5 Helpful Ways On How To Get Mildew Smell From Car Carpet

Should you sense something funky inside your car, then it’s probably time you use some ways on how to get mildew smell from car carpet. However, “how to easily remove it” must be boggling you.

You can try different easy methods to settle that musty smell on your car upholstery. Many cleaners are natural and contain odor-neutralizer properties that effectively remove mildew smell.

how to get mildew smell from car carpet

If done correctly, you can completely get rid of the mildew smell’s chance of coming back, making your car an unpleasant and probably embarrassing space. Here, we’ll provide you plenty of options to help you along the way.

We will also list helpful tips to prevent mildew smell inside your car.

 

Why Does My Car Carpet Smell Musty?

Perhaps you will try putting on some air freshener inside. However, it doesn’t end the pungent odor from kinking on the fabrics and even on your car’s AC.

Locating and rooting out the causes of the smell should top your cleaning bucket list. Possible sources behind that funky mildew odor in your car carpet may be one or a combination of the following:

  1. Food or drinks on the car floor – Crumbs or spills left uncleaned on the car carpet may have provided the molds an ample opportunity to grow.
  2. Wet clothes left inside the car – When sweaty or wet clothes are left in the vehicle, the liquid in them may have evaporated, causing a high humidity level inside the car.
  3. Wet shoes – Stepping on the car flooring with a damp shoe will dampen the floor carpet and cause water to evaporate and moisten the whole vehicle.
  4. Water leakages – If you’ve ever mistakenly left your car window or sunroof open in the rain, the rainwater may have soaked your floor matting. Damaged and loosened trunk seals may also cause water leakage inside your car.

Watch out for these possible grounds every time you use your car.

Like your vehicle rug, your home rug may also be a victim of pungent mold smell. Luckily, we got you a helpful guide on how to get mildew smell out of rug in case you encounter it.

 

5 Ways To Remove Mildew Smell Off Your Car Carpet

You cannot just spray an air freshener to cover the mildew smell. You’ll need to completely eliminate its roots and stop producing odor-causing mold spores by using effective cleaners.

You can fuse any of these methods to help eliminate the odor:

 

Method #1. Using baking soda

Step #1. Ensure to remove any mildew sources from your car.

Step #2. Scatter the powder on the surface of carpet, seats, or anywhere inside that has odor. Leave it for 15-20 minutes (or overnight for extreme odors).

Step #3. Use a vacuum cleaner to tidy up the mildewed area.

 

Method #2. Using concentrated white vinegar

Step #1. Clear out the area from mold sources.

Step #2. Dilute the vinegar in water.

Step #3. Spray on the smelly carpet area, and leave it for 20 minutes. Be sure to not apply too much.

Step #4. Scrub the carpet with a soft but firm-bristled brush.

 

Method #3. Using steam cleaner

Step #1. Remove any possible grounds for mildew.

Step #2. Apply the steam directly with a microfiber fabric. You can use the stiff brush tool for hardly stained surfaces to lift the dirt.

Leather seats can also become a breeding place for molds. To know more about mold on leathers and how to clean it, read this informative guide on why does mold grow on leather.

Step #3. Vacuum afterward.

 

Method #4. Using vacuum cleaner

Step #1. After trying the steps below, use a vacuum to absorb any mold debris. A hair blower can also do the job with only minimal mildew infection.

Step #2. Vacuum all around, especially to crevices. Ensure to clear out the carpet from mildew pieces.

 

Method #5. Using activated charcoal

Step #1. Place packets of activated charcoal in the auto-door pockets. You can also leave some on the carpet below the car seats.

Step #2. Change the packets regularly.

 

8 Tips On How To Prevent Car Carpet From Smelling Mildew

The best thing to avoid hustling for mildew smell removal, you need to follow some prevention tips diligently. It will help keep your car fresh and free from any mildew-induced odors.

  1. Regularly vacuum your car interiors, particularly the carpets, no matter the event.
  2. Always watch for possible mildew sources that can produce musty smells.
  3. Keep the car’s humidity level low by allowing it to air dry every day.
  4. Ensure to seal the car after letting the windows open for good ventilation.
  5. Check for any broken crevices and repair those water leak problems immediately.
  6. Leave car AC in fresh air mode when parking.
  7. Have a regular schedule on steam-cleaning your carpet.
  8. Always leave air freshener inside the car to neutralize any budding foul odors from mildews.

 

Conclusion

There are easy methods you can try on how to get mildew smell from car carpet and make your car freshly smelling again. You can also lessen the risk of getting your family sick from inhaling molds or mildew.

Just be sure to diligently follow all the removal and prevention ways to keep the odor-causing mildews at bay.

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