How to Deal with Unpleasant Odor from Car Heater?

2 Answers
IvanLee
07/25/25 11:33am
When unpleasant odor occurs in the car heater, the following methods can be used to address it: 1. High-temperature drying of the evaporator: After parking, set the car air conditioner to the highest temperature of 32℃, and let the warm air dry the moisture in the air conditioner evaporator and air ducts. This operation not only quickly dries the evaporator box and ventilation ducts but also kills some of the mold present on the car air conditioner evaporator box and ventilation ducts. 2. Use a cleaning agent for external circulation duct sterilization: Use an air duct cleaning agent to sterilize the external circulation ducts. This method can partially eliminate the odor. 3. Alternate use of main and spare filters: Prepare a spare filter. When the air filter gets damp, replace it with the spare one, then clean and dry the damp filter for future use.
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LaRiley
08/11/25 8:03pm
Recently, there was a musty smell coming from the heater in my car. At first, I thought it was the floor mats, but then I realized I felt dizzy whenever I turned on the heater. This is usually caused by mold buildup in the AC system ducts or a clogged air filter, especially during the humid seasons in southern regions. I first replaced the AC filter—I bought the materials online for just 50 yuan, and it was very easy to do. Then, I used a specialized cleaning spray, spraying it into the air vents and running the fan at maximum speed for 20 minutes to thoroughly disinfect the system. Afterward, I aired out the car for over ten minutes to clear any residual odor. Now, the air inside the car is fresh, and long drives are no longer a hassle. I recommend checking the filter every six months as a habit—don’t wait until the smell gets bad to deal with it. Also, after parking, don’t turn off the AC immediately; let the fan run for a few more minutes to dry out the ducts, which can effectively prevent these issues. AC odors don’t just affect comfort—they can easily trigger allergies and are bad for your health, so timely action is important.
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