Mildew is an unwelcome odor that can make any car ride unpleasant. Often caused by trapped moisture, mildew develops over time in warm, humid, or dark environments. If you’ve noticed this musty smell in your car, it’s likely coming from hidden moisture in carpets, upholstery, or the air conditioning system.
How to get mildew smell out of car involves addressing the source, eliminating the odor, and taking steps to prevent it from coming back. This guide covers effective methods, common causes of mildew, and tips for keeping your car smelling fresh.
Why Does Mildew Develop in Cars?
Mildew is a type of fungus that grows in damp, dark, and warm environments. Cars are especially vulnerable to mildew and mold because they often trap moisture in enclosed spaces with limited ventilation. Here are some common reasons mildew might develop in your car:
- Leaky Seals: Broken or old weather seals can allow water to seep into the vehicle, especially during rain or snow.
- Spilled Drinks: Even a small spill can soak into car upholstery, carpets, or floor mats, creating a breeding ground for mildew.
- High Humidity Levels: Humid weather, combined with the warmth of a parked car, can encourage mildew growth.
- Air Conditioning System: The car’s AC system can collect moisture, particularly when it isn’t run regularly, leading to trapped water in vents.
Understanding what caused the problem can be essential when determining how to get mildew smell out of car.
Steps to Get Rid of Mildew Smell in Your Car
To effectively get rid of mildew, it’s important to address the source of the moisture and remove any lingering odor. Below are the steps you can follow to ensure the smell is eliminated and doesn’t return.
1. Identify and Remove the Source of Moisture
The first step in how to get mildew smell out of car is to identify where the moisture is coming from. Check for leaks around windows, doors, and the trunk, as these are common entry points for water. If you find damp carpets or upholstery, dry them thoroughly to prevent further mildew buildup. Here’s how you can do it:
- Check Floor Mats and Carpets: Remove all floor mats and inspect the carpet underneath for damp spots. Hang the mats in the sun to dry completely, or consider washing and drying them if they’re heavily soiled.
- Inspect Seats and Upholstery: Check the seats for damp areas and dry them as necessary. You can use a wet-dry vacuum to remove any residual moisture.
- Look for Leaks in Windows and Doors: Broken seals can allow water to seep in. If you spot a leak, repair or replace the weather stripping around doors and windows.
2. Vacuum the Interior Thoroughly
A thorough vacuuming will help remove any loose dirt, mildew spores, and moisture trapped in fabrics. Use a vacuum with a crevice attachment to get into hard-to-reach areas, including under seats and around seams. Vacuuming is essential before using any cleaning products, as it removes surface mildew and dirt, allowing cleaning agents to work more effectively.
3. Use Baking Soda to Absorb Odors
Baking soda is a natural odor absorber and is a simple, cost-effective way to treat mildew smells. Sprinkle baking soda generously over the car’s carpets, seats, and floor mats. Let it sit for a few hours to allow it to absorb the odor fully. Afterward, vacuum the baking soda out of the car.
Baking soda works well for absorbing various smells, including mildew, cigarette smell, and even weed smell. For particularly stubborn odors, consider leaving a bowl of baking soda in the car overnight to continue absorbing smells.
4. Apply White Vinegar Solution
White vinegar is another natural odor neutralizer and disinfectant that effectively eliminates mildew smell. Here’s how to use it:
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
- Lightly spray the solution on any areas affected by mildew, such as carpets, seats, and floor mats. Avoid saturating the fabric, as this can worsen the problem.
Let the vinegar solution sit for about 15-20 minutes before wiping it off with a clean, damp cloth.
The vinegar smell will dissipate once it dries, taking the mildew odor with it. Vinegar is particularly effective for tough odors, so it’s worth using if the mildew smell is strong.
5. Use an Enzyme Cleaner for Stubborn Odors
If baking soda and vinegar don’t completely remove the smell, you may want to try an enzyme cleaner. Enzyme cleaners are designed to break down organic material and work particularly well on odors caused by mold and mildew. They’re also useful for removing cigarette smell and other tough odors that can become embedded in fabric and upholstery.
Spray the enzyme cleaner on the affected areas, let it sit according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and then blot or vacuum it up. Enzyme cleaners are safe for most fabrics but always perform a patch test first to ensure compatibility with your car’s upholstery.
6. Use Activated Charcoal or Odor Absorbers
Activated charcoal is a powerful odor absorber that can be placed in your car to reduce mildew smell. Many odor absorbers are also available in the form of pouches or air fresheners that use activated charcoal to capture and neutralize odors.
Place a few charcoal bags or odor-absorbing pouches under the seats or in the cup holders. Leave them in the car for a few days to allow them to capture and eliminate any lingering mildew smells. You can leave charcoal bags in your car permanently as a preventive measure to control future odors.
7. Clean and Disinfect the Air Conditioning System
The air conditioning system can harbor mold and mildew, especially if water has accumulated in the vents. Cleaning the AC system is an essential part of how to get mildew smell out of car since mildew can develop in the air ducts over time.
- Turn on the AC: Set it to the highest fan setting and open all the windows to ventilate the car.
- Spray an AC Disinfectant: Use a specially formulated AC disinfectant spray or a mixture of water and vinegar. Spray it directly into the air intake vents while the fan is on to disinfect the system.
- Run the Fan with Heat: After applying the disinfectant, switch the AC to heat and let it run for about 10-15 minutes. This will help dry out the system and kill any remaining mildew spores.
8. Air Out the Car
Once you’ve thoroughly cleaned and treated your car’s interior, airing it out is a simple but effective way to ensure all traces of the mildew smell are gone. On a dry, sunny day, open all the doors and windows and allow fresh air to circulate through the vehicle for a few hours. The sunlight helps to eliminate lingering odors and has natural antibacterial properties.
Tips for Preventing Mildew Smell from Returning
Once you’ve eliminated the mildew smell, there are steps you can take to prevent it from coming back:
- Keep Windows and Sunroof Closed: When parking outside, ensure that windows and the sunroof are fully closed to prevent water from seeping in.
- Use a Dehumidifier Pack: Moisture-absorbing packs can be left in the car to control humidity, especially during rainy or humid seasons. Silica gel packs work well for this purpose.
- Dry the Interior After Spills: If you spill drinks or other liquids, clean them up immediately and use a portable fan or towel to dry the area thoroughly.
- Run the AC Regularly: Even in the winter, running the AC occasionally helps to keep moisture from building up in the system, reducing the chances of mildew growth.
Understanding how to get mildew smell out of car is essential for a fresh, comfortable driving experience. From identifying moisture sources to using household ingredients like baking soda and vinegar, there are multiple ways to tackle mildew odors. Whether the smell is mild or deeply embedded in the upholstery, each step outlined above offers an effective approach to removing the odor.
If you’ve struggled with lingering odors, this process can also help with other smells, such as weed smell or cigarette smell, which are often absorbed into fabrics and hard-to-clean areas. By keeping your car dry and using the right cleaning solutions, you can prevent mildew from becoming a recurring issue and enjoy a pleasant, odor-free car interior.
