How to Clean a Bad AC Smell

Cleaning a Window Unit

• 1

  Remove the front grille from the air conditioner. Place the screws from the grille in a safe place. Spray some all-purpose cleaner onto a soft rag and wipe down the grille. Set the grille aside.

• 2

  Remove and replace the filter. If your unit’s filter is not disposable, remove the filter and spray it down with all-purpose cleaner. Allow the cleaner to sit on the filter for 15 minutes. Rinse the filter with warm water and set it aside to dry.

• 3

  Remove the metal cover to expose the evaporator and inside components of the unit. Place the screws in a safe place. Spray a small amount of all-purpose cleaner onto a long-handled brush with soft bristles to brush dirt and dust off of the evaporator. Be careful not to bend the fins of the evaporator, as they are quite delicate. Repeat the cleaning process if necessary.

• 4

  Spray a small amount of all-purpose cleaner onto a soft rag and wipe down the blades of the fan. Allow the evaporator and fan blades to dry for five to 10 minutes.

• 5

  Carefully vacuum out the inside of the air conditioner. Reassemble the unit. Put the metal cover and the filter back and attach the front grille.

Central Air Conditioning Units

• 6

  Call your local heating and cooling professional. Your local professional will do a reverse flush on your AC system, removing anything causing a foul or offensive odor.

• 7

  Check your vents for small animals such as birds and rodents, which can easily crawl into these vents and make homes, causing a bad smell. Remove any nests and animals you find.

• 8

  Measure all exposed vents. Go to your local home improvement store and purchase screening that will fit over the vents. Place the screens over exposed vents to prevent animals from crawling into the ducts.

Cleaning Odors from your Car’s Air Conditioner

• 9

  Spray all-purpose cleaner into the vents inside your car. Turn the air conditioner on and allow it to run for three to five minutes. This will give the cleaner time to work its way down through the system into the collection pan where odors may be lurking.

• 10

  Repeat the process if you continue to smell offensive odors. Switch your car’s AC out of recirculation mode, as this can cause the buildup of dirt and debris from recirculating air.

• 11

  Take your car to your local mechanic to have the AC serviced if the smell persists. In this case you will need a professional to remove the smell from your car’s cooling unit.