How to get rid of molds and mildew from your car?

If you are reading this article, there are chances that you care about your car. You want to go the extra mile to protect your car from airborne or other fungal infections. Although molds exist in the atmosphere at a normal level, excessive levels of mold or mildew can cause health and property damage. Molds are also associated with moderate to severe respiratory issues. Therefore, it is an immediate responsibility to clean your car scrub off the moldy ingrowth in your vehicle.

Many vehicles have mold growth inside it because of moisture leakage. Moisture provides an accurate environment for the propagation of mold growth. Similarly, molds also grow in humid and dark spaces. Cars are often heated and dark when not used further facilitating the development of these fungal microorganisms. So, it is essential to seek professional help and remediate the mold propagation in your car.

mold and mildew in car

Do I have molds in my vehicle?

If you are questioning whether your car has mold or mildew or not, this article has the answer for you. Molds can exist in your surroundings without showing many signs if they are present in smaller quantities. However, if these molds cross the normal recommended levels, they can have detrimental effects. If present in higher quantity, you might notice an earthy, unpleasant smell in your vehicle. This mushy smell indicates that you have come in direct or indirect contact with these microbial organisms.

Similarly, molds have a greenish-black color that appears like; powdery spores on the walls, windows, air conditioner, windows, etc. Furthermore, you may also constantly feel nausea, headaches, skin redness, allergies, respiratory disorders, sinusitis, or dizziness. All these symptoms indicate the presence of mold or mildew on your vehicle. In some cases, molds can even aggravate asthma or cause nose bleeding. If any of these symptoms appear, you must seek professional help for immediate remediation.

Basic mold removal techniques for your vehicles:

While it is always better to seek advice from experienced professionals, there are some basic mold removal techniques that every car owner must know.

1.      Car check-ups:

It must be a regular practice for every car owner to regularly check up on the vehicle. If a car is cleaned, monitored, and inspected regularly, there are fewer chances of mold growth. It is true because molds grow in dark, damp places only. If a car is regularly inspected and cleaned, it will have fewer chances of being impacted by any fungal infestation.

2.      Consistent cleaning:

Many of us clean our cars once in a while and believe that our job is done. Car cleaning is critical regularly because it allows you to detect ingrown mold or mildew. Regular cleaning may occur at home or under professional cleaners’ supervision. Keeping your car clean can prevent the spread of germs, mycotoxins, or spores in the environment.

3.      Scrubbing:

Scrubbing your car interior is an essential step to prevent mold accumulation. Most people use damp cloth to clean their cars which may not be the best idea. Molds thrive in a moisture environment, and using a wet cloth can further facilitate their growth. While scrubbing allows you to deep clean every inch of your vehicle.

4.      Vacuuming:

While we all vacuum our rooms, vacuuming our cars may sound alien to many readers. Vacuum drenches away the dirt particles that may also include mold colonies. Molds grow in the form of spores, and these spores are propelled outwards in the atmosphere. Complete vacuuming allows an all-in-one removal of microorganisms in the atmosphere.

5.      Repairing damages:

If there is a problem with the machinery or moisture leakage, it must be repaired as soon as possible. Moisture is the primary factor for facilitating mold growth and can cause health damage.

6.      Let the air pass:

One of the basic steps in letting the air pass through your car. The car may have trapped heat and moisture that allows mold propagation. Furthermore, the air trapped in the automobile may have high mold density and undergo repairing by passing air through the car now and then.

7.      Prevent rain seepage:

Rain or cleaning water often gets into the car and stays there. This water can again act as a facilitating factor to induce mold development. Keep your vehicle protected by closing all doors and windows properly. Your storage space or garage must also be dry for complete protection.

8.      Use a dehumidifier:

As stated earlier, humidity is one of the most integral factors that allow molds to propagate to their fullest. Using a dehumidifier can help you prevent trapped dampness in the vehicle.

While all these steps can help you get rid of molds from your vehicle, you may want to seek professional guidance to attain a long-term solution for your car protection. Mold remediation services can help you save costs, prevent health issues, and protect your car.