Have you ever felt your car smell musty after being left in the rain all day? Or even on a trip with the AC running normally and the windows not opened but there is still a musty smell? Check out the answer in this article.
Dirty or damp AC filter
A dirty or damp AC filter is one of the main causes of a musty smell after rain. A dirty AC filter that is rarely cleaned becomes a place for mold and bacteria to gather. In fact, the filter is an important part that functions to filter the air before it enters the cabin. Well, the musty smell in this car then gets worse when it rains. The air becomes more humid because the filter absorbs more moisture. In addition to being more humid, this also worsens the growth of mold.
As soon as the AC is turned on, humid air full of mold spores spreads throughout the cabin. A musty smell appears and makes the trip uncomfortable.
The solution:
- Clean or replace the AC filter regularly, at least once every 6 months or according to the manufacturer's recommendations
- Ensure clean air circulation during the rainy season, avoid parking in damp places for too long.
Wet carpet
Wet shoes and sandals that are also brought into the car can trigger a musty smell in the car. This is because the footwear in the car soaks into the carpet, especially if the carpet is made of cloth. If not dried immediately, this water will settle and become a source of musty odor.
If left for days or is expensive until it becomes a small puddle that is not visible, this can be a source of bacteria that cause musty odors.
The solution:
- Use a rubber carpet that is easier to clean
- Routinely check the bottom of the carpet. Make sure there is no water that settles
Leaking window rubber seal
The function of the rubber seal on the car window and door is to prevent water from entering the car cabin. Seals that are leaking or brittle, or even loose, allow water to seep into the car and enter the interior.
Even though the leak is only small or sometimes even invisible, water seepage from this seal will eventually make the interior damp and smell musty.
Solution:
- Check the condition of the rubber seal regularly
- Replace if damaged or hardened
- When washing the car, pay attention to whether there is water seepage inside
Air vents
Most modern cars have a ventilation system that is directly connected to the outside air. When it rains heavily, humid outside air enters the ventilation system. If the filter or ventilation duct is not clean, the humid air that enters can be a source of musty odor in the car.
In addition, humid air that enters through dirty vents can be trapped in the cabin and cannot escape again when the car is parked.
Solution:
- Open the windows for a while after it rains so that the humid air that causes the musty odor can escape.
- Clean the vents regularly
- Use the inside air circulation mode only when needed, so that outside air does not continue to enter
Wet items left behind
Wet umbrellas, wet raincoats, wet tissues, even food that has been exposed to water vapor, sometimes we unknowingly leave these wet items behind. These objects can cause a musty odor in the car.
Imagine leaving a wet towel in the back seat. Surely the next day when you get into the car, the car will smell like a gym that hasn't been cleaned for 3 days.
The solution:
- Don't leave wet items in the car
- After use, store wet items in a closed and dry container
- Store raincoats and umbrellas in one place to avoid "forgetting"
Air circulation is less than optimal
During the rainy season, many people leave their cars tightly closed for a long time, such as all day. In fact, this can cause a musty smell in the car. This is because humid air will be trapped in the car and there is no circulation. This is made worse if the car is rarely used.
The solution:
- Open the window occasionally when the weather is sunny to replace the air in the cabin
- Use a car freshener that contains anti-bacteria, not just fragrances
- Turn on the AC and blower even if only for a moment, this serves to move the air circulation.
Tips so that the car doesn't smell musty after the rain
- Use silica gel or activated charcoal: Place it under the seat or in a hidden area. Both work to absorb moisture effectively
- Park in a dry or windy place: If possible, avoid parking too long in a damp place. Choose a dry but shady parking spot
- Use a portable diffuser or essential oil: In addition to eliminating odors, both make the cabin atmosphere more relaxing
- Install an ionizer: For those who are serious about wanting a car free of musty odors, this tool can help neutralize dirty air
A musty odor is not just a trivial problem. This musty smell can be a sign that something is wrong or there is a problem with one part of the car. The main key to preventing musty smells in the car is to diligently clean and maintain excess air humidity in the cabin. This does require extra attention, but if done consistently, the car will not only be odor-free, but also more comfortable to drive.