What Causes Mould In Cars?

• What is mould?
• What causes mould to grow in cars?
• The effects of mould growth in your car
• How to get rid of mould in your car
• How to prevent mould in the car
• Get in touch

You should always be on the lookout for signs of damp and mould in your home to protect people's health and your property against damage. But you might not be aware that you should be also be looking for mould in your car. 

Here at ICE Cleaning, we offer thorough, long-lasting mould removal services. Our nine-stage mould treatment process can eliminate all the mould from your property, including mould in the air. Our Dewpoint-accredited technicians are available nationwide, around the clock, 365 days a year. 

Keep reading to learn what causes mould to grow in cars and how to deal with the mould. 

What is mould?

Mould is a type of fungus which flourishes in damp and inadequately ventilated spaces. Mould reproduces through airborne spores which are invisible to the naked eye. When they land on damp surfaces, they start to grow. 

Mould is usually black, white, or green, but it can be a wide range of vibrant colours depending on the type of mould, its life stage, humidity levels, light levels, and food source.

Exposure to mould spores may cause allergic reactions such as sneezing, red eyes, and skin rashes, and respiratory infections. Some people are more vulnerable to mould growth including people with pre-existing respiratory or skin conditions, or people with a weakened immune system.

What causes mould to grow in cars?

Cars can easily become ideal breeding grounds for mould, especially those left unused for long periods or with leaks.

The main culprit is dampness. This might come from rain seeping through window seals, condensation forming overnight, or spilt drinks. Even getting in the car with wet shoes on a rainy day can create a conducive environment for mould. 

Besides dampness, poor ventilation plays a part, too. Closed-up cars trap heat and humidity, causing condensation on cold surfaces and making them damp. 

Cars that are not kept clean and contain dust, dirt, and spilt food provide mould with plenty of food, as well, enabling the fungus to grow and spread quickly. 

A small amount may not seem alarming initially, but left unchecked, it can quickly escalate into a major problem that can have serious effects on your health and car. 

The effects of mould growth in your car

Mould growth does not just leave behind unsightly patches on your car's interior. Regular, prolonged exposure to mould in a confined space with poor ventilation can bring about health problems, particularly for those with allergies or respiratory conditions.

Besides these health hazards, mould also eats into fabrics made of organic materials, such as car seat covers, carpets, and floor mats over time. This not only spoils their finish but weakens them, too, leading to costly replacements sooner than expected.

The damage to the interior and presence of smelly, unsightly mould can devalue your car and make trading it in or selling it challenging, as well. 

To restore the value of your car and protect your drivers and passengers, it is recommended you bring in professionals for mould removal. 

How to get rid of mould in your car

Mould in cars can be tricky. It may not be as straightforward as merely wiping it away; a thorough clean is essential. But, handling mould yourself could lead to health issues and incomplete removal.

You might think cleaning the curtains or fabric seats is easy with some bleach and water, but this often leads to more damage, such as discolouring upholstery. The dampness created provides mould with yet more ideal conditions for growth.

Cars also contain lots of nooks and crannies which are difficult to get into and properly clean. Professional mould cleaners have the specialist equipment to remove all the mould from the affected area without damaging the interior. 

They will ensure no conditions are left behind that encourage future growth of mould in your vehicle, either. You can learn more about how to clean mould growing in a car here. 

How to prevent mould in the car

• Avoid eating and drinking in your car, and clean up spillages and crumbs
• Clean your car regularly to remove any dust and grime
• Use a dehumidifier if possible to keep humidity levels low
• Ensure windows and doors are shut properly when you leave your car
• Open windows to bring in fresh air while driving

You can find out more about the best ways to prevent mould in cars in this blog. 

Get in touch

Our technicians have many years of experience tackling mould in a range of domestic and commercial properties. If it's an emergency, they can be on site within hours of your call. 

Give our friendly team a call on 0208 066 0360 or enquiries@icecleaning.co.uk to book your free site survey and get a no-obligation quote for our mould remediation services.