
Use leather cleaning paste to remove mold and mold spores from genuine leather seats. Check if the mold has been completely cleaned. If mold stains remain, wipe several more times as mold on genuine leather can usually be wiped off. After cleaning, apply leather care products for maintenance. You can also wax and polish the genuine leather seats to restore the surface luster.

If you find mold on your car seats, never scrub it hard as that will push the mold deeper into the fabric. First, open all doors and windows for ventilation, then use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to remove surface mold. Next, mix white vinegar and water in a 1:2 ratio, spray the solution onto the moldy area using a spray bottle, and let it sit for ten minutes to allow the vinegar to break down the mold stains. Then, gently brush along the fabric grain with an old toothbrush, and finally wipe twice with a damp, well-wrung towel. After treatment, be sure to expose the seats to ample sunlight—I deliberately park my car outdoors for three hours on sunny days to kill bacteria. Keep moisture-absorbing boxes in the car regularly, and check seat crevices weekly for dampness during the rainy season.

There are two approaches for dealing with moldy seats: leather and fabric. For leather seats, I first wipe off surface dust with a dry towel, then apply leather-specific cleaner onto a sponge and gently scrub the mold stains in circular motions. For stubborn stains, I use a cotton pad dipped in alcohol to dab lightly—never scrape with hard objects. After cleaning, apply leather conditioner to prevent cracking. For fabric seats, I recommend using foam cleaner—spray it on, wait for the foam to collapse, then pat the stains with a damp towel to absorb them. Finally, use a heat gun at a 20 cm distance to dry thoroughly; otherwise, residual moisture will cause mold to regrow within three days.

The key to cleaning moldy seats is prompt action. Last time I discovered mold spots, I first used tape to remove surface hyphae to prevent spreading. Then I bought a mold removal spray containing hypochlorous acid, sprayed it on, and covered it with cling film for half an hour to enhance effectiveness. When scrubbing with a nano sponge, be mindful of the pressure—too much force can damage fabric fibers. After cleaning, sprinkle a layer of baking soda and let it sit for two hours to absorb odors, then vacuum it clean. For prevention, I've developed good habits: stepping on the floor mat to remove water when entering the car on rainy days, and never leaving sweat-soaked clothes on the seats after workouts.

I found natural materials quite effective in treating moldy car seats. Rubbing lemon slices on the mold stains helps as the fruit acid dissolves the mildew. For stubborn stains, make a paste of baking soda and lemon juice, apply it for twenty minutes. Finally, spray all seats with tea tree essential oil diluted in water - this natural antiseptic won't damage fabrics. After cleaning, cover seats with clean old bedsheets and sun-dry them for half a day to dehumidify and sterilize. Regularly place bamboo charcoal bags between seat layers; these natural moisture absorbers work especially well during southern China's rainy seasons and should be replaced every three months.


