windows, spilled drinks, wet clothing left inside, or even humidity on hot days. 

Upholstery, carpets, and floor mats can all absorb moisture, leading to that musty smell. If not addressed promptly, the odor can become stronger and more difficult to remove, and mildew may spread throughout your car’s interior.

Related Post: Quick and Easy Ways to Remove Mold Smell from Your Car Interior

Step-by-Step Guide to Remove Mildew Smell from Car Properly

To remove mildew smell from your car, start by cleaning and drying the affected areas thoroughly. Use a combination of baking soda, vinegar, and activated charcoal to absorb odors and clean upholstery. Prevent future mildew buildup by addressing moisture and ensuring good ventilation in your car.

If you’re dealing with a persistent mildew smell in your car, follow these steps to eliminate the odor and prevent it from coming back.

Step 1: Identify and Remove the Source of Moisture

Before tackling the mildew smell, it’s important to find the source of the moisture. Without addressing what’s causing the mildew in the first place, the smell will keep coming back.

  • Check for leaks: Inspect your car for leaks around windows, sunroofs, doors, or the trunk. Even small leaks can allow water to enter your car and cause mildew to grow in hidden areas.
  • Dry any wet areas: If you’ve recently spilled water, coffee, or any other liquids in your car, clean up the spill as soon as possible. Blot the area with towels and use a wet/dry vacuum to remove excess moisture from carpets or upholstery.
  • Remove damp items: Take out any wet or damp items such as floor mats, seat covers, or clothing from the car. These can trap moisture and contribute to mildew growth.

Addressing the source of the moisture will stop the mildew from spreading and help prevent future odors.

Step 2: Dry Out the Car Thoroughly

Once you’ve removed the moisture source, the next step is to dry out your car completely. This is crucial for eliminating the mildew smell and preventing further mold growth.

  • Open windows and doors: On a sunny day, park your car in a well-ventilated area, preferably outside. Open all the windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate through the car and help evaporate any moisture.
  • Use fans or a dehumidifier: If possible, place portable fans inside the car to speed up the drying process. Alternatively, you can use a dehumidifier to remove moisture from the air and keep the interior dry.
  • Dry with towels: If certain areas of your car, such as the floor mats or seats, are still damp, use dry towels to blot up the moisture. This will help prevent mold and mildew from taking hold.

Drying out your car is one of the most important steps in getting rid of the mildew smell for good.

Step 3: Clean the Interior with Baking Soda

Baking soda is a powerful natural deodorizer that can absorb mildew odors from carpets, upholstery, and other surfaces in your car.

  • Sprinkle baking soda on affected areas: Lightly sprinkle baking soda over the car seats, carpets, and any other areas where the mildew smell is strongest. Baking soda helps neutralize odors without using harsh chemicals.
  • Let it sit overnight: For best results, leave the baking soda on the affected areas overnight to absorb the mildew smell.
  • Vacuum the baking soda: After letting it sit, use a vacuum cleaner to remove the baking soda from the carpets and upholstery. This will also lift any dirt, dust, or mildew particles trapped in the fabric.

Baking soda is an easy, effective way to deodorize your car and remove musty odors.

Step 4: Clean Upholstery and Carpets with Vinegar

White vinegar is a natural cleaning agent and odor neutralizer that works well to eliminate mildew smells. It’s safe for most car interiors and can effectively break down mildew buildup.

  • Make a vinegar solution: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. This solution will help clean and disinfect any surfaces affected by mildew.
  • Spray on upholstery and carpets: Lightly mist the vinegar solution on the upholstery, carpets, and floor mats. Be careful not to oversaturate the fabric, as too much moisture can lead to further mold growth.
  • Wipe down with a cloth: After spraying the vinegar solution, use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the surfaces and lift away any mildew or dirt.
  • Let it air dry: Once you’ve finished cleaning, allow the surfaces to air dry completely. Vinegar has a strong initial smell, but it will dissipate as it dries, taking the mildew odor with it.

Vinegar is a great natural solution for deep cleaning your car’s interior and getting rid of mildew smells.

Step 5: Use Activated Charcoal for Odor Absorption

Activated charcoal is known for its ability to absorb strong odors, including mildew. It’s a safe, natural option for keeping your car smelling fresh without using air fresheners or chemicals.

  • Place activated charcoal in the car: Put a few bags or bowls of activated charcoal inside your car, focusing on areas where the mildew smell is strongest, such as under the seats or in the trunk.
  • Leave it in the car for a few days: Allow the activated charcoal to sit in the car for several days to absorb any lingering mildew odors.
  • Replace as needed: If the smell persists, replace the charcoal bags with fresh ones and continue to use them until the odor is gone.

Activated charcoal works silently and effectively to neutralize even the most stubborn mildew smells.

Related Post: How to Store Charcoal for Long Term?

Step 6: Clean and Replace Air Filters

Your car’s air conditioning system can harbor mold and mildew, especially if moisture has built up in the vents. Cleaning or replacing the air filters can help prevent musty smells from recirculating through the car.

  • Check the cabin air filter: The cabin air filter is responsible for filtering the air inside your car. If it’s clogged or moldy, it can spread musty odors. Check the filter and clean or replace it if necessary.
  • Clean the vents: Spray a disinfectant or a vinegar solution into the air vents to kill any mold or mildew spores. Running the air conditioning with the windows open can help air out the system and remove odors.

Keeping your air filters and vents clean will ensure that your car’s ventilation system isn’t contributing to the mildew smell.

Step 7: Prevent Mildew from Coming Back

Now that you’ve successfully removed the mildew smell, it’s important to take steps to prevent future moisture buildup and odors.

Keep the Car Dry:

  • Wipe down wet surfaces: If rainwater, snow, or spills get inside your car, wipe them up immediately to prevent moisture from settling into the fabric.
  • Use moisture-absorbing products: Place moisture-absorbing packs or dehumidifiers in your car to help keep the interior dry.

Regularly Clean the Interior:

  • Vacuum and clean frequently: Regularly vacuuming and cleaning the upholstery, carpets, and floor mats will help prevent mildew from forming.

Ensure Proper Ventilation:

  • Air out the car: Keep your car well-ventilated, especially on humid days, by opening windows or running the air conditioner. This will reduce moisture and prevent mildew growth.

By staying on top of cleaning and moisture control, you can keep your car smelling fresh and avoid mildew issues in the future.

End Note

Dealing with a mildew smell in your car can be frustrating, but it’s completely manageable with the right cleaning methods. By addressing the source of the moisture, thoroughly drying the interior, and using natural deodorizers like baking soda, vinegar, and activated charcoal, you can eliminate the musty odor and keep your car smelling fresh.

Regular maintenance and moisture control will help prevent mildew from coming back, ensuring your car remains a comfortable and pleasant place to be. With these simple steps, you’ll be able to remove mildew smells from your car and enjoy a cleaner, fresher ride!

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