How to Get Rid of a Musty Smell in Air Conditioners

Clean air conditioners work better.

Over time, air conditioners can get pretty dirty both inside and outside. Dust, debris and even mildew can build up within your air conditioner and cause a musty, unpleasant smell. To get rid of this smell, you will have to use some specific cleaning techniques. These techniques will involve taking the air conditioner somewhat apart, so you should be prepared for this process. Once the air conditioner is cleaned, the musty smell should no longer be an issue.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Laundry detergent
• Cloths
• Vacuum cleaner
• Degreasing cleaner
• Soft brush or duster
• HVAC cleaner

Instructions

1. Unplug the air conditioner from the electrical outlet.

2. Remove the air conditioner's filter. This is likely a major source of the musty smell. Replace or clean the filter, depending on the type you have.

3. Fill your kitchen sink with warm water, adding laundry detergent. Place the filter in the sink to soak for 15 minutes.

4. Wipe down the filter with a clean cloth and rinse it under warm tap water. Let it dry completely before putting it back onto your air conditioner.

5. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws that are holding the grille of the air conditioner in place. The grille might also be attached with clamps.

6. Use the soft brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to vacuum the grille, which can be another source of the musty smell.

7. Spray the grille with a degreasing cleaner, and use a cloth to scrub it off thoroughly. Rinse with a damp cloth and let dry.

8. Take off the metal cover inside the air conditioner and smell the inside. If you can smell the musty odor, continue the cleaning process.

9. Get out a soft brush or duster to remove any debris you see inside the air conditioner.

10. Mist the inner workings with an HVAC cleaner, and leave it on for approximately 15 minutes to get rid of the musty smell.

11. Dampen a cloth with plain water and carefully wipe down the inside surfaces.

12. Wait a few hours to make sure all of the air conditioner components are dry. Reassemble and plug it back into the electrical outlet.

References

• Allergy: How to Clean an Air Conditioner and Remove Mold