Stop the Odor!

So, now that warmer weather is finally showing up, you'll start using the air conditioner in your car again (if you haven't started already). But, then you notice that nasty car odor. What is it? Where does it come from? It wasn't there before!

Just in case this is your problem, here are a few tips on how to deodorize your car!

STEP ONE: Check Your Car's Replaceable Cabin Air Filter

Newer cars have an air filter inside the cabin of the car that removes bad smells from the air that comes into your car. (Check your Owner's Manual to see if your car is equipped with one). If your car does have one, check it every 4-6 months. If it's dirty (like the one to the left in the above photo) REPLACE IT! (Make sure the replace it with the one your Owner's Manual suggests). This should fix the problem. However, if the smell remains, there is something else you can try next.

STEP TWO: Clean the A/C Vent System

If the smell remains, clean your A/C Vent System. You can use A/C System Cleaners that can easily be purchased at your local dealership or auto supply store. These cleaners have easy-to-use instructions, usually just to spray the cleaner into the exterior air intake vents (located just underneath your windshield wipers) and the inside car vents. These cleaners kill odors that are actually inside your car's A/C vent system.

STEP THREE: How to Clean the A/C Vent System

First, turn on the A/C to full blast and make sure that the "recirculate" button is NOT on!:

Spray a large amount of a cleaner (or amount specified on the spray-can), that has odor-killing enzymes, into the EXTERIOR air intakes that are located just below the windshield wipers (on the OUTSIDE of your car).

Let your car run for about 10 minutes with the A/C on. After those 10 minutes, turn off the A/C and spray the cleaner into the A/C vents on the INSIDE of your car.

After doing all of this, let the car sit for 20 minutes (turned off) and with your windows rolled up. Then repeat if the smell is still in your car. By doing this, you are killing the bacteria or mold in the car A/C vent ducts and also the evaporator mold that may be present.



(Article Source: Remove and Replace)