How to Prevent A Musty Smell in Your Car

Even the cleanest of cars can sometimes emanate a musty smell that no air freshener can cover up! Learn how to prevent musty smells in your car.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• New cabin air filter

1. Change your Cabin Air Filter
   
   Many newer cars come with a separate air filter inside of the car that is designed to catch dust, mold spores and other things. Just as you would change out air filters in your home, regularly change out your car's air filter to prevent a musty smell.

2. Switch off the Recirculate Option
   
   Turn off the “re-circulate option” of the A/C to prevent musty smells in your car. Doing this will allow the car to collect fresh outside air and help dry out the evaporator to prevent musty smells. This is especially helpful when the car is turned off and the evaporator is left to dry through natural evaporation.

3. Turn off the Air Conditioning Compressor
   
   If you live in a humid area it may be wise to turn off the A/C compressor a minute or two before you turn off the car. Shutting off the A/C compressor stops the car from condensating and allows it to dry out prior to shutting off the engine. Be sure the car is not in recirculating mode when you do this.

Tips & Warnings

• Regularly shampoo your car interior and vaccuum out your car.

[sunnyglitter]

on 11/4/2009 I wonder if my car has a recirculate option. I bought it used about a week ago, and it smells terrible. 5*