Dirt and dust can accumulate in air ventilation systems creating an unbearable odor inside. Getting rid of the odor is essential because neglecting the dust and dirt can impact the car's air quality when you use the air conditioner. The car can also have dead leaves stuck in the vents or block the ac vents, causing mold and mildew to form inside the car.
Car owners should perform air conditioner cleaning at least once or twice a month to ensure that they do not face these problems. However, car owners should know why the air coming out of their vents has an unpleasant odor. Check the common factors that can cause the air vents to emit odor.
Why Does the Air Coming Out of My Car Vents Stink: Smell Types and their Solutions
Cars can have different types of smells depending on what causes them. We will mention some common issues with the air filter or the air conditioning system that can cause this problem. Car owners should check their specific car manuals to find more details.
Stuffy, Stale Air
The stuffy stale air in the car air conditioner usually happens because bacteria build up in the cabin filter. Car owners should consider replacing the cabin filter instead of trying to clean it repeatedly.
Musty Mildew and Moldy Odor
Dust and debris usually cause the air conditioner to develop a poor smell, primarily by piling up on the under hood air vent. It traps the water and moisture from the air conditioner and blocks the air intake vents.
Car owners can flush the stale air out of the air conditioner with a household air freshener or an anti-bacterial spray to prevent future mold growth in the air conditioning system. You can spray it on all the car doors.
In addition, a car air conditioning system may not drip water while running because of debris or leaf build-up, which can impact the air intake vents. Using a 12-inch coat hanger wire to clean the obstructions from the car ac vents, fan blower, and vent slots can help clean the air intake vents best.
Car owners need to address this problem because a clogged air filter can cause mold growth and impact air quality. It can also direct the air conditioning water to the passenger side or stop the fan blower from working.
The vehicle carpet can also get soaked up in the air conditioner water, creating the perfect surroundings for mold build-up. It is essential to address this problem to prevent future mold growth.
Chemical Odor
A chemical odor inside the car could indicate that the car air conditioner evaporator is leaking. It is a serious concern because it will create a foul smell and impact the AC performance. Car owners need to check their car ac vents or check the vehicle's manual to get rid of the polluted air. In addition, noise from the blower and car doors can also indicate polluted air inside the filter.
We suggest looking for a professional mechanic handle this type of problem because the evaporator is under the instrument panel. The mechanic can carefully remove the instruments and check for dead leaves.
Sweet Pungent Odor
Small films on the windows can indicate a leaking heater core from the engine coolant into the AC vent. Replacing the heating core with a new one can stop the seeping and ensure your AC vent stays functional for longer.
Other Possible Causes
Some people face different smells in their cars, possibly because of leaking engines, oil, or a burning cooling under the car hood. It can create off-putting odors when the car turns on. You need to check the car for body oil leaks by taking the car to a professional or checking the vehicle's manual.
You will find leaks and oil in your car's interior and exterior.
How to Clean Air Intake Vents: Tips to Consider
Dirty air intake vents can make the interior difficult to bear, and seeking professional help is the fastest way to fix these issues. However, some simple tips can help you make the air intake cleaning simpler and faster. Have a look.
Choose the right Cleaning Brush
A brush with rough bristles can create marks and cracks on the air vents and vent slats. Professionals recommend using a microfiber towel and brush for cleaning the air vents.
Or you can also try and remove the dust from the vents using a spray. Brushes can quickly get between the vent slats and clean maximum dirt build-up.
A simple soap water solution can also help clean the surface properly. Some car owners also prefer using a spray for cleaning the vent and using a fan to blow it afterward.
Similarly, a q-tip brush is perfect for cleaning the corners and helping the cleaning solution get to every end of the vent. Cleaning other components and white vinegar using foam paintbrushes is also a good idea to remove all the dust.
Use a Steam Cleaner
Contamination can become harder to remove if car owners do not clean the surface on time. The tougher contamination needs deeper cleaning that a steam cleaner provides aptly.
Using a car steamer is the perfect choice for the car because it cleans the components inside without needing rough bristles or foam paintbrushes.
The steam cleaners not only remove oil, dust, dirt, and other impurities but also act as a disinfectant spray for the car. They also remove the need of using harmful sprays as the steam cleaners have separate nozzles on each end.
Once you steam, you can wipe the surface and see that dirt is removed from each slant separately.
Thus, steamers are the perfect solution if you want to remove bacteria and enjoy fresh air without damaging other components in the car.
Scented Cleaning Solution
Removing foul odor from mold build-up can be difficult because it is solid and persistent. You can easily apply it to the vents and then wipe the surface with a microfiber. However, not all smells come from the vents, and some odors may come from mechanical issues with the air conditioning system.
Spraying a scented cleaning solution is the best way to deal with these situations because these sprays can diffuse the foul smell. However, spraying the cleaning solution on the vents is not enough, and car owners need to ensure proper cleaning for the components inside.
Creating a mix of vinegar and water in equal amounts is also a good option to fight against foul odor. Alternatively, you can use a lemon-scented cleaning vinegar spray or add some lime to the current solution.
Replace Your Air Filter
Replacing the air filter is the fastest way to increase the air quality and freshness inside your vehicle. You can learn how to remove the air filter yourself through the vehicle manual and keep the car updated.
Owners need to remove the air filter at least once a year to ensure their car stays fresh. In addition, replacing the filter will also help the vent stay cleaner.
Clean the Air Vents Regularly
Maintaining and cleaning the car intakes is just as important as maintaining the rest of your car because they have a higher chance of attracting impurities. You can find these vents around the windshield cowling.
You can remove all the dirt and impurities in the air vents with a microfiber towel or a brush and spray the surface with a cleaning spray. This simple trick prevents fungi from building up in the car and maintains fresh air.
Switch the Car AC off Before Reaching a Destination
Experts recommend professionals turn the AC off before reaching their destination to blow dry the vents. Switching off the AC helps avert mold growth in the car and helps maintain a cleaner and fresher interior. In addition, running the AC blower without the AC can also help remove dust, dirt, and other impurities. It would be best if you kept all the car doors open when doing this during summertime.
Wrap-Up
Cleaning car ac vents can be challenging with a professional car steamer or a cleaning solution. Car owners should try their level best to maintain air quality to avoid complicating things down the line.
You can try the tips we have mentioned in this article and keep your AC systems clean throughout the year. If you still need assistance with your air conditioning system, ditch the steam cleaner and reach out to professionals for deep cleaning.