It's hot and dry out here in the desert and the AC is on a lot.
I've noticed a bad smell from the AC.
It is highly variable as to when the smell starts.
Sometimes it happens immediately on turning on the car, sometimes the air will start "clean" and then turn smelly, and sometimes it does not occur at all until the car sits in the sun and the interior/ exterior heat up.

Anyone noticing something similar?
Any suggestions? (Unfortunately "popping into the dealer" requires a 110mi drive - each way...)

 

I once had an Infiniti that would do this. It's bacteria on the evaporator behind the dash. Any car parts store will have a can of spray cleaner. Just follow the directions.

 

I agree with Mikey. Also, it may be worth changing your cabin air filter.

 

Has anyone tried Lysol? I've read people using Lysol spraying the AC air intake and also spray the footwell while recycling the air with to kill the bateria as Lysol is suppose to kill 99% of bateria?

 

I'm always a proponent of a professional ozone treatment.

 

Hey therer, its a common issue, especially if the AC either isn't used at all generally or infrequently.

There's a build up of bacteria which loves the moist warm environment and can grow quite rapidly. It can smell like a combination of rotten eggs / veg, smelly socks etc etc and is generally really unpleasant.

If left it can and will get into the fabric of the car making it almost impossible to remove.

Get yourself a replacement cabin filter if fitted and replace the old one.

A can of AC refresh treatment whilst running the system on full blast, cold air recirc for 10 minutes or so should disinfect the systme and leave a lovely lemon fragrance within......all good.