Why does my car's air con smell so bad?
Is there a good way of getting rid of the "wet dog/smelly socks" odour which comes from the air conditioning when it is first switched on? It seems to clear after a while but it is really unpleasant. Have tried "bombs" from Halfords etc. but they seem to be short term effective.
Asked on 11 July 2016 by Peter Rustage
Answered by
Honest John
Very simple. Run it at maximum temperature for 15 minutes. The smell is coming from bacteria that has grown on condensation in the ducting. To get rid of the smell you need to dry out the condensation and the heat should also kill the bacteria. Always a good idea to run a/c on max temperature for a minute or two at the end of a journey in order to evaporate off condensation in the ducting.
Tags:
air con
unexplained smells
Similar questions
My newer car’s air conditioning is stinking whenever I turn it on. The smell is terrible. Do you know what's up with it and how I can make it smell better?
Recently the air con seems to have a stale water smell. I noted that you addressed this type of problem - what do I do?
I have Ford Fiesta Ghia 1600 auto. With the air con on or off, I am getting a dampish slightly soapy smell. Are you able to advise what the problem might be?
Related models
.jpg?width=115&height=75&rmode=crop)
Clio facelifted for 2009 with same look as Laguna. 1.5 Eco2 diesel down to 98g/km CO2.
Elsewhere on 
.jpg)
