How to get rid of bad odor from air conditioner

Household appliances are designed to make people's lives easier. This fully applies to air conditioners. Therefore, it is especially disappointing when, instead of providing refreshing coolness, the device starts blowing out air with a disgusting smell.

This “fragrance” leads to the fact that any desire to turn on the air conditioner disappears. He begins to perform only a decorative function, which, however, is not part of his direct responsibilities. This problem can also arise for car owners. To return the device to service, it is worth understanding the reasons responsible for this phenomenon.

How to clean your home air conditioner yourself

Cleaning the air conditioner yourself is a simple procedure. Even if you are not particularly knowledgeable about technology and prefer not to interfere with its operation, cleaning the filters of the indoor unit will not be difficult for you. It is recommended to do this at least once a month, and if the air is very dirty or there is an allergy sufferer at home, then 1-2 times a week. Agree, it won’t be possible to call specialists that often.

What happens if you don't clean the filters?

If you cannot clean the air conditioner yourself and do not want to use the services of special centers, be prepared for the consequences:

• the air will no longer cool properly;
• the radiator of the indoor unit will not blow well;
• the refrigeration system will begin to work incorrectly;
• the drainage system becomes dirty;
• Cleaning the device will be difficult because too much dirt will settle on the filters.

As a result of all this, a favorable environment for mites and mold is formed inside the air conditioner, and a corresponding odor will appear from the system. Who wants to endure all this at home? It is much easier to clean the air conditioner on time.

How to clean filters

Cleaning air conditioner filters is the simplest procedure that can be done with your own hands. Of course, different models have their own characteristics, but most devices have a similar structure. It is better to clean the filters as indicated in the instructions, but if there are none, use our tips:

• carefully open the top cover of the indoor unit;
• take out the air filter;
• if there is little dust, you can clean it with a vacuum cleaner;
• If the dirt has turned into a crust and does not come off, you can carefully rinse the filter under running water. Just don't scrub it too hard and don't use household chemicals;
• dry the filter;
• turn on the air conditioner in fan mode and spray a special cleaning and disinfectant in the air suction area;
• wipe the blinds with a damp cloth or wash them under running water;
• assemble the electrical appliance.

Important: disposable air purifying filters against odors and harmful microorganisms cannot be washed - they must be changed periodically

How to clean the heat exchanger

You can also use a vacuum cleaner to clean the air conditioner heat exchanger. Sometimes so much dirt accumulates that cleaning is only possible with the help of a special steam cleaner. Doing this yourself is not recommended, as there is a risk of damaging internal parts. The heat exchanger is usually located either immediately under the cover or behind the filter (in the case of a dual air purification system).

How to clean the outdoor unit

The external unit is the most difficult to clean. Fortunately, this only needs to be done once a year. If the air conditioner is not located too high and you can easily reach it yourself, then you can do without specialists:

• carefully unscrew the protective grille of the air conditioner;
• vacuum the grill itself and the inside of the block;
• assemble the device.

If you live on the upper floors, then cleaning the external unit yourself is not recommended: it is better not to risk your own health and call the experts.

Also, the help of specialists will not be superfluous if the system has stopped working normally (knocking, leaking, etc.).

Timely cleaning will help you avoid many troubles. If you don’t want to waste money on calling specialists, you can do it yourself.

Consequences of untimely cleaning of the air conditioner

Be prepared for this type of trouble:

• the air will not cool;
• stopping the cooling of the radiator of the indoor unit (overheating of the air conditioner);
• cooling system failure;
• failure of the filter without the possibility of its restoration.

You can clean the air conditioner filter from dirt without the help of specialists.

Antibacterial filters

What method helped you get rid of the smell from your air conditioner?

DisinfectionCleaning the filter

With the development of technology, companies are beginning to offer air conditioners that are capable of self-cleaning. This feature does not mean that you can no longer maintain the appliances, but it does make them easier to maintain and slows down the process of contamination. The filters used in such innovative air conditioners are listed in the table.

Antibacterial filters

Filters and coatings

Today, there are many models that themselves eliminate bacteria and fight unpleasant odors or reduce their occurrence. There are several types of filters that are used for these air conditioners, and we will now look at them.

1. Photocatalytic. These types of filters are standard, and they are installed in every air conditioner.
2. Catechin. Catechin is found in plant leaves, and it has the property of disinfection. The first electrostatic filters coated with catechin began to be produced. They work quite simply, viruses stick to a healthy cell with the help of their spikes, and to prevent this from happening, they use catechin - it will begin to envelop those same viruses, preventing them from infecting healthy cells. This filter has been tested and it turns out that 98% of the viruses that pass through it are not dangerous.
3. Wasabi. This is Japanese horseradish, from which a substance is obtained that is used to kill bacteria. The Japanese company began producing air conditioners with a wasabi horseradish filter.
4. Plasma ionizer. Such a filter is made of metal plates, and a very high voltage of two thousand volts or more passes between them. If bacteria get between the plates, then they simply disappear, and if larger particles of dust get in, then it becomes electrified and remains on the metal plates. This is one of the most effective filters and does not need to be constantly changed during further operation.

An unpleasant odor during air conditioner operation can be caused by various reasons and it is not necessary to change the filter. It is best if you contact the service department, they will properly carry out a complete disinfection and replace the filter if necessary. But, first of all, you need to clarify the reason; it is quite possible that you can do without a service department. If the air conditioner is completely new, then it is most likely a defect or the device is made of low-quality plastic.

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What is the cause of the unpleasant odor from the air conditioner?

In the first days, new equipment may smell like plastic when turned on, but this, as a rule, is not a sign of a malfunction. After a few days the smell disappears.

The air conditioner absorbs all the odors of the room over time.

At the same time, air conditioner users feel an unpleasant odor in the apartment only if the device is working. The fact is that when the air conditioner is turned off, mold or other dangerous bacteria can form in it, and when the equipment is turned on, harmful microorganisms, along with the air stream, fall outside, directly into your apartment. Therefore, before turning on the air conditioner, you need to disinfect its inside.

Before turning on the air conditioner, you need to disinfect its interior

It is also worth noting that the air conditioner absorbs all the odors of the room over time. Where new furniture is located, this is especially pronounced.

If the drainage system is not connected to the street, but to the sewer system, it is necessary to install an anti-odor siphon

Air conditioner drain system

If the drainage system is not connected to the street, but to the sewer system, it is necessary to install an anti-odor siphon. This is done in order to prevent the penetration of stench from sewer pipes into the apartment.

However, the water in the siphon may dry out if the equipment has not been used for a long time. You need to pay special attention to this and add water on time. If the drainage goes outside, a siphon will not be needed.

Water may dry out in the siphon if the equipment has not been used for a long time.

The smell of dampness from the air conditioner in the apartment. How to fix it?

Special products will help destroy bacteria in the air conditioner.
This phenomenon, such as the smell of dampness from the air conditioner in the apartment, is observed most often. The source is mold fungi and bacteria. They populate the interior of the device, since the presence of humidity and elevated temperature creates optimal conditions for colony growth. The appearance of harmful microorganisms, in addition to an unpleasant odor, can harm the health of the inhabitants of the house. Therefore, this problem must be solved without delay. To do this, take the following actions.

• Washing, treatment with antiseptic agents and drying. It is enough to spray the composition in the place of air intake for cooling.
• Some models are equipped with a function that allows the fan to operate to remove moisture from inside the device. This reduces the risk that a damp smell will appear from the air conditioner in the apartment.

It is better to entrust the first cleaning of the air conditioner to professionals.

If these measures do not bring the desired result, then you will need to disassemble the device, clean and process the internal elements. If you lack experience, you should entrust this procedure to a specialist at least for the first time. It is not particularly complicated, and the observations obtained will be sufficient in the future to carry out work independently.

Sewage smell

This “amber” indicates an incorrect design of the drainage system. Connection to a sewer pipe requires the installation of a siphon. It will act as a water seal and will not allow the smell to penetrate into the air conditioner, and from there into the room. Bending the drainage pipe in the form of a snake is not able to correct the situation and eliminate the unpleasant odor from the air conditioner in the apartment.

Damp smell from air conditioner

A persistent smell of dampness from an air conditioner in an apartment is evidence of an excessively high degree of pollution, which can only be eliminated by a specialist. All that is needed to prevent such a problem is partial disassembly of the unit, which is done on site.

Important! To extend the life of your air conditioner, it is recommended to clean it at least once a year.

This will help protect your health and create a comfortable environment in your apartment near the air conditioner while heating or cooling the room.

A persistent smell of dampness from an air conditioner in an apartment is evidence of an excessively high degree of pollution, which can only be eliminated by a specialist

Repairing water seals to get rid of odor

how to break through a toilet Reasons for the malfunction of the water seal:

1. As the pressure in the sewer system increases, air from the pipe can “break through” the water plug. In this case, water usually splashes out of the drain hole noisily. However, the breakdown can be almost unnoticeable, and the gas penetrates into the apartment in the form of small bubbles.
2. The cross-section of the pipe is blocked by drains, as a result of which a vacuum of air is observed in the system, which draws air out of the siphon. When the water is drained, the water seal completely disappears, and gases freely penetrate into the apartment.

The cross-section of the pipes is completely filled with drains in the following situations:

1. During the installation of the sewer system, smaller pipes were used than required by building codes.
2. The pipes have a suitable cross-section, but their clearance has decreased during operation due to blockages or icing. The latter is possible if the pipeline runs through an unheated attic.
3. During the process of replacing the sewer system, the pipes were laid without maintaining a certain angle of inclination. Sewage pumps are installed very rarely in apartments, so it is necessary to maintain a slope of 2 centimeters for each meter of pipe, otherwise the drainage will be delayed.

Causes of odor

Many people who use air conditioning believe that this device does not require maintenance, but this is not true!

If you do not pay any attention to it, over time, the smell from the air conditioner in the apartment will not only worsen the quality of life, but will also pollute the air. Like any other system that affects the microclimate, this device requires periodic maintenance.

There are several main reasons why air conditioners stop functioning properly:

• Accumulation of fungi and harmful bacteria.
• Accumulation of odors spreading throughout the room.

Expert opinion Galina Valerievna Borodina

The air conditioner is not capable of complete self-cleaning and every owner of this device needs to understand that its resources are not endless. An excess of dust particles entering the device through the fans will sooner or later lead to failure of the entire system.

Bacteria and fungus

No matter how clean the air in the house where the air conditioner is installed, it still contains a certain amount of bacteria, spores, germs, etc.

Since the device inevitably produces condensation during operation, microbes interact with moisture. Water, being a nutrient substrate for bacteria, leads to their rapid increase.

An unpleasant odor appears if this water is not removed for a long time or is not completely removed. In a humid environment, bacteria multiply quickly, thinning out the specific pungent odor that quickly fills the house.

The longer the air conditioner is turned off, the more microorganisms accumulate in it. The reason for this phenomenon is that low temperature inhibits reproduction, and high temperature accelerates it.

Odors from the room

An air conditioner that uses air from the room in which it is located.

The problem of odor accumulation is not common to all air conditioners - some models use street air, some use room air. This section will focus on the second option. By sucking in air, air conditioners release it in compressed form. The result is a vicious circle - the device takes odors from the room and releases them back in greater concentration. This process is called recycling.

In addition to room “odors,” unpleasant odors can be caused by:

No siphon

This is what a siphon for draining condensate from air conditioners looks like.
There are various ways to remove accumulated liquid from an air conditioner - sometimes it is released into the street, sometimes it goes through the sewer. If preference is given to the sewer method, then the presence of a siphon will be a prerequisite. Unfortunately, some air conditioner owners limit themselves to the so-called. "pseudosiphons". These parts often fail to perform their duties and contribute to leaks.

If the liquid that gets from the air conditioner into the wastewater ends up in the apartment, then it will take a long time to get rid of its consequences. An unpleasant odor will remain in the rooms even after the owner of the device has eliminated all the consequences of the accident. The most effective way to correct this problem is dismantling.

Recommendations for cleaning the external unit yourself

To clean the external unit you will have to make a significant effort. It is advisable to carry out this procedure at least once every 12 months. To avoid having to spend money on calling a technician, you can try to carry out cleaning work yourself if the device is at an easily accessible height. To do this you need:

• unscrew the protective grille;
• use a vacuum cleaner to clean the grille and internal parts of the unit;
• assemble the external unit.

Timely cleaning of the air conditioner will help avoid breakdowns in the device.

Cleaning the unit involves cleaning the external parts located on the street side, so if the device is at a dangerous height, then you should not take the risk. You should call qualified specialists who can safely and efficiently perform the necessary work.

Timely cleaning of the air conditioner will help to avoid breakdowns in the device, including eliminating unpleasant odors when the air conditioner is operating in the apartment.

The best remedy that will save you from air conditioner breakdowns and unpleasant odors in the apartment is timely prevention

How to clean the filter yourself

You can clean the air conditioner filter from dirt without the help of specialists. Of course, different types of air conditioners have their own characteristics, but in most cases their design is similar. You can clean the filter according to the instructions supplied with the device or by following the following recommendations (all manipulations are carried out with the indoor unit already dismantled and de-energized):

• carefully open the top cover on the indoor unit;
• if there is dust, vacuum it;
• Wipe off stubborn dirt without using household chemicals;
• dry the filter;
• in fan mode, disinfect the air conditioner, and the smell from the air conditioner in the apartment will go away when turned on;
• wipe the blinds with a damp cloth or rinse them under running water when removed;
• assemble the air conditioner.

If the device contains a disposable filter, it is recommended not to wash it, but to periodically replace it with a new one.
If the device contains a disposable filter, it is recommended not to wash it, but to periodically replace it with a new one.

What causes odors?

Many people wonder why there is an unpleasant smell when you turn on the air conditioner? Moreover, regardless of when the split system was purchased (several weeks ago, months or years), it can emit unpleasant “odors.” There may be several reasons:

1. The device contains a concentration of pathogenic bacteria and fungi that can develop in condensate discharged outside. This can cause an unpleasant odor, which can be eliminated by installing a siphon.
2. An accumulation of odors in an apartment or house, which are emitted by the climate control unit under certain modes, for example, when heating. So, if there is an unpleasant odor in the room, then the device will also emit it. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor the smell and ventilate your home daily. It should also be noted that new furniture, plastic, synthetics, etc. They can also emit a specific odor.
3. Long-term non-use of the split system. This is because during this time the water in the siphon has already dried out, which gives an unpleasant odor when the air conditioner is turned on. Then you need to wait until the required volume of water is collected in the condenser. If the smell still bothers you, then it is better to contact a specialist. Since the device absorbs moist air from the room and releases it through itself, this is a favorable environment for the proliferation of various microorganisms and mold. In addition, dampness can be found in the apartment, and this can not have the best effect on human health. A specialist will clean the insides of your air conditioner and treat the evaporator with a steam generator. This procedure is recommended to be carried out once a year, regardless of whether you feel an unpleasant odor or not.
4. Clogged drainage due to long-term non-use of the air conditioner in winter. During this time, it can rot, which is why pathogenic bacteria appear. You will notice an unpleasant odor immediately after the first use. Then the indoor unit should be cleaned and disinfected.

Air conditioner device

In addition, the cause of an unpleasant odor in the room can be clogged filters from the split system. How often they need to be changed is indicated in the operating instructions for the device.

If everything is in order, but the smell of sewage in the bathroom persists

Sometimes, even with perfect cleanliness, careful handling of plumbing fixtures and proper installation of the system, there are still odors in the premises. Most likely, this is due to excess pressure in the sewer riser.

You can get rid of this problem by altering the system only in a private house, but residents of apartment buildings, especially new buildings, often suffer from such inconveniences.

The solution in this case is to install a vacuum valve for sewerage on the riser or riser.

Of course, installation of such a device is only possible when replacing the riser or (the best option) major repairs of the sewer system.

The prices for vacuum valves are quite high (compared to other communication elements), but their use allows you to get rid of the painful problem of sewerage smell in the toilet and kitchen.

Preventive measures against unpleasant odor

In order not to be disturbed by an unpleasant odor during operation and after turning off the air conditioner, it is necessary to take preventive measures, which are as follows:

Clean the filters once every 2 weeks, and also contact a service center to clean the air conditioner once a year. Clean the drainage system, which can become clogged as a result of improper installation of the air conditioner, which leads to the accumulation of water on the pan of the device, where bacteria multiply well. If you find stagnant water, then find out the reasons for its occurrence. If everything is in order, but the smell continues to bother you, then try using chlorhexidine, which perfectly fights this problem, being an antiseptic drug. Approximately once a month, it is necessary to spray a disinfectant into the interior of the air conditioner after removing the filters. When performing these manipulations, the device must be turned off. The climate control unit should only be turned on after 20 minutes, preferably in the moisture removal mode. Wipe the moving blades of the air conditioner with a damp cloth, preferably made of microfiber, to remove all contaminants that cause the unpleasant odor.

At the same time, it is important not to damage them, and to get to hard-to-reach places you can use a long knitting needle. After cleaning, thoroughly dry the conditioner.

Thus, in order not to be bothered by an unpleasant odor during and after operation of the air conditioner, it is important to clean it on time, which will prevent its occurrence. By properly caring for your climate control unit, you take care not only of its condition, but also of your health.

The causative agent of the unpleasant odor can be bacteria or mold that accumulate inside the device body. This is due to the fact that condensation always forms on the evaporator due to the temperature difference between it and the environment. If an air conditioner is used, the condensate is removed using the drainage system, but when the device is turned off for a long time, bacteria begin to multiply in it.

The second reason for the occurrence of an unpleasant odor is the accumulation and concentration of odors from the street. If the air that is already in it is used to cool the area, and not fresh air from the street, then the aromas of cleaning products, tobacco smoke and many others are released back in a concentrated form.

Improper installation of the air conditioner drainage system can also cause odor. If there is no siphon in the drainage design, and the moisture is discharged into the sewer, then all odors from the latter can return to the house. In this case, you cannot do without dismantling the entire system and fixing the problem.

How does dust affect the formation of unpleasant odors?

The most unpleasant smell comes from the air conditioner in dirty and dusty rooms, with a weak ventilation system and infrequent wet cleaning, so the answer to the question why this happens is quite obvious. Where there is a lot of carpeting and upholstered furniture, air circulation leaves much to be desired. And the air conditioner circulates room air through itself, while it does not absorb it from the street. The solution to this problem also lies on the surface - you should carry out frequent wet cleaning and improve the quality of air exchange.

As a result of such dustiness, the heat exchanger of the indoor unit, as well as the fan turbine, are the first to suffer, as they become covered with a layer of dust. It is then covered with water, thereby creating a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. Hence the unpleasant musty smell.

It should be noted that after some time the device will emit similar odors that are present in the room, especially if there are smokers in the house. The split system will also stink of tobacco smoke. In addition, constant odors from the kitchen will also be let through by the appliance and released back into the room. True, people living in it are unlikely to be able to notice them.

Frequent wet cleaning should be carried out to improve the quality of air exchange

Reasons for appearance

There are a number of reasons that are responsible for the unpleasant odor when the air conditioner is running. You can fix the problem yourself or use professional help. It is necessary to understand that the malfunction of the device has a negative impact on health, so you should not put off diagnostics and repairs.

Long break from work

The first and most common problem faced by air conditioner users is a long break in use. Often this device is turned on exclusively in the summer, so the risk of unpleasant odors increases.

To get rid of the problem, you need to use the system more often.

Violation of the rules of care

An unpleasant odor from the air conditioner also occurs as a result of violation of the rules for caring for the device. To avoid this problem, it is recommended to regularly disassemble, clean and flush the system. This process takes quite a lot of time, but the room will always be fresh.

Late replacement of filters

If you do not replace filters in a timely manner, this will also negatively affect the air quality in the room when using air conditioners. This procedure can be done independently, or you can use the services of specialists.

How to eliminate an unpleasant odor from an air conditioner in an apartment

If, after turning on the device, the room is filled with an extraneous “aroma,” you can try to adjust your sense of smell to identify the category of smell. This technique will make further actions easier.

Smell of plastic

If unpleasant odors appear, you need to check whether the air conditioner elements are melting.
Some air conditioners belonging to the low price category are capable of saturating the air with the “fragrance” of plastic when first turned on. This problem disappears on its own after a few days. However, it is necessary to make sure that the system elements do not melt when operating in heating mode.

The smell of burning insulation materials

The main thing, if a burning smell appears, is to disconnect the air conditioner from the network.

If a characteristic aroma appears, it is recommended to disconnect the device from the mains. This will allow you to avoid troubles: wiring burnout, the air conditioner going out of working order, etc. You should not look for a breakdown yourself, it is better to contact a service center for maintenance and repair.

Types of odors

• a burning smell, which most often appears due to burnt out wiring. In this case, you should disconnect the device from the network and call a specialist, since it is not recommended to troubleshoot this kind of problems yourself;
• smell of dampness and mold. Is the most pressing problem faced by most air conditioner users;
• smell of plastic. Most often, only inexpensive devices come from it.

The smell of plastic most often comes only from inexpensive appliances

How to remove

How to get rid of the strong smell of air conditioner? Dehumidification is considered the best option. It is quite possible that this function is not available if you purchased the split system quite a long time ago. As for modern models, they are usually equipped with this advantage. What exactly does the dehumidification function mean? This is an opportunity to leave the fan on for a while after the air conditioner itself is completely turned off. What is remarkable about this characteristic? Its use allows you to thoroughly dry the evaporator and, accordingly, independently eliminate unpleasant odors.

If such a function is not provided in your split system, then you can probably simply activate the “ventilation” mode. Leave it on for 5-10 minutes and the effect will be the same. Very often, the problem with the stench that the air conditioner emits is due to a number of mistakes when installing the system. Hence the stagnation of water and aromas that irritate you. This kind of trouble can be removed only with a competent reinstallation of the drainage system.

Another effective option for eliminating unpleasant odors from an air conditioner is disinfection. To do this, you need to get professional cleaning products. There are a lot of universal products that allow you to clean both your home and car air conditioners.

Elimination of odors

Getting rid of annoying odors that have settled in the air conditioner involves a similar scheme of actions, which includes three stages:

1. Washing away dirt and mold.
2. Washing and disinfection of parts (not all air conditioner parts can be washed).
3. Dry thoroughly.

Expert opinion Galina Valerievna Borodina

If the contamination is small, it makes sense to try to get rid of it without disassembling the split system of the device. However, with this method, only a short-term effect can be achieved.

Removing moisture manually

Most modern air conditioners are equipped with a delay function for turning off the fan after the air conditioner stops operating. The meaning of this delay is the additional time that is given to the fan to evaporate the accumulated condensate. In those models that do not provide this useful option, it is recommended to turn on the ventilation manually. Timely drying will prevent the device from turning into a “shelter” for bacteria.

In some cases, the reasons for moisture stagnation lie in improper installation. As a result of a mistake by the master, the water in a certain area does not evaporate even with the help of fans, forming a swamp. Such a miscalculation requires reinstallation of the drainage system.

Disinfection

There are special antibacterial products available for sale that are designed to clean air conditioners.
For cleaning purposes, it is also possible to use alternative options, such as:

The technique for using all of these products is very simple:

1. Treating the evaporator with antibacterial liquid.
2. Liquid dripping into the pan.
3. Moving through the drainage system and cleaning it.

Such prevention does not always lead to tangible results. If after this the smell does not go away, then all that remains is to disassemble the device and then treat all internal surfaces and the impeller.

Cleaning the filter

The “heart” of the air conditioner is its filter - it is this that accumulates dirt and requires periodic maintenance. Maintenance methods are determined by the type of filter - some air conditioners are equipped with reusable filters, others with disposable ones. Reusable filters should be washed, and disposable filters should be changed. Since changing the filter is not difficult, let’s focus on cleaning it.

Each air conditioner is unique in its own way, and therefore, before manipulating it, you need to read the instructions.

There are no universal rules for caring for such devices, because different models have a lot of nuances.

If we describe the process in general terms, it consists of the following actions:

1. Opening the top cover of the internal unit of the device.
2. Removing the filter.
3. Cleaning the dust with a vacuum cleaner (if the dirt is minor).
4. Rinsing the filter under running water (if the dirt has dried and a crust has formed). The use of household chemicals and thorough rubbing is prohibited.
5. Drying the filter.
6. Return the filter to its place and turn on the fan (this action will remove all remaining moisture).
7. Spraying an antibacterial agent in the air suction area.
8. Wiping blinds with a damp cloth.
9. Air conditioner assembly.

Expert opinion Galina Valerievna Borodina

If you are not sure that you can disassemble the device yourself, we recommend that you seek help from specialists. They will determine whether it is appropriate to wash the filter and identify any potential problems.

How to clean a heat exchanger yourself

The heat exchanger is located under the cover of the indoor unit or behind the filter, so it is not difficult to detect. If it is difficult to clean the dirt, a special steam cleaner can help. A vacuum cleaner is also suitable for this purpose. It is advisable to seek help from a specialist to avoid damaging internal parts.

The heat exchanger is located under the cover of the indoor unit or behind the filter, so it is not difficult to detect

How to eliminate the stench from your air conditioner

Whatever cleaning method you choose, you will have to wash off the mold, disinfect all parts and dry them well. To do this, you need to disassemble the device yourself or call a specialist. In cases where the smell is weak, the split system does not need to be disassembled. It is worth considering that these actions can only relieve you of the problem for a short time.

In cases where the smell is weak, the split system does not need to be disassembled

However, there are several more effective methods for removing odor from an air conditioner in an apartment, which you can try at home.

Home air conditioner care

Drying humid environments

Many types of air conditioners are equipped with a function that delays the fan turning off for a while after the air conditioner itself stops. As a result, the evaporator is dried, which prevents the appearance of odors.

The smell can usually be removed only by reinstalling the drainage system.

Treating the air conditioner with antibacterial agents

It is not news that there are a large number of antibacterial products that are sold in specialized stores. An auto shop employee will be able to tell you how to treat the air conditioner in an apartment to remove odors. Such products are actually sold in almost every auto parts store, since the air conditioner in a car is not much different in design from a household air conditioner.

A good and inexpensive disinfectant is Chlorhexidine. You can buy it at almost any pharmacy. Treatment with this product is one of the most effective ways to get rid of foul odor.

A good and inexpensive disinfectant is Chlorhexidine.

The evaporator is treated with chlorhexidine, from which the solution flows first into the tray and then into the drain, and thus the main sources of odor are disinfected. Unfortunately, this method is not always effective. Sometimes you have to disassemble the device and disinfect all internal parts, as well as the fan.

Do not use a tool that has not been tested by users. Use only specialized products that have passed all levels of sanitary testing.

Sometimes you have to disassemble the device and disinfect all internal parts, as well as the fan

How professionals get rid of stink

In fact, there are many solutions, but they all require time and resources. The first thing a car service worker does is remove all dirt from the air conditioner heat exchanger. Also, work is being carried out to eliminate all harmful bacteria and fungi, even in hard-to-reach places. To do this, you need to get close to the insides of the air conditioner, namely the evaporator.

Sometimes this is a labor-intensive task, as you need to completely disassemble the instrument panel. But in such situations, a specialist can perform disinfection using gas or special foam. This method is less effective, but does the job well. The longer you do not eliminate the problem of unpleasant odor, the sharper and more unpleasant the smell will be. Therefore, it is necessary to solve the problem of unpleasant odor as soon as possible.

There are several ways to get rid of the cause of the unpleasant stench. Basic remedies to fix the problem:

1. Gas antiseptic.
2. Foam antiseptic.
3. Liquid antiseptic.
4. Manual washing of air conditioner elements.

Gas antiseptic

To disinfect with a gas antiseptic, a series of sequential actions are used. To begin with, the air flow in the machine is turned on in the medium fan mode. Next are the air intake openings, which are usually located near the feet of the passenger or driver. Then activate the antiseptic gas cylinder and close the machine for 10 minutes. At the end of the entire procedure, the car should be ventilated.

This is a very simple but ineffective method.

After some time, the smell may appear again.

Foam antiseptic

This antiseptic looks like a cylinder with mounting foam, and its principle of use is similar. The repair service first removes the entire cabin filter, and then releases a large volume of antiseptic foam onto the ventilation and air conditioning elements.

Then, with the engine turned on, the entire cooling system warms up completely. Thus, when heated, the foam will begin to expand, due to which it will penetrate further. Within 10-15 minutes it will gradually settle. In the end, the car is heated in order to dry the foam and draw antiseptic vapors into the car system. If the evaporator is located under the dashboard, there is a chance to eliminate odors from the air conditioner.

This method is more effective than regular gas.

Since it penetrates deep into the system, there is a chance to kill harmful fungal bacteria. But the method may not give the desired result. As a result, the money spent will not give the desired result.

Liquid antiseptic

In any case, you should not use household chemicals. Detergents can seriously harm the entire system and cause irreparable harm. All aluminum and metal case materials can oxidize, and the system will no longer be sealed and begin to leak air.

Salons and repair services use a special antiseptic solution. This solution effectively fights harmful bacteria and microbes. It also spares all air supply elements, and even, on the contrary, prevents their wear. Therefore, only a specialized solution should be used for washing.

To achieve maximum effect, you need to generate steam from this antiseptic.

Usually the treatment is carried out with a spray bottle. The entire mixture is used to treat all air ducts and air conditioning systems in the car.

All vapors, as in the case of a gas atomizer, are sucked into the entire system through air intakes. When the fan is turned on, vapors penetrate the evaporator and can destroy the unpleasant odor.

Even the most powerful antiseptic is useless if debris has accumulated throughout the system. During short operation, the problem will manifest itself again. Therefore, there is a more effective way that can keep the car interior fresh for a long time.

Manual washing of air conditioner elements

The following method is a 100% guarantee of eliminating the problem for a long time. You can eliminate odors when you turn on the air conditioner by completely disassembling and cleaning it. You won’t be able to do the job efficiently and accurately on your own.

The dealership will disassemble the entire system and clean the evaporator radiator fins. They will also help remove all blockages, debris and putrefactive fungus.

You can find quality service at Uremont.com.

The services carefully and efficiently remove blockages of any complexity and disinfect with the best means. It's simple, leave a request for cleaning the air conditioning system and choose a suitable car service. Repair your car quickly, efficiently, and profitably with us.