Mold in the car is not only annoying, it can also harm your health. How you recognize, remove it and avoid it in the future.
In your car it smells musty or you discover condensation on the windows? Both can be signs of mold. You can find out what you can do about it here.
You can see that in the car
A first sign that speaks for mold in the car is a musty smell inside the car. Even if you perceive an unpleasant smell from air conditioning or heating, this can speak for mold.
Another sign is condensation at the window. If this happens frequently, there is also a great risk that mold has formed. Spots on the upholstery, floor mats and in the trunk are also clear signs of mold.
Reading tip:
Mold in the car: First you have to find the cause
The most important thing is to find out where the mold comes from. Because as a rule, your car is leaking in any place in mold and moisture occurs.
These are possible reasons for moisture in the car:
- Windows or doors are leaking
- The trunk does not close properly
- Seals are worn out
- The vehicle floor has holes
- The air conditioning is defective
Wet objects such as moist foot mats or wet clothing inside the car can also be responsible for the mold. You should remove wet clothes from sports or after swimming from the car. Even wet umbrellas should not be left in the car.
If a liquid runs out on your seat, it is important that you leave the windows of the car open a small gap so that the seat can quickly dry again. But make sure that your car is protected from rain.
Also read:
Cars that often have problems with mold are convertibles. The cause of this is a leaky hood. Fabric roofs in particular are often affected. But skylights can also be leaking and moisturizing in the car.
If you have identified the cause, the best way to contact is to contact a car workshop.
Remove mold in the car
In the event of a low mold, you can take certain home remedies against the unhealthy spurs. We have summarized a few simply methods:
- Essigwasser: Mix white budget vinegar with water in a ratio of 1: 1 and wipe those affected. Eyly kills mold spores.
- Soda (baking powder): Apply a paste made of soda and water, let it work in and then wipe it off with a damp cloth. This helps neutralize smells.
- Alcohol (70% isopropanol or spirit): Apply with a rag and let it work. Disinfected and kills mold spores reliably. Attention, since alcohol can attack the upholstery, you should find out in advance where you can use it safely or test it on a hidden corner.
- Teebaumöl: Put a few drops on a damp cloth and wipe the affected areas. Tea tree oil has an antibacterial and antifungal effect.
Tipp:To prevent mold, you can spread sacks with salt or rice in your car. These absorb the moisture.
Another option are mold remover, which you can get in the hardware store, for example. But be sure to be advised in advance which funds you can use on upholstery and which in rubber seals so as not to damage them.
Also read:
Mold in the car: disinfect air conditioning
If the air conditioning is the reason for the musty smell, you should definitely disinfect it. You can have this done both yourself and in a workshop.
A simple and inexpensive method is a climate cleaner. It is a can that you put in your car. The ignition of the car and the air conditioning must be switched on. Then turn up the can and leave the car immediately. The cans contents emptied on its own. After about 10 minutes you can ventilate your car and you're already rid of annoying smells.
>You can get the cleaner here at Amazon.*
Mold can not only have a negative impact on our health, it can also reduce the value of the vehicle. Therefore, you should definitely be active in mold.
More reading material:
