What Causes Mold Inside a Car?
2 Answers
The causes of mold inside a car may include moldy door panel soundproofing materials, moldy trunk molds, and moldy engine hood soundproofing. Below are detailed explanations and solutions: Moldy Door Panel Soundproofing Materials: In some low-end models, recycled materials are often used for soundproofing cotton. This material contains a large number of impurities, and after becoming damp and moldy, its soundproofing performance rapidly declines. Recycled soundproofing materials decompose when damp and moldy, producing a certain amount of formaldehyde, which poses a certain health hazard to occupants. The soundproofing materials in the four doors are the most severely contaminated parts in the cabin, necessitating the replacement of the door panel soundproofing materials. Moldy Trunk Molds: The molds are located on the lower deck of the trunk. Some cars with poor sealing performance may accumulate a certain amount of water in the lower part of the trunk. Covered with a thin layer of sponge, this sponge has a certain water-retention capacity. Mold mainly concentrates on the sponge and the lower trunk, requiring the removal of moisture from the car's interior molds. Moldy Engine Hood Soundproofing: Many car models now have a layer of soundproofing on the engine hood to reduce noise and vibrations produced by the engine. The soundproofing material on the engine hood is usually quite thick. After the engine heats up, condensation during the rainy season can cause moisture to be absorbed by the soundproofing walls, requiring the wiping of moisture from the engine hood.
I've been driving for over ten years and have seen plenty of cases of car interior mildew, mainly caused by moisture buildup. Rainwater leaking through aged door seals or sunroofs and dripping onto the carpet can lead to mold if not dried promptly; parking with windows closed during humid seasons traps stagnant air, causing condensation and mold growth; when the AC system's drain pipe is clogged, condensation can't escape, releasing moisture that contaminates the interior; and poor ventilation, such as long-term parking in a basement with stagnant air, exacerbates the issue. Regularly inspect seals, leave a slight window gap for airflow when parked, and use desiccants to maintain dryness. Clean spills quickly to prevent moisture from seeping into upholstery materials.
