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Mildew Smell in Car
It’s not uncommon to experience a mildew smell from the carpet in your car, but you may know that it is very important to get rid of the smell to protect the value of your car. Many people have to deal with this – it can happen from just a bit of water in the vehicle – but learning how to get rid of it can be a challenge. The good news is there are a few steps to take to finally get rid of the smell from your car.
What Causes Mildew in a Car?
It’s not uncommon for a car to develop a mildew-like smell to it. This is more common in situations where numerous fluids are introduced into a car but can happen with just water, too. Mildew in a car can occur from a spilled sugary-based drink, such as soda or punch. It can occur if a child’s applesauce gets smashed into the carpeting. It can also happen if you spill your coffee in the car.
Another common reason for mildew in carpeting to develop in a car is simply moisture. A small amount of moisture can develop in a car if a window is left open and rain or dew occurs. If you have a sunroof, this can be the cause of a small leak, which can create mildew buildup in the upholstery of the car. The seals around the windows may be damaged, too, which can let this happen.
In all cases, the combination of the moisture along with sunlight and, in some cases, warm air, can encourage mildew to grow. Over time, this can worsen until it spreads under the seats and carpeting, creating a dangerous problem.
Will Auto Insurance Cover a Mildew Smell in a Car?
Most of the time, mildew smell in a car is due to poor maintenance of the vehicle. Most auto insurance providers do not cover maintenance-related problems and concerns. Even if it was an accidental spill, the mildew cleanup is not likely to be enough cost to be over the value of your deductible.
There may be some exclusions to this. For example, if a storm caused damage to a window, allowing moisture to build up on the surfaces, this could have some coverage under your auto insurance policy. The storm damage to the windows may fall under your policy. A few days later, you may begin to experience the mildew smell, due to the storm damage. Let your insurer know. This type of damage may be covered, depending on the extent of the damage.
Should You Remove Mildew Smell from a Car?
It is very important to remove the mildew smell from a car. Doing so can help to protect the value of the car long-term. Also, mildew is a dangerous toxin for many people. Breathing it in can cause respiratory illnesses.
If you fail to clean up the mildew, it’s likely to spread throughout the vehicle. This can create an unhealthy situation. You may not be able to get control of it at that point. The sooner you get help to remove the mildew, the better and the easier the process will be.
How to Get Rid of a Mildew Smell in a Car
The question is, then, how do you get rid of a mildew smell in a car? The first step is to find the source. Look for spilled fluids or food. Look under the car seats, under floor mats, and in the truck area. If the floor carpeting moves any – such as pulls up from the surface, check under that, too. Notice any type of discoloration on the upholstery or the carpeting, the most likely surfaces for mold and mildew to grow.
If you find it, you can use a mold and mildew remover to clean the surface. If you are unsure where it is, consider taking the car to a professional for a detailed cleaning. This can help to clean the surfaces properly with a disinfectant to ensure all of the material is gone. A thorough cleaning like this should be done by a professional who can dry those surfaces properly to prevent additional mildew growth.
What’s an Anti Mildew Solution for Car – Preventing It
If you plan to treat a surface yourself, consider a mild dish detergent. You can use anti-bacterial soaps as well as long as they are safe to use on the car’s upholstery and carpeting. Check with your car’s manufacturer here for more information on how to properly clean these surfaces.
Once the vehicle is clean, try to keep it that way. Keep food and drinks out of the car. If a spill happens, clean it up thoroughly right away. Being aggressive about the cleanup is one of the best ways to ensure the surface remains clean and the air quality in the car remains safe.
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