How to Remove Unpleasant Odors from Car Air Conditioning?
3 Answers
Methods to eliminate unpleasant odors from car air conditioning include: 1. Inspect and clean the evaporator; 2. Check the air conditioning filter; 3. Use the internal and external air circulation modes appropriately; 4. Clean the internal air conditioning ducts; 5. Inspect the air conditioning system for any deceased small animals; 6. Minimize sources of odors inside the car cabin; 7. Turn off the air conditioning before parking and switch to natural air to maintain relative dryness; 8. Avoid using acidic car perfumes; 9. Use tropical fruit scents to neutralize odors. Car air conditioning, short for the car air conditioning system, serves the following purposes: 1. To regulate and control the temperature, humidity, air cleanliness, and airflow inside the car cabin to an optimal state; 2. To provide a comfortable environment for passengers and reduce travel fatigue.
Unpleasant odors in car air conditioning usually come from moldy evaporators or dirty filters. From my experience, first check the cabin air filter. If it's dirty and black, quickly replace it with a new one—this often solves the problem. If that doesn’t work, it indicates a deeper issue. You can use an air conditioning cleaning spray from the supermarket, spraying it into the air intake and letting the blower run for about 10 minutes to circulate the cleaner. Additionally, turn off the AC a few minutes before parking but keep the fan running to help dry the system and prevent moisture buildup. Doing this regularly, at least once every quarter, can prevent odors. Also, check the air ducts for any debris accumulation, such as leaves or small animal remains. Once you develop this habit, your AC will stay fresh, making breathing much more comfortable.
My previous car's AC also had a musty smell, which was quite unpleasant, so I fixed it myself: First, I replaced the cabin air filter—it's very simple, just buy the right model on an online shopping platform. If the smell persists after replacement, use an AC cleaning spray, close all windows, spray it into the air intake, then start the car and run the fan at high speed for about ten minutes. I've tried this method several times, and it worked every time. Now, I maintain it regularly like this. Additionally, I recommend drying the system by running the fan before parking to prevent moisture buildup and mold growth. In humid weather, try using recirculation mode to reduce external air pollution inside the cabin. These small tips help keep odors away.
