How Long Should a Moldy Car Be Exposed to Sunlight?
3 Answers
A moldy car should be exposed to sunlight for about ten days. If the sunlight is very strong, the exposure time can be relatively shortened. If the weather is bad, the exposure time should be extended. It is best to remove the car door mats and open the doors for ventilation. During driving, if the water depth exceeds one-third of the tire height, the sound insulation cotton should be cleaned promptly. Reasons for mold in the car: Prolonged lack of ventilation in the car leads to mold; excessively humid conditions inside the car cause mold growth; clogged air conditioning drainage outlets prevent water from draining, leading to water accumulation and mold growth; poor window sealing allows rainwater to leak into the car, causing mold, etc. Solutions for mold in the car: Place several bags of bamboo charcoal in the car. Bamboo charcoal has strong adsorption capabilities, absorbing moisture, sulfides, chlorides, formaldehyde, and other harmful substances from the air while purifying air and water quality; park the car in direct sunlight for twenty minutes with the air conditioning turned on and set to warm air mode; use perfume directly to reduce odors in the car. Mold in the car is generally caused by prolonged lack of ventilation or excessively humid conditions inside the car, leading to mold growth. During regular car use, clean the interior garbage promptly, regularly wash floor mats and carpets, and keep them dry and clean to prevent mold.
My own car got moldy once, what a hassle. After that rainy day, the humidity inside was high, and black spots appeared on the carpet. I found a stretch of sunny days and left it to bake in the sun for two full days, from morning till night. After the first day, there was still a musty smell, so I left it for another day until it was completely dry. My advice is to adjust based on the severity of the mold: light mold might be gone in half a day, but if it's serious, it's best to leave it in the sun for over 24 hours, with midday sun being most effective. Keep the windows slightly open during the process to improve ventilation and speed up evaporation. Don’t forget to do a simple interior clean first—wipe it down with water and vinegar to disinfect. Regularly check the door seals to prevent water buildup and mold recurrence. Sun-baking is a simple solution, so don’t slack off.
When dealing with mold in the car, the sun exposure time should be adjusted based on specific conditions. The size of the mold spots and the humidity inside the car are key factors: small mold spots may require about 4 hours of sun exposure, but large areas or deep-seated mold may need a full day or even two. I always recommend first using a vacuum cleaner to remove dust, then wiping with disinfectant wipes, and finally placing the car under strong sunlight for exposure. Keep windows open or leave a gap in the door for ventilation, and using a fan can be even better. Remember to measure the humidity inside the car—it should drop below 40% to be considered safe. Park in dry areas whenever possible to save a lot of trouble. If there are many cloudy days, you may need to spread the sun exposure over several days; otherwise, the mold may return and cause more issues.
