Knowing how to do a basic inspection of the car and keep it in good condition is essential to avoid vehicle breakdowns. However, the use and the passage of time can lead to different types of problems, including the proliferation of mold and humidity.
Any corner where there is a little humidity, combined with the warm environment, can cause fungi to appear, be it in the upholstery, the carpets, the air conditioning system, etc. For this reason, we are going to help you in the event that you have this problem, showing how to remove moisture from the car.
This is a big problem both because of its appearance and because of the damage it can cause in those places inside the vehicle where it is present. In addition, mold can cause different health problems, to which must be added an unpleasant odor inside the cabin.
Instructions to remove moisture from the car
The mushrooms can appear in circular clusters and can have different shades. It is not easy to remove it and the longer it takes to remove it, the more toxic it will be, causing problems such as fatigue, headaches, shortness of breath and other conditions.
To know how to remove moisture from the car you will have to follow these steps:
- First of all, you will have to place the vehicle in a place where it receives direct sunlight. Proceed to open all doors and windows for at least 20 minutes. In this way, the humid areas will dry out completely, allowing the mold to continue its growth.
- Next you will have to locate the area where the mold has appeared, and if it is reversible, start scratching the affected area using a brush. You will have to do it carefully to prevent the spores from reaching more places. Make sure there are no more areas with moisture problems.
- Next you will have to clean the area with warm water and a neutral pH detergent. You’ll need to scrub well to get rid of the mildew, and then leave the car well ventilated to allow it to dry completely. Then you can vacuum the surface to remove any possible spouse that may have remained.
Another option is to use vinegar or baking soda to remove moisture from the car. In the event that you opt for the first, you will have to dilute eight parts of vinegar for every two of water, and then rub generously and leave it to act for 20 minutes. After this time, it will have to be removed with a clean cloth.
In the event that bicarbonate is chosen, it will have to be sprinkled on the affected area, and after leaving it for 60 minutes, it can be removed. In addition to getting rid of mold, it helps in removing the musty smell from the car.
How to remove musty smell from car
It is possible that after having done the process to get rid of the humidity in the car, an unpleasant musty smell remains. In this case, you can resort to a series of tricks to get rid of it:
- The musty smell can be caused by bacteria inside the air conditioning ducts. To eliminate it, you will have to clean these ducts until those microorganisms that are causing the musty smell are eliminated.
- It is possible to buy a specific spray for cleaning air conditioning ducts. You just have to spray it on the entrances and exits of the ventilation system to get rid of the bad smell.
- Once the product has been spread through the different ducts of the air conditioning system, it must be activated for 30 minutes. In this way, all the microorganisms that cause that bad smell inside the vehicle can be eliminated.
- Once the musty smell of the car is eliminated, care must be taken so that it does not happen again. Therefore, in the event that any type of liquid falls on seats or porous surfaces, it must be dried as soon as possible. In addition, it is advisable to carry out appropriate cleaning maintenance to avoid the appearance of unpleasant odors.
- If the odor remains even after thorough cleaning, keep in mind that there are ozone generators that are connected to the vehicle and that help to eliminate bad odors.
What do you need to remove moisture from the car?
- Brush
- Warm water
- Neutral pH detergent
- Vacuum cleaner
Tips to remove moisture from the car
- It is important that you keep in mind that you should not use bleach or ammonia to get rid of moisture, as they will only remove the most superficial stain; and in the case of ammonia it can even feed the fungi and make the problem worse.
- When cleaning the area where moisture is present, you also have to clean around it in case there are any remaining spores.
- After carrying out the process, it is recommended to use a dehumidifier to absorb the ambient humidity.
