How to Remove Mould From Your Car and Prevent It Returning: The Ultimate Guide
- The Valeters
- Sep 5
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 8
Have you ever opened your car door only to be greeted by that unmistakable musty smell? You’re not alone. After a rainy winter, mould in cars has become a widespread issue across the UK. In fact, The Telegraph recently reported that mobile valeters in London are handling two or three mould removal jobs every week, and we at The Valeters were proud to share our expertise in their feature.
But car mould is more than just an eyesore. It’s a persistent fungus that thrives in damp, stuffy spaces, making your car’s interior the ideal breeding ground. Ignore it, and you’ll be left with lingering odours, ruined upholstery, and even potential health risks. To understand how to address this issue, let’s look more closely at what car mould is, why it appears, and, most importantly how you can get rid of it for good.
What Is Car Mould? (Definition and Causes)
Mould is a type of fungus, made up of tiny white threads called hyphae. These threads spread across surfaces and release spores into the air, and those spores are exactly what causes that earthy, damp smell when you step inside a mouldy car.
You’ll usually spot mould as small black, green, or white dots on your seats, carpets, or even the roof lining. Leave it unchecked, and it spreads quickly, sending spores into the air with every movement, meaning you could be breathing them in every time you get behind the wheel.
Why Does Mould Grow in Cars? (Common Causes of Car Mould)
Cars are built to keep water out, but moisture can still find its way inside. Here’s how it usually happens:
Leaky sunroofs, door seals, or boot linings
Blocked drainage holes around windscreens or doors
Wet clothes, towels, or gym kits left inside
Drinks or food spills not properly cleaned up
Long-term parking without ventilation
As Mahmoud Itani, director of The Valeters, explained in The Telegraph:
“Mould usually forms due to moisture entering the car from leaks, faulty seals, or blocked gutters.”
It’s a simple recipe: mix moisture, warmth, and darkness, and you’ve got mould.
Is Mould in a Car Dangerous? (Health Risks Explained)
Absolutely. Beyond just unsightly stains and musty smells, mould spores and the gases they emit, known as MVOCs, can impact your health. According to a 2020 NHS study on indoor mould exposure, individuals exposed to mould experienced a 50% increase in respiratory symptoms, including coughing, sneezing, and sinus irritation. Asthma flare-ups are more common when spore counts are elevated, for example, levels over 1,000 spores per cubic meter are considered unhealthy. High spore levels are also linked to headaches and fatigue, and even lower spore counts can worsen symptoms for children or anyone with weakened immunity. If your car smells mouldy, it’s likely that you’re already inhaling spores, even if you don’t notice.
If your car smells mouldy, chances are you’re already breathing it in — even if you don’t realise it.
How to Remove Mould From a Car Interior: Step-by-Step Guide
DIY Car Mould Removal Methods
If you’ve only noticed a few spots of mould, here’s what you can try at home:
Vacuuming first to lift hidden spores from carpets and seats
White vinegar or specialist cleaners on affected areas (though vinegar can leave an unpleasant smell)
Thorough drying with cloths, fans, or air-conditioning to remove moisture
⚠️ Consider the balance of time, effort, and tools you have at your disposal. DIY methods can be effective for addressing surface-level mould, but it's important to weigh the potential risks. How much time and equipment are you willing to invest? While surface mould might be tackled, spores that lie deep within your car's fabric or ventilation system could survive and make a stubborn return.
Professional Car Mould Removal Services
If that musty smell refuses to go away, or the mould keeps coming back, it’s time to call in the professionals.
At The Valeters, our mould removal goes far beyond a basic surface clean. After we’ve eliminated the visible mould, we use a powerful ozone treatment machine. This advanced tool circulates ozone throughout your car’s interior, destroying bacteria, spores, and odours at the source.
The Telegraph even featured this process, where we explained how ozone treatments ensure mould doesn’t return — leaving your car smelling genuinely fresh.
How to Prevent Car Mould From Coming Back (Expert Prevention Tips)
Once you’ve kicked mould out, the real challenge is keeping it away for good. Here’s what our experts recommend:
Fix leaks — check seals, sunroofs, and drainage holes regularly
Dry thoroughly after spills or cleaning
Remove damp items like wet coats or umbrellas quickly
Ventilate by running air-con or occasionally driving with windows down
Use protective treatments like Gtechniq Smart Fabric to waterproof upholstery
As with most things in car care, preventing a problem is always cheaper — and much easier — than fixing it after the fact.
Final Thoughts on Removing Mould From Your Car
Mould in cars might be on the rise, but it doesn’t have to spell disaster for your vehicle. Whether you’re facing a tiny patch or a major outbreak, acting fast is the best way to protect your health and keep your car’s interior safe and clean. With smart car mould removal strategies and a bit of prevention, you can keep your car mould-free year-round.
If you want peace of mind, our team at The Valeters is here to help. We’ve been named in The Telegraph as London’s go-to specialists for mould removal — and we’re only a quick call away.
👉 [Get your free quotation today]
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