What to Do When the Interior of a Car Gets Moldy After Sitting for a Long Time?
3 Answers
First, use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust and mold from the surface of the interior, then clean it with a specialized car interior cleaner. Use a cloth with the cleaner to wipe down the interior and let it air dry naturally. Alternatively, you can turn on the car's heating mode to dry it. For leather interiors, perform regular maintenance. Use neutral or alkaline cleaners when cleaning, and avoid using highly irritating mold removers.
I often encounter similar issues where mold develops inside the car after prolonged parking, mainly due to humid environments and insufficient ventilation. First, don’t rush to drive—thoroughly remove the mold to prevent it from spreading to other parts of the vehicle. Use a soft brush or cloth with a mixture of white vinegar and water (1:1 ratio) to scrub the seats, carpets, and headliner, as this naturally kills bacteria and removes mold. For severe mold stains, use a professional car cleaner, but wear gloves and a mask to avoid inhaling harmful substances. After cleaning, leave the doors and windows open for several hours to air out, or use a household fan to dry the interior moisture. For prevention, place some dehumidifier bags in the car before parking next time, and regularly start the engine every two weeks to let the air conditioning run for a few minutes to ventilate, especially before and after the rainy season. Remember, delaying treatment can damage the interior and even cause respiratory issues, so act immediately upon discovery.
As a car enthusiast, I've dealt with mold issues in my own car—when left parked for too long in damp conditions, it breeds mold, causing unpleasant odors and health concerns. The key is quick cleaning: first, use a vacuum to remove surface mold dust, then gently scrub the mold spots with soapy water and a small brush. For fabric seats, rinse them thoroughly with water, but be careful with leather seats to avoid damage. When drying, avoid direct sunlight; choose a sunny day to air out with windows open or use the car's fan. For prevention, I always leave a small window gap for ventilation when parking or place moisture-absorbing charcoal bags under the seats—they work wonders. If mold appears, avoid turning on the AC immediately, as the system might blow out harmful mold spores. Regularly check door seals for leaks to prevent many headaches.
