Mould Removal & Interior Deep Cleaning Services in Cape Town
Mould in your car is more than just an eyesore. It’s unhealthy, persistent, and can damage your interior.
This page includes two key parts:
Part 1: The professional mould removal and deep cleaning services we offer at ProTouch Car Care.
Table of Contents
Part 1: Our Mould Removal Services
Please note:
We are not a mobile service. All work is done at our premises in Lansdowne, Cape Town. In regards to bringing in the car to us, we can advise on how best to do this.
Since your car has mould and needs to be brought in, some planning and preparation will be required. Please contact us to begin the booking process, and we will assist you with advice and arrangements to do it safely.
Our mould removal services are based on our interior cleaning and detailing services, adapted for treating mould.
The service level your require depends on the extent and cause of the mould, and whether there was a leak, flooding or moisture involved.
It’s important to choose the correct level to ensure the proper services is done for the correct and expected results to be achieved.
Prices quoted are from and for vehicles up to sedan size (5-seaters) with fabric seats. Final pricing is confirmed after in-person inspection, or if needed, we can do an assessment with you via a video call.
Quick Service Comparison Table
| Service | Best For | Duration | From Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Option 1: Mould with Odour Removal | Surface mould & odour, no leaks or flooding | 2–3 days | R3,750 |
| Option 2: Deep Clean with Mould Removal | Surface mould, no odour or leaks or flooding | 1–2 days | R2,750 |
| Option 3: Extreme Deep Clean with Mould removal | Mould with dampness/wetness from previous leaks, flooding, and or trapped water | 3–5~ days | R6,000 |
Option 1: Odour Removal with Mould Removal
For visible surface mould, affecting more than one-third of the car interior, with odour, no leaks or flooding.
Day 1:
- Interior Deep Clean (see below for highlights)
Overnight:
- Drying with professional dehumidifier
Day 2:
- Dual ozone treatment
- Enzyme-based odour eliminator applied
Price (July 2025): from R3,750 | Duration: approximately 2–3 days
Option 2: Deep Clean with Mould Removal
For light surface mould on less than a third of the interior, no odour, and no leaks or flooding.
Includes:
- Seat removal (if requested)
- Acidic shampoo (targets organic matter like mould)
- Alkaline shampoo (removes residue and minerals)
- Hot steam vapour cleaning (highly effective against mould)
Price (July 2025): from R2,750 | Duration: approximately 1–2 days
Option 3: Extreme Deep Clean with Mould Removal
For mould caused by flooding, leaks, or trapped water.
What it involves:
- Seats and carpets removed from car, cleaned, dried outside – this is the most effective and through way
- Floor pan accessed, cleaned, and dried
- Entire interior dried with dehumidifier
- Odour Removal Package included
Price (July 2025): from R6,000 | Duration: approximately 3–5 days or more. All depends on conditions.
*If you have underfelt, we recommend replacing it due to its slow drying time and fragility.
Safety Protocols We Follow
- Disposable suits, gloves, and masks are worn
- All cloths are discarded after use – we do not launder or reuse them
- Tools and machines are sanitised after every job
Part 2: Advice on Preventing and Managing Mould Yourself
These tips may help before you book your car in or after your detail to prevent future outbreaks.
Before Bringing Your Car In
Take photo’s & videos for insurance purposes
Take clear high quality photos and video footage of the mould before you do anything to it.
- Your insurance might cover cleaning costs
- Documenting the issue also helps in case of future claims or disputes.
- during cleaning we may discover damage caused by mould and or water like staining, electronic damage, rust etc
- Contact your insurer before booking with us to understand their process
How to remove mould from your car’s interior surface
The following guide is a surface-level cleaning method.
It does not reach deep into carpets, fabric, foam, or underlay.
For full removal, a deep clean or interior valet using the correct products, ideally with hot steam vapour, is still necessary.
What You’ll Need:
- Bucket or bowl of clean water for rinsing cleaning clothes with lots of water on hand to change out
- Spray bottle with a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water.
- A few microfibre or soft cloths.
- A few clothing pegs or clips.
Step 1: Safety First
Wear gloves, long sleeves, and an N95 or disposable COVID-style mask when cleaning.
After cleaning, wash all clothing used during the process — including what you wore while driving the mouldy car — separately with vinegar and detergent.
Do not mix these items with your regular laundry to avoid cross-contamination.
Step 2: Spray and Wipe Surfaces
For carpets and fabrics, spray directly or apply the mix to a damp cloth and wipe.
For dashboards, door panels, and consoles, spray onto the cloth only, then wipe — avoid spraying near electronics.
Step 3: Rinse Cloths Frequently
After wiping each section, rinse your cloth in the water bucket or bowl.
Change the water as soon as it starts looking dirty.
Step 4: Don’t Forget the Seat Belts
Pull each belt out fully and clip or peg it so it stays extended.
Wipe it clean, let it dry completely, and only then allow it to retract.
Step 5: Check the Commonly Missed Areas
Sun visors, glovebox and cubby holes, under the seats, rear parcel shelf, under headrests, boot compartments, and spare wheel wells.
Mould often hides in places we overlook, so be thorough.
How to remove excess water and drying it out
Act quickly! The longer water or moisture remains, the greater the risk of damage.
Use a wet/dry vacuum to remove as much water as possible. Be sure to remove the dry filter before vacuuming. Keep in mind, no vacuum can extract all the water trapped beneath the carpet; some moisture will remain.
If you don’t have a vacuum, blot up standing water with towels as best you can.
Afterwards, wash the towels immediately and separately from other laundry. Use vinegar and detergent to help kill spores. Avoid putting wet towels into your regular laundry basket, as spores can spread to other clothes.
Car interior Drying Tips
This guide should only be followed after surface mould and any excess water have been properly removed. Please refer to the mould removal guide above before proceeding.
Drying a car interior takes time, and how long it takes depends on how much water was inside. Keep in mind that water can get trapped under the carpet and underlay, so even if the surface feels dry to the touch, moisture may still be hiding underneath. For a thorough job, the seats and flooring (carpet and underlay) should ideally be removed.
Important: Do not use household heaters!
We’ve personally seen cases where these heaters overheated or even caught fire. They are not safe for this purpose.
Instead, you can safely use standard fans to improve airflow inside the car, which helps speed up evaporation.
1. Dry the Cabin with Heat and Airflow
After removing excess water and surface mould, run your car with the following settings:
- Heater on maximum
- Air conditioner on (this creates a dehumidification effect)
- Airflow directed to the floor
- Set to recirculate
This helps reduce humidity and speeds up the drying process.
Any water the air conditioning system extracts from the interior will drain out beneath the car.
2. Air Out the Vehicle
When safe and weather allows, open the windows or doors to improve ventilation. Fresh airflow helps prevent further mould growth.
3. Replace the Cabin (Pollen) Air Filter
After any mould event, it’s essential to replace the cabin air filter, as it may contain spores and odours from the contaminated air.
Laundry Advice
Clothes worn while dealing with mould should be washed separately, as mould spores cling to fabric and can damage other laundry.
Avoid These Products
Do not use common household cleaners like:
- Ammonia-based products (e.g. Handy Andy)
- Glass cleaners
These can feed mould or damage vehicle materials.
Replace Your Cabin Filter
After a mould outbreak, your cabin air filter is almost certainly contaminated with spores and odours. Replacing it is a simple, affordable way to:
- Improve air quality
- Prevent future outbreaks
- Protect your health
Why Mould Grows in Cars – Causes and Triggers
Mould needs two things: moisture and organic dirt. Cars, being sealed environments with little airflow, trap both.
Even a seemingly clean car can harbour the microscopic particles mould feeds on – including:
- Dust
- Skin cells
- Food residue
- Damp clothes and shoes
- Condensation
Moisture doesn’t only enter from leaks – it can also come from:
- Wet clothes or umbrellas
- Rain on your jacket or shoes
- Spilled liquids not properly cleaned or dried
Where Leaks Commonly Come From
Windscreen Cowling
Water may enter through the fresh air intake tray if it’s blocked with dirt or leaves. It can overflow into the cabin.
Sunroof Drains
Drain lines can clog with dirt over time. Some vehicles, like VW Tiguans, are more prone to this.
Windscreen Seal
If your windscreen was replaced and not sealed properly, water can enter.
Tip: Check the logo on your windscreen. If it differs from the side and rear glass, it may have been replaced.
This is not always definitive, but it’s a helpful clue.
Air Conditioner or Heater Leaks
Condensate or coolant may leak under the dashboard if the heater matrix or AC system fails.
Door Seals
Check the condition of your door seals, if they are broken, cracked, or flattened rubber fails to keep water out.
It may also be that the door itself isn’t closing properly, in that case it needs to be either adjusted at the hinge or even “bent” into shape.