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Concerns of odors and mold persist in vehicles throughout the year, but as cold weather settles in, they can bring different challenges to drivers.
A build-up of moisture outside from winter’s snow, sleet, and ice storms can creep inside your vehicle causing mold and that musty odor to form inside your car. While this smell is more likely from older car models or vehicles stored outside during winter, the problem is an issue anyone can encounter if not addressed properly.
One main cause of odor is moisture accumulation in the air conditioning and ventilation system. Inactivity allows this moisture to foster a stale odor and, if left untreated, may lead to more mold.
“Water can also enter the passenger cabin by simply getting in and out of the vehicle during inclement weather and can eventually cause mold and odors if not addressed or prevented,” says Jim Dvorak of Mothers car care products.
“When water gets soaked deep into the carpets, upholstery, or in nooks and crannies and doesn’t get a chance to dry. It can start to mold and smell musty. Be prudent to keep on top of any build-up of moisture or mud that may have been dragged in from your feet.”
There are several steps Dvorak suggests to help deal with and prevent mold and odor problems inside your car. First, Dvorak says to equip your vehicle with rubber floor mats.
“Rubber floor mats are a popular year-round accessory, critical in the winter months, and available for most any year and model vehicle.”
Check with your service advisor to get the right fit and function for your vehicle. Ill-fitting mats may slide around the baseboard. Or they may not provide enough grip for your shoes.
Another suggestion Dvorak offers is to check and replace your cabin air filter. These filters collect dirt, dust, and even debris from tree leaves, no matter the season, as outside air enters your vehicle.
“To help reduce other musty or moldy odors, check your cabin air filter, which is common on most modern vehicles,” Dvorak says.
Overall, interior car care in the winter is similar to that in the summer— prevention is key, Dvorak says. Stay on top of any messes, especially any soil, mud, or water that may collect inside. The best steps for prevention include keeping certain items on hand to attend to messes as soon as possible.
“Keep an absorbent towel handy to address any wet spots that may develop. A shop vacuum is also very handy and is designed to deal with water-based messes a little better than your household vacuum.”
In addition to cleaning up spills and wet spots before they become a problem, maintain cleanliness across your car’s interior surfaces.
“Use a light cleaner like an interior detailer on all surfaces to keep them clean, and don’t forget to clean the interior of the windows,” says Dvorak. “And while performing these tasks, you’ll also be more aware of any possible problems that aren’t immediately visible from the driver seat.”
Some preventive steps start with limiting the amount of dust, dirt, and outside contaminants that get inside your vehicle.
“Don’t laugh, but whenever possible, open the door, sit down with both feet still outside the vehicle, and “clap” your shoes together to release any unwanted water or soil before pivoting into the vehicle,” says Dvorak.
“Keep an old towel handy to wipe your shoes as you enter the vehicle. Be careful when eating food, or when packing items that may cause a spill by securing them properly on the floor or cargo compartment with nets or ties that may have come with your vehicle or are available at your dealer parts department, at the auto parts store, or online.”
Below are a few more tips to help prevent interior mold, odor, and dust from taking over your vehicle:
- Stow some microfiber towels to mop up moisture from rain getting into the cabin, spilled drinks and wet shoes. Address moisture immediately to help prevent it from seeping into fabrics and creating mold growth.
- Replace cabin air filter to help prevent contaminants from entering the passenger cabin.
- Install rubber floor mats. Check with your service advisor to get a set that offers good fit and function. Use mats that are secure and do not slide about the floorboard and provide good grip for wet shoes. Remove and clean mats frequently during winter.
- Keep upholstery and carpet clean with products intended for automobile interiors.
- Whenever possible park your car in a garage or an enclosed structure to minimize exposure to the elements and outside moisture.
- Run the air conditioning intermittently in winter to circulate air through the system to prevent moisture buildup.
- Pick up food morsels that can break down, embed into fabric and cause odors.
- Remove and store sweaty workout clothes, wet towels, or musty items elsewhere. The moisture adds to vehicle odors, humidity and mold growth.
- Clap wet shoes before entering the vehicle to shake off moisture and remove grime.
- Be cautious about using air fresheners and sprays to mask odors. They may simply mask but not eliminate odors. Instead, get to the root cause so that it doesn’t persist, which could cause harm to your car’s interior and potentially impact your health.
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