It would be a real bummer if the air in your car stinks. You may wonder why does my car smell like cat pee, and you’re not sure what’s causing it? We’ve done extensive research and have the answer for you. Let’s take a look!
Also check: Does Humidifier Attract Bugs and Spiders?
Why does my car AC smell like pee?
Because the system is moldy, the car’s air conditioner probably smells like urine. Mold typically stinks as it grows in a car’s air conditioning system, indicating that moisture has accumulated in the air conditioner’s evaporator. A strong urine odor could indicate that bacteria are growing in your car’s air conditioning system, so inspect it immediately.
How do you get the urine odor out of the vents?
If the vents smell like piss and you want to fix them as soon as possible, there are a few things you can do.
In a spray bottle, combine 3/4 cup 3 percent hydrogen peroxide and one teaspoon of dishwashing liquid.
Then, spray the mixture on each affected vent until the bottle is half empty. Finally, leave the mixture in each vent for 23 hours before wiping with a damp cloth.
You can also use aerosol disinfectants to remove odors from your air conditioner, so you don’t have to do it yourself.
Is it safe to spray Lysol on car vents?
Finely spray the Lysol on the car vent unless you use it excessively. Lysol is not only antibacterial but also eliminates urine odor from the air conditioning system, making it an excellent way to eliminate unpleasant odors.
To use Lysol, locate the air intake (usually located at the bottom of the windshield outside the car) and blow Lysol into it. During this process, the car’s air conditioner must also be fully operational. It distributes the cleaner throughout the vehicle.
How long does the air conditioner’s urine odor last?
The air conditioner may smell like urine for a while, depending on how much mold and bacteria are growing inside. It varies depending on the individual, as the more excess water trapped in an air conditioner, the more urine odor permeates.
Mold, bacteria, and other microorganisms can breed in water-filled car evaporators, causing urine odor and dangerous breathing conditions.
Do you need to clean the air conditioner in your car?
If the air in your car smells like urine or is dangerous to breathe, you should disinfect the air conditioner. You don’t have to do it frequently, but spraying a little cleaner on the vents every few months will help prevent mold and bacteria on your car. Again, it’s just a little help, so you don’t have to be obsessed with Lysol or cleaners.
Because disinfectant products can be harsh, it is best to use them sparingly to avoid skin, eye, and lung irritation.
Why does the air conditioner smell the first time you turn it on?
If your car’s air conditioner is moldy or dirty, ac smells like gas or weird when you first turn it on. Excess moisture in your air conditioner’s evaporator, as previously stated, will serve as a breeding ground for these organisms and bacteria, resulting in a strange odor.
Fortunately, removing the odor from your vehicle should only take a thorough cleaning. However, if your air conditioning system has a leak or the problem persists, we recommend consulting a professional.
Why does the air conditioner smell like body odor?
If it smells more like body odor than urine, fungi could be growing in your car’s air conditioning system. Molds and fungi have a similar odor to urine-like sweaty gym socks, so this is a great way to tell the difference.
Because various microbes can grow and spread in the air conditioner, not all odors are produced similarly.
How long should the smell of a new car last?
The odor of a new car should only last a few weeks. Of course, this can vary slightly depending on the manufacturer’s process, allowing you to smell the chemicals for up to two months.
This scent is not harmful to your health but may irritate your skin, eyes, or lungs if you have sensitive skin, eyes, or lungs.
How can you tell if your car’s air conditioner is moldy?
It’s easy to tell if your car’s air conditioner is moldy by sniffing it when it’s turned on. Mold has a strong, moist odor you can’t ignore in your vehicle. Mold emits a noxious odor that many people associate with a wet basement. As a result, if your car’s air conditioner smells like this, it could be moldy. Mildew may be growing inside your air vents, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
What Are Mold Exposure’s Signs and Symptoms?
There are some symptoms to be aware of if you believe you have been exposed to mold inside your vehicle. In most cases, these will be:
- Itchy eyes
- Dry, scaly skin
- Nasal congestion
- Cough/throat irritation
- Postnasal drip
- Sneezing
If mold grows inside your vehicle’s air conditioner, it can aggravate asthma and other respiratory problems, putting more vulnerable people in danger. Thorough cleaning with Lysol, on the other hand, should kill any bacteria or mold in your cooling system, though this is not always the case.
Get the car inspected if the inside of car smells like urine!
Whether you’ve dealt with unpleasant odors in your car before or this is your first time, determining the source of the problem is always a good idea. If your air conditioner smells like pee, it could be due to mold, mildew, or bacteria, which can be dangerous if left untreated.
Furthermore, a fungus could be growing inside your car’s cooling system, which may cause the inside of car smells like urine. Regular cleaning is recommended, as using a disinfectant spray every few months should help eliminate harmful microorganisms inside your air conditioner.
Regardless, remember to get a good smell of the air inside your car, and if anything seems out of the ordinary, don’t be afraid to take it to the dealer to have it inspected by a professional.
