Causes Of Musty Smell In Car AC And How To Get Rid Of It

As the scorching summer approaches in full force in the UAE, having a properly functioning car air conditioning system is essential for a comfortable ride. But what if you notice a musty odor rising from the cabin? It can cause significant annoyance and can make the passengers feel uncomfortable.

The musty smell coming from the car's AC can be a common issue, and many people often ignore it or try to mask it with air fresheners. However, this approach doesn't solve the underlying problem and can make the situation worse. In this blog post, we will explain why the musty smell builds up in your car's AC and how you can get rid of it.

REASONS WHY YOUR CAR AC SMELLS MUSTY

Your car's air conditioner may smell musty for a variety of reasons. There are different causes, ranging from excessive condensation to the buildup of debris. Let's review their details.

A DUST BUILD-UP IN THE CABIN AIR FILTER

The role of the cabin air filter is to ensure a well-ventilated cabin for all passengers. It keeps the cabin clean by trapping dirt particles and contaminants and stops them from entering the cabin. However, if the cabin air filter is not changed and cleaned properly, it can get blocked.When this occurs, the dust particles will spread throughout the cabin. Due to a blocked and unclean cabin air filter, you will notice a musty smell.

MOULDY VENTS

The vents are the last place the air in a car's ventilation system passes. This causes the majority of the condensation to collect here. Lack of comprehensive cleaning could result in mold buildup in the car vents. As a result, the interior of the car starts to smell musty.

MOULD IN EVAPORATOR COILS

The evaporator is a critical part of your car's air conditioning system, responsible for cooling the air that blows through your vents. The coils and fins in the evaporator serve as airflow channels, allowing the refrigerant to absorb heat from the surrounding air. However, if excessive moisture is present in the system, it can cause these parts to degrade over time. This can result in mould growth on the coils and fins, leading to a musty smell from your car's air conditioning system.

EXCESSIVE CONDENSATION

As a car owner, you rely on your air conditioning system to keep you cool and comfortable on hot days. However, you may have noticed water escaping from underneath your car, which is a sign of excessive condensation. While some condensation is normal, excessive amounts can lead to issues with your car's air conditioning system.

The purpose of your car's air conditioning system is to remove water from the air and maintain a comfortable interior temperature. However, if the drains of the system become blocked, condensation can build up in the system, leading to issues such as the growth of mould and mildew, and a musty odor.

WAYS TO GET RID OF MUSTY SMELL IN AC

Now that we are aware of the causes, here is how to get rid of the musty smell from the air conditioner.  In order to keep your car cabin air fresh, you can follow these methods,

USE AN AC CLEANER

The Air conditioner cleaner helps in wiping off the oxidation and dust particles from the coils and vents. This helps in efficient airflow and operation of the system. In order to clean the car AC parts you can follow these steps.

• Dry it by turning on the air conditioner and the fan to its highest setting.
• Switch off the engine once it's finished.
• Replace the cabin air filter.
• Spray the cleanser on the AC vents, then wait a while.
• Now start the car's engine and let the air conditioner run for a while.

Opting for an AC cleaning not only contributes to the efficient operation of the car AC but also prevents the musty smell from returning.

DRAIN AND CLEAR OUT AIR INLETS

Generally, when you park your car under a tree the leaves and debris can choke your car's air inlets. To prevent any blockages, it is essential to remove any dust and leaves from the inlets. Additionally, the drain pipe underneath the car should be inspected and emptied on a regular basis. You can use compressed air or a metal wire to perform this task.

CHANGE THE CABIN AIR FILTER

As per certain automakers, it is recommended to replace the cabin air filter every six months. One of the most valuable tips for maintaining the car AC is to clean or replace the air filter when it becomes dirty. When the air filter in an air conditioning system gets clogged with dust and debris, it can make the system work less efficiently. A clogged filter can also cause unpleasant musty smells to come out of the system, making the blower motor louder than usual. To prevent these problems, it's important to regularly replace or clean your air filter.

CLEAN THE CAR's INTERIOR PROPERLY

Thoroughly cleaning the interior of your car is a crucial aspect of a car maintenance routine. To prevent the build-up of unpleasant odors, you can use the following techniques for deep cleaning:

• Get rid of any loose or unessential items from your car.
• Remove the car carpets and vacuum them thoroughly.
• Clean the car dashboard appropriately.
• Clean all the small crevices such as the console and cupholders.
• Wipe the seats with a cleaner that is suitable.
• Ensure that you add an air freshener to the car to maintain a pleasant fragrance.

CONCLUSION

If you are experiencing a musty smell in your car AC, it's likely caused by mold or mildew growth within the system. By following the above-mentioned tips, you can maintain a clean and pleasant car interior that is free from unpleasant odors. If you're still facing difficulties in getting rid of the musty smell from your car's AC, you can always rely on professional help. PitStopArabia car AC maintenance services provide comprehensive cleaning of your car's AC system, including the cleaning of evaporator coils, vents, and cabin air filters. Our team of experts uses advanced techniques and equipment to clean your car's AC thoroughly, leaving it fresh and odor-free.