How to Clean Mold Out of Car Upholstery

Many odor problems in cars are caused by mold, usually in your upholstery. Perhaps a spill wasn't cleaned up properly, or when you had your car detailed, the upholstery didn't dry completely. Since mold can be harmful to your health, you need to get rid of it fast.

Things You'll Need

  • Gloves
  • HEPA filter mask
  • Vinegar
  • Water
  • Rags
  • Scrub brush
  • Mold remover
  • Wet/dry vacuum
  • Air filter
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Instructions

    • 1

      Locate all the mold. In addition to obvious areas, you might find it on the bottom of the seat or behind the cloth that covers the seat. Sniff the upholstery to find where the strongest musty odor is coming from, and look for stains on the upholstery.

    • 2

      Open car doors to let the upholstery dry and air out. Mold feeds on moist surfaces, so drying the surface is essential to removing mold. Clean the upholstery in a well-ventilated area, leaving your car doors open. Wear gloves and a HEPA filter mask, available at hardware stores.

    • 3

      Make a solution of 1 part vinegar and 1 part hot water. Apply the solution to moldy areas with a clean rag to kill the mold. Dry the areas completely, and throw the rag away in a sealed plastic bag.

    • 4

      Check your auto parts store for a cleaner designed to remove mold from upholstery. Spray the cleaner on the moldy surface, then scrub the area with a brush. Repeat as many times as you need to, but don't allow your upholstery to become too wet, or mold could form again.

    • 5

      Use a wet/dry vacuum to remove any excess water or cleaning solution. Park your car in a sunny area with all the doors open to make sure it dries completely. Install a new air filter in your car.