Wondering How to Remove Mold From Car Seats without taking help from a service professional? Read this article till the end!
Are you witnessing that musty, earthy fragrance inside your car? Then, you’re probably facing a mold infestation. Mold exposure can cause health issues, such as a stuffy nose, wheezing, red or itchy eyes, or skin. As Americans spend 6% of their waking hours in the car, getting rid of mold is crucial. Find out How to Remove Mold From Car Seats below.
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What is Mold?
Molds are minuscule fungal species that thrive on damp wood, paper, carpet, and car upholstery. They can be purple, green, black, orange, or white in hue. If your car has more than 50% humidity, mold growth is likely.
How to Remove Mold From Car Seats?
Molds can easily make your vehicle their dwelling place. Leaving the car’s sunroof and windows open on rainy times or accidental spills are some causes of mold infestation. If you don’t know how to get mold out of a car, try the below methods.
1. Try White Vinegar
White vinegar’s acetic acid content is all you need to remove mold from car seats. Pour white vinegar into a spray bottle and spritz the solution on the problematic spot. Next, scrub the spot with a soft brush and wait for 15-20 minutes allowing the liquid to do its work. Once it’s done, wipe it with a damp white cloth, followed by a hairdryer.
2. Baking Soda
Baking soda not only eliminates mold from your automobile seat but neutralizes its fetid odor as well. Combine 1/4 cup of baking soda and 1/2 cup of tepid water in a bowl to make a paste. Spread this paste on the mold-affected car seat with a toothbrush. Once it’s done, let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then wipe it with a damp white cloth. Repeat the method if needed.
3. Dish Soap
Dawn dish soap is a potent mold removal agent that cuts the cell membrane of the pesky mold. All you have to do is combine a tsp of dawn dish soap and two cups of warm water into an empty spray bottle. Next, spray the prepared solution on the mold and scrub it with a soft brush. Once the mold is gone, wipe the spot with a damp microfiber cloth.
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4. Use Borax
As borax is a rich source of anti-fungal properties, it easily remove mold from car seats. For this hack, mix 1/4 cup of borax and 4 cups of water into a bowl. Next, apply this solution to the infested car seat using a soft-bristled brush and scrub the area momentarily. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then clean the surface with a slightly wet cloth.
5. Hydrogen Peroxide
The anti-mold and anti-mildew properties make hydrogen peroxide a perfect mold remover. It’s one of the best ways to remove mold from the car interior. Follow this article for the detailed how-to.
6. Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol not only eradicates the mold but disinfects the surface as well. Combine a cup of 70% rubbing alcohol and water in a bowl. After moistening a cloth in this solution, wipe the infested car seat for a few seconds. In the end, dry the area with a hair dryer.
7. Lemon Juice and Salt
As lemon has mild acidic properties, it’s the best means to remove mold from car seats. Begin this hack by making a paste of 1/2 cup lemon juice and 1/4 cup salt. Smear this paste all over the infested spot with a toothbrush. After 2-3 minutes, clean it with a damp microfiber.
8. Clove Oil
To make a chemical-free, mold-killing solution, blend 1/4 teaspoon of clove oil with 1 liter of water. Transfer this liquid to a spray bottle and spritz on the desired seat. Let it sit for a few minutes. Once it’s dry, clean the surface, and that’s it.
Notes- Before using the above methods, put on hand gloves, goggles, a face mask, and full-sleeved clothing. People who are allergic to mold spores must avoid these mold removal hacks.
How to Prevent Mold in Car?
Follow the below tips to prevent the reoccurrence of mold in your car.
- Keep the humidity in check with a dehumidifier.
- Close the windows and doors properly when you’re not using the vehicle.
- Refrain from eating and drinking inside the car.
- Clean and disinfect your vehicle once or twice a week.
When to Call a Professional For Mold?
Even after trying the above remedies, if you’re unable to remove mold from car seats, calling a professional is the last resort. The above hacks are recommended for mild infestations, not for severe ones.
Find out how to remove mold from clothes with baking soda here