How to Remove Odor When the Car Air Conditioner is On?

[ReaganDella]

Methods to remove odor from car air conditioners include: 1. Replace the air filter, which is a crucial component of the air conditioning system as all incoming air passes through it; 2. Replace the air conditioner's evaporator, whose function is to use low-temperature liquid refrigerant that easily evaporates under low pressure, turning into vapor and absorbing heat from the cooled medium to achieve cooling; 3. Place some air fresheners inside the car; 4. Put some disinfecting orange or tangerine peels to help eliminate odors; 5. Frequently open the car windows for ventilation; 6. Check if the air conditioner has any malfunctions, as an air conditioner that cannot properly cool or heat may accumulate impurities and exhaust gases.

[GavinRose]

When the car air conditioner is turned on, there is an unpleasant odor. As a seasoned driver with over a decade of experience, I have encountered this issue multiple times. It is usually caused by mold growth or dust accumulation in the air conditioning system. First, check and replace the cabin air filter, as old filters can easily harbor bacteria. Next, clean the evaporator core by purchasing a specialized air conditioner cleaner from an auto parts store, spraying it into the air intake or vents, and running the air conditioner for a few minutes to allow the odor to dissipate. Ensure doors and windows are closed and perform this in a well-ventilated area for safety. To prevent this issue, turn off the AC 5-10 minutes before parking and use only the fan to dry out internal moisture, which helps avoid mold growth in damp conditions. Additionally, regularly clean the air ducts by wiping the vents with a damp cloth. DIY solutions are simple and cost-effective, but for severe cases, seek professional cleaning to avoid damaging components. Addressing this promptly is beneficial for both health and driving safety—don’t overlook this small but important matter.

[StephanieFitz]

The foul smell when turning on the AC is really annoying. My usual solution is: first blast the maximum airflow for a few minutes to expel dust. Then use a car deodorizing spray bought from the supermarket to spray into the AC intake (near the engine bay), following the instructions is simple. If you think it's too expensive, use a mixture of white vinegar and water to spray, which has good sterilization effects but needs to be rinsed thoroughly afterward. Don't forget to remove and clean or replace the AC filter, as a dirty filter is one of the sources of the smell. Usually, drive with the external circulation more often than the internal circulation to reduce moisture buildup. Also, keep the car interior clean to prevent food residue or trash from accumulating and causing mold. These DIY steps save time and money with significant effects. Doing them before every long trip makes the AC much fresher. After all, bad smells are not only annoying but can also irritate the nose.

[StAthena]

The most effective way to deal with air conditioning odors is to directly use a mobile app to schedule a deep cleaning at an auto repair shop. It's quick and costs just a small amount. For a DIY approach, buy an air conditioning cleaning kit with fragrance, spray it into the vents, and let the fan run for a few cycles to get the job done. Replacing the filter with an activated carbon type ensures longer-lasting odor removal. Also, clean up any clutter in the car to prevent moldy smells at the source. After such treatment, the air conditioning will start up fresh and comfortable, making driving more enjoyable. Remember, neglecting odors can affect air quality, so occasional cleaning is worth it.