Your car might look clean on the surface—but deep inside the seats, vents, and carpets, a hidden ecosystem may be thriving. At Premier Autos Detailing in West Plains, MO, we know firsthand how quickly your vehicle can become a breeding ground for allergens, bacteria, and worse.

Here are 5 things that could be growing in your car right now, and how you can stop them before they affect your health—and your car’s value.

1. Mold and Mildew

Why it happens:
Spills, wet floor mats, or a leaky door seal can trap moisture inside your vehicle, creating the perfect conditions for mold and mildew.

What it does:
Besides the unpleasant, musty odor, mold can lead to respiratory issues, headaches, and even allergic reactions for you and your passengers.

How to remove it:
Deep interior cleaning with an enzyme-based cleaner, followed by thorough drying and ozone treatment, is the most effective solution. DIY sprays can mask the smell but don’t always kill the root spores.

What we do:
At Premier Autos Detailing, we offer a complete mold removal package that targets high-risk areas like carpets, headliners, and A/C vents.
👉 Learn more about our interior cleaning services.

2. Bacteria on High-Touch Surfaces

Why it happens:
Think about how many times you touch your steering wheel, gear shift, radio knobs, and seatbelts. Add food crumbs, sneezes, and everyday grime, and it’s no surprise bacteria take over.

What it does:
Some strains, like Staphylococcus and E. coli, can linger on surfaces for days, especially in warm interiors. This can contribute to sickness and unpleasant odors.

How to remove it:
Antibacterial surface treatments and steam cleaning at high temperatures kill off harmful bacteria effectively.

What we do:
Our team uses hospital-grade interior sanitizers and steam to disinfect your vehicle.
👉 Explore our full interior detailing process.

3. Pollen and Allergens

Why it happens:
Your vehicle’s cabin filter can trap pollen—but only if it’s clean. Once clogged, your vents may start circulating allergens instead of filtering them out.

What it does:
Drivers and passengers with allergies may experience sneezing, itchy eyes, or sinus issues, especially during allergy season in West Plains, MO.

How to remove it:
Change your cabin air filter regularly, and have your dashboard and vents professionally cleaned to prevent buildup.

What we do:
Our deep interior cleaning includes vent sanitation, carpet extraction, and dashboard detailing to eliminate pollen and dander.
👉 Check out our mobile detailing packages.

4. Dust Mites and Skin Cells

Why it happens:
Upholstery naturally collects dead skin, hair, and dust. These particles become food for dust mites, which can thrive in neglected seats and floorboards.

What it does:
Dust mites can irritate asthma and cause allergic reactions, especially in children or pets who ride in your vehicle.

How to remove it:
Vacuuming helps, but a deep shampoo extraction lifts embedded debris and mites from fabrics and padding.

What we do:
We use hot water extraction methods to remove dirt and allergens from deep within your seats and carpets.
👉 Learn about our interior shampoo and extraction.

5. Fungi in A/C Systems

Why it happens:
Your car’s A/C evaporator collects moisture. If not regularly used or cleaned, mold and fungi can grow and be blown into the cabin every time the air is turned on.

What it does:
That sour or “gym sock” smell when you start your A/C? That’s microbial growth, and it can lead to sinus infections and poor air quality.

How to remove it:
Use your A/C regularly, even in winter, and schedule an A/C flush or evaporator cleaning once a year.

What we do:
Our odor removal and HVAC treatment targets the evaporator and duct system, removing spores at the source.
👉 Schedule a professional detailing service.

Conclusion

At the end of the day who wants to or even has the time to clean up and remove mold, mildew, or that terrible stench that comes with it. Not me… If anyone will be removing that from my vehicle its the team at Premier Autos Detailing. Nobody does it better. They are fast, reliable, professional, and pleasant people to work with. Check out their Full Interior Detail Package