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Is A Mouldy Car Salvageable?

By December 18, 2024No Comments

If you’ve discovered mould or mildew in your car, there’s no need to be alarmed. It’s not unusual for a vehicle to develop the occasional mouldy patch, particularly if it’s been in storage for a while or subject to humid conditions, but it’s something you will want to remedy as soon as possible to prevent it from spreading.

In this article, we’re going to take a look at the various causes of car mould, how it can be prevented, and the steps you can take to salvage your vehicle if it develops a bad case of mould or mildew.

But first:

Why Is Car Mould a Problem?

The main issues with mould inside your car are twofold. Firstly, it looks bad – typically a white or brown mottling that can stain fabric, leather, and plastic interiors. Secondly (and perhaps more importantly) it is a potential health hazard. Mould expels spores into the air in an effort to cover a greater surface area. These spores can negatively affect people with respiratory problems like asthma, or certain skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema.

Why Is My Car Mouldy?

Mould and mildew in a car can have several underlying causes, most of which stem from a combination of dampness, poor ventilation, and external leaks. When car doors are closed and windows remain rolled up, the vehicle becomes an effective trap for heat and moisture. Body heat from passengers, humid weather, or even wet clothing can raise the humidity inside the car. As the car cools down, this moisture condenses on cooler surfaces like windows, carpets, or upholstery, creating a damp environment perfect for mould to thrive.

Broken or worn door seals are another common culprit, as they allow rainwater or condensation to seep into the interior of the vehicle. Similarly, leaks in the sunroof, windows, or boot can introduce water into areas that are hard to dry, exacerbating the problem.

Dust, dirt, and organic debris left inside the car can act as a food source for mould, encouraging its growth even in less humid conditions. Parking in a poorly ventilated garage, commercial storage unit, or any enclosed space without airflow further compounds the issue, as the trapped air cannot circulate to dry out the dampness effectively.

How Can I Prevent Mould from Growing in My Car?

Preventing mould in your car largely comes down to addressing the causes of dampness and maintaining good ventilation. Here are some practical tips to keep mould at bay:

  • Clean Your Car Regularly: Regularly vacuuming and wiping down the interior not only keeps your car looking its best but also removes potential breeding grounds for mould. Clean up spills as soon as they occur to prevent moisture from seeping into your carpets and upholstery.
  • Check your car’s door seals, sunroof, windows, and boot for any signs of damage or wear: Address leaks promptly, as water intrusion can create the damp environment mould needs to grow. Additionally, ensure that drainage channels in the door and under the windscreen are clear of blockages to prevent water from pooling inside the car.
  • Improve Air Circulation: On dry days, open the windows to let fresh air circulate, especially if the car has been parked for a long time or stored in an enclosed garage. Avoid parking in spaces with poor ventilation for extended periods.
  • Invest in Custom Car Mats: Custom-fit mats reduce the crevices where moisture and dirt can accumulate, making it harder for mould to establish itself. Opt for waterproof mats if possible, as they are easier to clean and help protect the car’s interior from dampness.
  • Address Damp Conditions Quickly: After rainy days or exposure to water, dry out your car thoroughly. Use a dehumidifier or silica gel packets to absorb excess moisture from the air. If you notice condensation inside your car, wipe it down immediately to prevent damp surfaces from persisting.

How Do I Salvage My Mouldy Car?

If your car is infested with mould and mildew, all is not lost. There are several specialist cleaning techniques that can be employed to eradicate the mould and remove any subsequent staining, leaving your vehicle interior looking as good as new. Here at Medusa Auto Detailing, we provide a complete mould sanitisation and sterilisation service to drivers in the London and Hertfordshire areas that will make unsightly mould in your car a distant memory.

Here’s how it works:
  • Industrial Ozone Treatment: we start by flushing out your car’s air-conditioning system to get rid of any mould or bacterial traces and prevent it from spreading fresh spores around the car interior.
  • Mould Removal: any existing mould needs to be physically removed. This is accomplished by performing a thorough deep clean of the vehicle, using antibacterial and anti-viral cleaning products on all upholstery, carpets, and mats.
  • Thermal Fog Sanitisation: a TFS treatment expels an antibacterial chemical fog inside your car, getting into all those awkward corners that even the most dedicated valet cannot reach. This kills off 99.99% of known bacteria, mould, mildew, and viruses.

Mould Sterilisation and Sanitisation Near You

For drivers in North London, North West London, West London, Central London, Greater London, and Hertfordshire, we offer a complete mould removal service as detailed above. Book an appointment with Medusa Auto Detailing today, either as a standalone mould solution, or as part of one of our valeting and detailing packages. 

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