Bio-Active

Bio-active cleaners contain enzymes which can break down organic matter. They can be useful for cleaning soft top hoods which contain algae and lichen. 

Using a bio-active laundry detergent on a convertible roof can be very effective under the right conditions, but because enzymes need a warm temperature to work, they need to be dissolved in very warm water and applied to the car on a hot day.

It is also important to use liquid detergents and not powders, as powders seldom fully dissolve and can leave a white powdery residue in the hood.

What it means

Bio-active is a term used for products that work biologically rather than just chemically. In car interiors it usually refers to cleaners and treatments that contain enzymes or friendly microbes which break down organic material – things like mould, mildew, food spills, drink residues, body fluids and the films they leave behind. Instead of simply masking smells, a bio-active product is intended to help digest the source material so it is easier to remove and less likely to return.

Why it matters

• Targets organic contamination: After a leak or spill, a lot of the problem is organic – mould growth, spoiled food, damp underlay. Bio-active products are designed to go after that kind of contamination specifically.
• Supports odour control: By helping to break down the residue that causes smells, bio-active treatments can assist in getting rid of musty or sour odours rather than just covering them up with fragrance.
• Can be gentler than harsh chemicals: Many bio-active cleaners are formulated to be effective at low concentrations and milder pH, which can be kinder to fabrics and plastics than strong caustic products when used correctly.
• Works well as part of a system: Bio-active products are most effective when combined with proper leak repair, strip-out, drying and mechanical cleaning, rather than being used as a magic spray on a still-damp, mouldy car.

Where you’ll see it

You will see bio-active mentioned on leak repair estimates, decontamination quotes and product labels for specialist interior cleaners and odour treatments. Typical phrases include bio-active cleaner used on carpets and underlay, bio-active treatment applied after drying or bio-active odour control as part of decontamination. It is commonly associated with water leak work, flood damage, pet and food spills and vehicles that have suffered long term damp and mould problems.

Context

Bio-active sits alongside other steps in putting a damp or contaminated car right. The sensible order is to find and fix the leak, strip out soaked materials as needed, clean and rinse, dry thoroughly, then use deodorisers, bio-active products and mould inhibitors where appropriate. The bio-active element helps to deal with the organic traces that ordinary detergents and disinfectants may leave behind, but it does not replace the need for proper physical cleaning and controlled drying. If the car is still wet or the leak continues, no amount of bio-active treatment will prevent mould and odours from eventually coming back.

Common mistakes

• Using bio-active products as a shortcut instead of fixing the leak and drying the car properly, then wondering why smells and mould come back.
• Spraying bio-active treatments over dirty, saturated carpets and trims without first extracting, cleaning and rinsing them.
• Expecting a quick mist of product in the air to treat contamination hidden deep under carpets, in foam and behind trims.
• Assuming “bio-active” automatically means harmless – products still need to be used as directed, with sensible ventilation and appropriate protective equipment.

Written by Danny Argent. Last updated 05/12/2025 15:13