How to Remove Mould From a Car Interior (Safely & Permanently)
Mould inside a car is more common than people realise — especially in vehicles exposed to water leaks, flooding, or long periods of damp conditions.
While many assume a deep clean will fix the issue, mould contamination requires a specialist sanitisation process to remove spores safely and prevent recurrence.
In this guide, we explain how mould forms, why standard cleaning doesn’t work, and the safest way to remove it permanently.
What Causes Mould Inside a Car?
Mould grows in vehicles when three things are present:
Moisture
Warm temperatures
Poor ventilation
Common causes include:
Water leaks from doors or seals
Flood damage
Wet carpets or upholstery left untreated
Blocked drainage channels
Vehicles stored long-term without airflow
Once mould spores settle into carpets, seats or air vents, they can spread quickly.
Why Standard Cleaning Is Not Enough
Traditional valeting or shampooing may remove visible stains, but it does not eliminate embedded spores within:
Seat foam
Carpet underlay
Headlining
Air conditioning systems
Without proper sterilisation, mould can return — sometimes within days.
Attempting to clean it yourself can also spread spores further into the vehicle.
The Professional Mould Removal Process
At Medusa Auto Detailing, we follow a structured multi-stage treatment:
1. Interior Assessment
We identify affected materials and assess the extent of contamination.
2. Targeted Anti-Fungal Treatment
Specialist mould-specific solutions are applied to contaminated areas.
3. Air System Sterilisation
Air vents and HVAC systems are treated to remove hidden spores.
4. Ozone Shock Treatment
Ozone is used to neutralise airborne bacteria and mould spores inside the cabin.
5. Safe Ventilation & Inspection
The vehicle is ventilated and inspected before handover.
This approach eliminates the source — not just the surface signs.
Is Mould in a Car Dangerous?
Yes.
Prolonged exposure can cause:
Respiratory irritation
Allergic reactions
Headaches
Persistent odours
For families, especially with children, mould contamination should be treated promptly.
How to Prevent Mould From Returning
After treatment, we recommend:
Fixing any water leaks immediately
Avoiding leaving wet items inside the vehicle
Regularly ventilating the cabin
Running air conditioning periodically to prevent moisture build-up
Prevention is just as important as removal.
When Should You Book Professional Mould Removal?
You should consider specialist treatment if:
There is visible mould on seats, carpets or trims
Your car smells damp or musty
The vehicle has experienced water ingress
DIY cleaning hasn’t solved the issue
Professional Mould Sanitisation in London
Medusa Auto Detailing provides mobile mould sanitisation and sterilisation services across London.
Our process is designed to restore interior hygiene and protect air quality safely and professionally.
If you suspect mould contamination in your vehicle, early intervention prevents further spread and deeper material damage.
👉 View our full Mould Sanitisation Service here:
https://medusaautodetailing.co.uk/mould-sanitisation-sterilisation-service/
