Mildew Smell in Car

Mildew smell in car: What to do about it

There’s nothing quite like the smell of mildew. It’s unpleasant to the point of being stomach-turning, and it’s the last odor you want to smell in your car. Because not only is it gross to smell, it can also be an indicator that somewhere in your car, something is wet or damp… and can this mean leaks. So what can you do about it? Check out our list of how to get rid of mildew smell in car tips from our Toyota of Orlando service experts.

What causes a mildew odor in cars?

As we said, the odor of mildew means that somewhere in your Orlando Toyota, there’s a leak or wet spot and mildew is growing. It could be from wet towels that were thrown in the trunk and forgotten about, or it could be from a leak somewhere that’s letting water seep into your car’s cabin. Either way, you need to figure out where the moisture is.

Steps to get rid of mildew in your vehicle

When you have a mildew smell in car issue, it’s time to take proactive steps to get rid of it. Unfortunately, it’s not something that’s going to go away on its own and it WILL get worse with time. Here’s what the service team at Toyota of Orlando recommends.

• Step #1: Figure out the source of the smell. Mildew likes moisture and dampness. You should inspect the cabin of your car from bumper to bumper to look for wet or damp spots. Don’t forget to check under the seats, underneath floor mats, and in the glovebox and storage compartments. The trunk needs to be inspected, too.
• Step #2: Take out anything that could be damp. If you have wet towels, old clothes, damp shoes, a wet umbrella, etc. in your car, take it out. You should never leave wet or damp items in your Orlando Toyota because it can add to that mildew smell in car issue.
• Step #3: Remove any visible mold or mildew. If you spot obvious mildew, you’ll need to remove it ASAP (it’s only going to get worse). Don’t forget to wear gloves and a mask while you clean. Mildew is harmful to your health if you breathe in the spores. Here’s how to detail your car and remove it:

• Get a soft-bristled scrub brush and enzyme cleaner. Enzyme cleaner is a specially formulated solution that uses natural enzymes to get rid of bacteria, stains, and odors. They work exceptionally well on mildew and mold.
• Gently scrub the affected areas using your soft-bristled scrub brush and your enzyme cleaner until all mold and mildew is gone. You’re on your way to resolving your mildew smell in car issue!

Steps to take after removing mildew from your ride

• Step #4: Steam clean your car. Your next step is to take a steam cleaner to your Orlando Toyota. Mildew can’t survive in high heat, so after you’ve used your enzyme cleaner, steam clean the area as well. The high temperatures of the steam should wipe out any remaining mildew. Pro tip: steam clean the entire car, just in case.
• Step #5: Air it out. We recommend parking in a sunny spot and opening all of your car windows. Fresh air and sunlight are the enemies of mildew, and this will also allow your car to dry thoroughly before you close it up again. If you have a portable dehumidifier, get it running inside the cabin of the car to suck moisture out.
• Step #6: Deal with any leaks. If your car has leaks or spots where moisture is getting in, bring it to the Toyota of Orlando service center and let our techs get things sealed back up. You can treat mildew all day, but if you don’t prevent moisture from entering the cabin, it’ll just keep coming back.

Let our Toyota service team help you deal with unwanted odors

Whether it’s a mildew smell in car issue or another unwanted odor, our Toyota service techs can help! Schedule service by calling Toyota of Orlando at 407-298-4500. You can also schedule online or swing by! We’re conveniently located just off I-4 near the Mall at Millenia!