How to Prevent the Interior of a Car From Molding
by Jen DavisInhaling mold is bad for your health, in addition to being generally unpleasant. Mold has been repeatedly shown to cause and aggravate breathing problems and allergies. You do not want to have mold in your vehicle, especially if you already have a breathing condition such as asthma. Fortunately, there are things you can do to discourage mold from growing on the interior of your vehicle.
Step 1
Protect your car from moisture. Store it in a garage or keep it covered with a waterproof car cover whenever possible. Mold is caused primarily by moisture, so you want to keep the inside of your car as dry as possible.
Step 2
Roll up your windows and tightly close your doors when you are not operating the vehicle. This will keep moisture and debris from getting into your vehicle and help prevent mold growth from forming.
Step 3
Avoid eating or drinking in your vehicle. Spilled food and drinks are common causes of mold, so avoiding having them in your car will help prevent your car from getting moldy.
Step 4
Protect your car's interior. Spray down the interior of your vehicle with an antimicrobial cleaning product. These products are designed to kill mold growth as well as prevent new mold from growing. Also, put protective seat covers over your seats and waterproof floor mats on your floorboards to keep moisture from absorbing into your car's interior if it happens to get wet.
Step 5
Clean your car regularly. Cleaning is a good way to keep dirt and mold at a minimum, so make sure to keep your car's interior as clean as possible to avoid any unpleasant mold development.
Step 6
Maintain your heating and cooling system. Mold can grow in your vehicle's heating and cooling system due to condensation and air flow issues. Have your heating and cooling system regularly serviced by a mechanic to prevent mold growth from starting in your air conditioner and spreading throughout your car's interior.
References
Things You'll Need
- Seat covers
- Floor mats
- Antimicrobial cleaner
Warnings
- Mold can be very dangerous for your health. If your car gets mold inside of it, you should treat it immediately.
Writer Bio
Jen Davis has been writing since 2004. She has served as a newspaper reporter and her freelance articles have appeared in magazines such as "Horses Incorporated," "The Paisley Pony" and "Alabama Living." Davis earned her Bachelor of Arts in communication with a concentration in journalism from Berry College in Rome, Ga.