How to Remove Mildew and Mold Smell from a Car Interior

Jimbo Balaam on

Whether it’s from leaks, floods, or high humidity, moldy smells can ruin your car’s interior. Here’s the step-by-step method for permanent removal.

How to Remove Mildew and Mold Smell from a Car Interior

How to Remove Mildew and Mold Smell from a Car Interior

Few odors are as unpleasant — or as unhealthy — as mildew and mold inside a vehicle. They thrive in damp carpets, leaky trunks, and humid HVAC systems. Fortunately, you can eliminate these odors permanently with the right cleaning process and an ozone treatment.

Step One: Clean with Complete Cabin Cleaner

Before running ozone, clean every interior surface with Complete Cabin Cleaner. It safely removes the grime and residues that feed mildew and leaves a streak-free, matte OEM finish.

Why Cars Get Mildew and Mold Odors

  • Leaky weather seals letting in rainwater.
  • Spilled drinks or water trapped under carpets.
  • Clogged sunroof drains or AC evaporator drains.
  • High humidity causing condensation in HVAC systems.

Step-by-Step Process to Eliminate Mildew and Mold Smell

  1. Dry the interior fully: Use fans, a wet/dry vac, or leave doors open on a dry day.
  2. Clean all surfaces: Spray and wipe plastics, vinyl, and leather with Complete Cabin Cleaner. Scrub carpets and fabric with an interior brush.
  3. Treat the source: Pull up floor mats and check under carpets for moisture. Replace or deep-clean any soaked insulation.
  4. Run an ozone treatment: Place an ozone machine inside, set it for 30–60 minutes, and let the gas circulate with AC on recirculation mode.
  5. Ventilate thoroughly: After treatment, air the vehicle out for at least 30 minutes before driving.

Pro Tips to Prevent Mold from Returning

  • Fix leaks immediately — check seals, sunroof drains, and AC drain tubes.
  • Use moisture absorbers during humid months.
  • Don’t leave wet towels, clothes, or gear inside the car.
  • Run the AC periodically to keep the evaporator dry.

FAQ

Is ozone safe for mildew removal?

Yes, when used correctly. Ozone kills mold spores and neutralizes odors deep in fabrics and HVAC systems. Always ventilate after use.

Can I just use air fresheners?

No. Air fresheners mask mildew smell but don’t kill the source. Cleaning + ozone is the only permanent solution.

How long should I run the ozone machine?

30–60 minutes is typically enough. For severe mildew, repeat treatments may be needed.

Will Complete Cabin Cleaner kill mold?

It removes surface residues and prevents buildup, but ozone treatment is needed to fully eliminate spores embedded in the HVAC and fabrics.

Bottom line: To permanently remove mildew and mold smell from a car, you must clean with a product like Complete Cabin Cleaner, dry thoroughly, and run an ozone treatment. Do this once and prevent leaks, and the odor won’t return.