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How do you get mold out of a car's interior?

How do I get mold out of my car’s carpet? It's been raining like crazy here and after almost a week or so, my car smells musty. I’m pretty sure mold is to blame. How do I get rid of it?

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Hana Sabah · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Yikes! That does sound like the perfect breeding ground for mold. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to get rid of mold in your car’s interior.
But first, you have to establish if your car is safe to drive. Mold exposure can cause eye and throat irritation, coughing, and sneezing. They’re classic symptoms of sick car syndrome, which is also known as toxic car syndrome in serious cases.
If it’s black mold, which appears as circular-shaped spots that are black, dark green, or dark brown, then do not enter your vehicle. You must call a professional.
For other less toxic types of mold, there are a couple of DIY solutions you can try.
Option 1: Vinegar and water
  • Start by opening all the windows in your car and leaving it out in the sun for 20 to 30 minutes. This will help dry out any remaining moisture.
  • When that’s done, mix two parts water to eight parts vinegar in a spray bottle. The water will help dilute the vinegar to prevent any damage to your car. But if you’re dealing with a stronger infestation, then feel free to use a stronger solution.
  • Spray the solution generously all over contaminated areas. If you’re removing mold from thick carpets, then make sure to soak the area well.
  • Leave the solution on for 20 minutes or more.
  • Grab a soft detailing brush to agitate the wet surfaces. This will help the solution penetrate deeper.
  • Use a vacuum cleaner to suck out the remaining vinegar and moisture from your car interior. If you don’t have a vacuum, then allow the solution to dry by airing your vehicle out.
Option 2: Saline solution
  • Dissolve about a cup of sea salt in a small bucket of water.
  • Pour the solution into a small spray bottle.
  • Spray a generous amount of the saline solution to all infested areas. Make sure they are mildly wet and allow the solution to sit there for about 20 minutes.
  • Once done, the cleaning solution will evaporate and salt crusts will form on the surface. This is normal and can be removed with a soft brush or vacuum cleaner.
If these home methods don’t work, then use a product like Autosmart Brisk Aerosol, which heavily starves the mold and stops it from spreading. This can be purchased at your local automotive store.
If you do not have comprehensive coverage, now might be the right time to shop for another car insurance policy that includes it. That way, your car will be protected in the event of more serious flooding damage. The
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