Where Should You Clean When Your Car Air Conditioner Has an Odor?

[EthanMarie]

Here are the locations to clean when your car air conditioner has an odor: 1. Clean the air filter: Generally, the air filter is located under the glove compartment on the passenger side or possibly under the windshield. You can check the exact position online or consult a car service shop. During removal, pay attention to the clip positions and avoid using excessive force to prevent damage. The filter can then be easily removed. Note the arrow indicator on the filter to ensure correct reinstallation. 2. Clean the blower motor: Remove the panel under the passenger seat after disconnecting the power. The blower motor has three nut holes for securing it; remove and clean them. Use a carburetor cleaner to spray the dirty areas inside the blower motor and wait for it to evaporate. 3. Clean the air conditioner radiator: The radiator is usually located at the front of the car. Use a radiator cleaner, and after the foam dissipates, rinse it with a water gun. 4. Clean the air conditioner ducts: This area is harder to clean. Pour in an air conditioner cleaner, start the car's air conditioner at maximum airflow, and let the cleaner coat the inner walls of the ducts. This process should last about half an hour, during which dirt will drain out through the discharge pipe. If cleaning is insufficient, repeat the process multiple times.

[OTimothy]

Previously, there was a musty smell whenever I turned on the car's air conditioning. After a thorough inspection, I found the key issue was at the evaporator core location. Moisture tends to accumulate there during cooling, which easily leads to mold growth. You have to remove the glove box to clean it properly. Also, don't forget to replace the cabin air filter - when it's clogged, it becomes more prone to dust accumulation and odor. If the smell persists after cleaning, there might be dirt hidden in the ventilation ducts, requiring cleaning by spraying disinfectant through the external air intake. It's recommended to clean the evaporator core every spring and use deodorizing spray to maintain the ducts. Otherwise, excessive bacteria can cause rhinitis when inhaled.

[OMaverick]

To eliminate air conditioning odors, the most critical components to clean are the evaporator coil assembly and the cabin air filter. Regularly replacing the cabin air filter is fundamental, as a clogged filter can accumulate dust and become a breeding ground for bacteria. The evaporator, located beneath the dashboard, is difficult to access—cleaning it yourself requires removing panels and brushing the fins, followed by using the blower to dehumidify. Don’t overlook the ventilation ducts, especially the exterior air intake near the windshield, where piled-up leaves can cause foul odors. Regular cleaning ensures fresh air and prevents dizziness on long drives.

[MacMorgan]

I've researched that the main sources of air conditioning odors are in three areas: The cabin air filter is the first line of defense - replacing it can block dust and odors. The key culprit is the evaporator core, which grows mold like refrigerator shelves and breeds microbes requiring specialized foam cleaner. Then there's the air intake/outlet ducts, where accumulated grime over time causes odor recirculation. Don't just mask smells with perfumes - use neutral cleaners for thorough degreasing and disinfection. Preventively, turning off AC and running fans at high speed to dry ducts before parking helps.