Where to Clean When There's an Odor in the Car Air Conditioning?
3 Answers
When there's an odor in the car air conditioning, the following parts should be cleaned: 1. Clean the air conditioning filter: Generally, the car air conditioning filter is located under the glove box on the passenger side, or possibly under the windshield. The exact location can be found online or by consulting a car shop. During the removal process, pay attention to the position of the component clips and avoid using excessive force to prevent damage. Then, the filter can be easily removed. Note the arrow mark on the filter to ensure it is not installed backward during reassembly. 2. Clean the blower motor: Remove the panel under the passenger seat after disconnecting the power. The blower motor has three fixing nut holes; remove and clean it. During cleaning, use carburetor cleaner to spray the dirty areas inside the blower motor and wait for it to evaporate. 3. Clean the air conditioning condenser: The condenser is usually located at the front of the car. Use a condenser cleaner for cleaning, and rinse with a water gun after the foam disappears. 4. Clean the air conditioning ducts: This area is difficult to clean directly. Pour air conditioning cleaner into the system, then start the car air conditioning at maximum fan speed to allow the cleaner to reach the inner walls of the ducts. This process should last for half an hour, during which the dirt inside the ducts will flow out through the drain pipe. If the cleaning effect is unsatisfactory, repeat the process multiple times.
I've encountered the issue of musty smell from the air conditioning before. Cleaning the evaporator is crucial because it's a small cooling coil inside the system where moisture accumulates easily, leading to mold growth. Turn on the AC with the fan at maximum speed, spray specialized cleaner at the air intake to let the mist penetrate and disinfect. Don't forget to clean the air ducts and vents thoroughly, as accumulated dust can cause odors. Replacing the air filter every six months to block dust is simple and can be done yourself. For prevention, turn off the AC a few minutes before shutting down the engine to let the interior dry out, ensuring no smell at the next startup. After cleaning my car, the unpleasant odor disappeared, the air became much fresher, and my mood improved. This kind of maintenance DIY is quite interesting, saves time and money, and ensures healthy travel.
I'm quite concerned about the strange odor from the AC affecting respiratory health. The core issue is bacterial growth on the evaporator - spraying disinfectant into the air intake and running for 10 minutes effectively sterilizes. Replacing the cabin filter is simple, usually hidden under the glove compartment - just remove the old one and install new. Air ducts also need wiping to prevent dirt buildup. Why the odor? Damp environments accelerate mold growth - frequently using recirculation mode or turning off AC dehumidification helps. Professional shop cleaning is more thorough - after service, odors disappeared with improved air quality, making daily driving more comfortable.
