humidade no carro

Humidity in The Car: How to Remove and Avoid it

Humidity in a car is the main contributor to windows fogging up, especially in winter.

Besides being uncomfortable, humidity inside a vehicle can lead to unpleasant smells and the degradation of the interior, resulting in mould.

Read this article for tips on keeping your car dry in winter and to find out what you can do to remove excess humidity from inside your vehicle.

 

Why do Car Interiors Become Humid?

The phenomenon that causes humidity to build up in car interiors is condensation, which forms when the temperature inside the vehicle is higher than that outside.

However, other factors increase condensation, especially in winter, such as:

  • Umbrellas and wet shoes;
  • Passengers breathing inside the car;
  • Door and window rubber seals that no longer insulate the interior.

 

What are the Negative Effects of Humidity on the Environment and Health?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the recommended humidity for indoor spaces is between 40% and 70%. When it is higher, there is a proliferation of fungi and bacteria, which cause mould and mildew.

In addition, humidity increases the possibility of mites, especially in upholstery and car mats.

Along with foggy windows and wet seats, other signs also point to humidity problems inside vehicles.

 

 

How do you Get Rid of Humidity Inside a Car?

If you find that your car interior is registering high levels of humidity, you should:

  • Check if the air filters are clogged and clean them;
  • Repair the air conditioning unit whenever it malfunctions, ensuring it operates properly;
  • Remove wet mats and other humid objects to avoid humidity from accumulating inside the car;
  • Clean windows regularly to prevent a dirt layer from building up and absorbing water droplets;
  • Ensure good air circulation by opening the windows for some time to let the air out, especially during the daytime.

 

Can I Use a Home Dehumidifier in My Car?

There is no official reason not to use a home dehumidifier in your car. However, it’s best to opt for a car dehumidifier as it is smaller and easier to transport.

As an alternative, you can build a homemade dehumidifier for your car. All you need to do is fill a pair of old socks with silica, that is, cat litter.

Silica is an excellent accessory in removing humidity from cars, as it has water-absorbing properties.

 

Where should you Place a Car Dehumidifier?

Whether it is a car-specific dehumidifier or a homemade solution, the best place to position it is near the windscreen.

You should then replace it whenever it gets humid.

 

 

How Long Does it Take to Remove Humidity from a Car?

It all depends on the method you choose.

For example, if you leave the doors open in a dry environment, the humidity will disappear within 8 to 12 hours.

If you opt for a drastic solution, such as a wet vacuum cleaner, the problem can be solved almost instantly.

Nevertheless, it is essential to remember that you need to find the source of the problem to prevent humidity from reappearing in the car.

No matter how careful you are, sometimes it is impossible to prevent mould from growing inside a vehicle.

 

How do you Get Rid of Mould in a Car?

The solution is to clean the inside of your car adhering to the following guidelines:

  1. Wear protective gloves and a mask to avoid coming into contact with the mould;
  2. Use products to remove mould from the inside of the vehicles;
  3. Clean the inside of the car, from mats to upholstery, the trunk, the dashboard, and other components.

 

What do you Do if the Humidity Keeps Coming Back?

If your problem persists, even after you’ve added anti-humidity systems to your car, it’s best to seek professional help.

Sometimes, there may be other causes for the problem that are not easy to detect, leading to high amounts of humidity accumulating in a vehicle’s interior.

To do this, you should contact your trusted mechanic or a workshop specialising in this situation.

Once the situation has been dealt with, you should focus on prevention, following the advice given in this article.

Now that you know how to get rid of humidity in your car, it’s time to put all the tips into practice to keep your vehicle in good condition.

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