How To Fix a Smelly AC

After a few years, a car AC can start to smell musty if it hasn’t been disinfected regularly. That smell is not only unpleasant, it’s harmful too because it comes from mold and bacteria that grow in the moist AC system. These mold spores and bacteria can cause all kinds of nasty lung and allergy problems.

In this post we’ll show you how to get rid of that awful smell in just a few minutes on a shoestring budget, no special skills or tools required. Anyone can do it! 

If you prefer watching our video on YouTube instead, check out our channel: 

Time for action, let’s get to it:

For this fix, you’ll only need a can of disinfectant spray and a clean towel.

1. 
   The first thing to do is to get into the driver’s seat, roll down all the windows and start your car
   
   
2. 
   
   Now turn on your AC and switch it to the highest setting. You want to make sure that all the air vents are opened completely.
   
   
3. 
   
   Step out of your car with the engine running and the AC turned on.

   Now locate your air conditioning’s air intake vent. In our case, it’s right at the base of the wind screen, as it will be with most cars. When in doubt, hold your hand right above the vent. You should be able to feel significant suction with the AC running at full power. If you can’t find the air intake or you’re not sure, consult your car owner’s manual.

4. 
   
   With the airconditioning running at maximum capacity, spray the disinfectant in the air intake for about 30 seconds. You want to spray in a back-and-forth motion and make sure to cover the entire surface of the air vent several times.
   
   
5. 
   
   When you’re done spraying, you want to wipe off any overspray residue so it doesn’t stain adjacent paint or plastics. If you have an intricate vent design that is hard to wipe clean with a towel, any residue that’s left can simply be removed with a soft paint brush dipped in soapy water.
   
   You want to leave your engine running with the AC on and the windows open for a couple of minutes to fully air your car’s interior before entering it.
   
   
6. 
   
   The moment you step into your car, you’ll notice right away how fresh and clean the interior smells. That awful moldy smell is gone at last. Awesome!
   

Remember to repeat this disinfecting process at least once a year to keep your car interior smelling fresh and healthy. In very hot and humid climates, you might have to do this several times a year. 

It only takes a few minutes, so no big deal…

Happy detailing!

FAQ

Why Does My Car AC Smell bad?

A car AC can smell bad because of mold and bacteria that grow in the moist AC system. These mold spores and bacteria can cause all kinds of nasty lung and allergy problems. 

This can easily be solved for only a few bucks and it only takes a few minutes. 

For a step-by-step guide, check out How To Fix A Smelly AC.

Is a Smelling Car AC Unhealthy?

Yes it is!

The reason why a car AC smells bad is because of mold and bacteria that grow in the moist AC system. These mold spores and bacteria can cause all kinds of nasty lung and allergy problems. 

Don’t worry, a smelly AC can easily be disinfected for only a few bucks and it only takes a few minutes. 

For a step-by-step guide, check out How To Fix A Smelly AC.

Why Should I Disinfect My Car AC?

You should regularly disinfect your car AC because mold and bacteria grow in the moist AC system. These mold spores and bacteria can cause all kinds of nasty lung and allergy problems. 

Don’t worry, a smelly AC can easily be disinfected for only a few bucks and it only takes a few minutes. 

For a step-by-step guide, check out How To Fix A Smelly AC.