What causes it
Mould in a car needs moisture, warmth and something to feed on, and a closed car in Brisbane supplies all three. Humidity regularly sits high through summer, cabins heat up in the sun, and skin oils, food crumbs and dust give spores a food source. Leave a car parked for a few weeks and it can grow fast.
Common triggers we see:
- A car left parked for weeks, such as during travel, a hospital stay or a deceased estate
- Wet carpet from a leaking door seal, sunroof drain or windscreen
- Storm or flood water that got in and was never properly dried
- Gym gear, wet towels or wetsuits left in the boot
- Cars stored in a garage or carport with little airflow
Leather seats, seatbelts, headlining and carpet underlay are where it usually shows up first.
How we fix it on-site
To remove mould from a car properly, it has to be killed, physically taken out of the fibres and surfaces, and then the cabin has to be dried so it doesn't come straight back. Spraying a cleaner and wiping only takes off what you can see. We work through the whole interior in a set order.
- Assess. We check how far it has spread, look for the moisture source and tell you what we think is realistic.
- Dry removal. Loose spores and growth are vacuumed with filtered equipment before anything gets wet.
- Treat. A mould treatment goes on every affected surface and is left to work.
- Clean and extract. Hard surfaces are wiped down. Fabric seats and carpets are agitated and hot-water extracted.
- Belts and headlining. Seatbelts are pulled out to full length and cleaned; the headlining is cleaned gently so the glue doesn't let go.
- Dry out. We get airflow through the cabin. Leaving moisture behind is the fastest way to see mould again.
If the source is a leak, we'll point you to it, but fixing seals and drains is a job for a mechanic or auto glass specialist. Mould jobs often run alongside a full interior car detailing service.
We arrive self-sufficient where access allows; we'll confirm water and power needs when you book.
When cleaning isn't enough
Sometimes mould grows deep into seat foam, carpet underlay or sound deadening. When that happens, surface cleaning can make the car look clean while the problem stays underneath. In a heavily contaminated car, the honest answer can be that carpets or upholstery need replacing by a trimmer. If we think that's the case, we'll tell you before we start rather than charge you for a clean that won't last.
A note on health
We're car detailers, not medical advisers. Mould can affect some people, particularly those with asthma, allergies or weakened immune systems. If anyone who uses the car has health concerns, talk to your GP before driving it, and keep them away from the car while it's being cleaned.
What it costs (from)
Car mould removal is from $XX. The price depends on vehicle size and how far the mould has spread. A small car with a light film on the dash is a far smaller job than a 7-seater with growth on every seat and through the carpet.
| Level | What it usually involves |
|---|---|
| Light: surface film on hard surfaces | Treatment and wipe-down, light fabric clean |
| Moderate: visible growth on seats or carpet | Full treatment, extraction of all soft surfaces |
| Heavy: whole cabin, smell, damp underlay | Full treatment plus extended drying; may need trimmer work |
See the pricing page for how vehicle size affects our prices.
How long it takes
Most mould jobs take three to five hours on-site, plus drying time. Heavier jobs can take longer because drying properly matters more than speed. We'll give you a time estimate once we've seen the car or a few photos of it.
Before & after
Mould removal jobs from around Brisbane:
Our before-and-after photos are being added. Check back soon, or book a detail and see the difference yourself.
FAQs
Is mould in a car dangerous?
It can be for some people, which is why we suggest talking to your GP if anyone using the car has asthma, allergies or other health concerns. We aren't medical advisers. What we can do is remove the mould from the cabin and help you understand where it came from.
Can I remove mould from my car myself?
Light surface mould on hard plastics can be wiped with a suitable cleaner while wearing a mask and gloves. Mould in fabric seats, carpet or belts is harder, because wiping spreads spores and wetting fabric without extraction can feed regrowth. That's where professional mould removal for your car is worth it.
Will the mould come back?
It can if the moisture source is still there. We remove the mould and dry the cabin, but a leaking seal or blocked drain will keep letting water in. Keeping the car aired out and fixing any leaks are the best ways to stop it returning.
Do you clean mould in houses or buildings?
No. We only clean vehicles. For mould in a home, unit or office, you'll need a property mould remediation company.
Should I call my insurer first?
If the mould followed a flood or storm, yes. Speak to your insurer before work starts. We can provide photos and an invoice for your claim, but your insurer decides what's covered.
Book
Mould spreads the longer it sits, especially in summer. Book online or send us photos and we'll tell you honestly whether cleaning will fix it. Every job is covered by public liability insurance up to $20 million.
Book mould removal online · 0402 723 464 · See other car problems we fix.