Air purifiers are amazing machines that can do a lot to improve your indoor air quality. Not only do they remove contaminants and allergens from the air, but they can also help to eliminate odors. However, sometimes air purifiers can start to smell bad themselves.
If your air purifier has started emitting an unpleasant odor, there are a few things you can do to try to fix the problem. Keep reading to learn more.
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Why Does My Air Purifier Smell Bad?
There are a few different reasons your air purifier might start to smell bad. And the smell can be distinct depending on the problem. Let’s look at a few of the most common reasons for bad-smelling air purifiers.
Air Purifier Smells Like Plastic (Reason: new condition or plastic parts)
If your air purifier smells like plastic, it could be because of the plastic used in the unit. When you first take an air purifier out of the box and turn it on, you might notice this smell. When it gets heated, the fumes from the plastic can also cause an odor. Typically they should go away after a few days.
If you’re still noticing the smell after a few days, it could be because of an issue with the unit itself. Try contacting the manufacturer to see if there is anything that can be done.
Air Purifier Smells Like Burning (Reason: new condition or faulty parts)
If your air purifier smells like it’s burning, it could be because the unit is new. When you first turn on a new air purifier, you might notice a burning smell. This is usually due to the fact that the unit is burning off any dust that has accumulated on it. It can also occur as the elements heat up for the first time. The smell should go away pretty quick.
If you are using the air purifier for a while and start to notice the burning smell again, it could be because of faulty parts. Try contacting the manufacturer to see if there are any recalls or if they help to fix it.
Air Purifier Smells Like Chlorine (Reason: Ozone gas)
If you notice a smell like chlorine coming from your air purifier, it’s likely because of ozone. Ozone is a gas that’s often used in air purifiers to purify the air and eliminate odors. While it’s effective at removing odors, it can also be a bit smelly.
While ozone is generally safe in small amounts, you don’t want to breathe too much of it in. If the smell is strong, it’s best to open a window or door to let some of the ozone out.
If it is possible, you can consider turning off the mode that produces ozone gas. You can use any other mode that your purifier has.
Air Purifier Smells Like Sweet (Reason: Carbon Filter)
Sometimes you may get a sweet and pleasant cake or maple syrup-resembling aroma from the air purifier. The smell comes out of the carbon filter in the machine. You may notice it more when you first start using the filter or after you’ve just changed it. You shouldn’t be worried about this smell.
Air Purifier Smells Like Wet Dog (Reason: Bacteria, mold, or yeast)
If your air purifier smells like a wet dog, it’s likely because of bacteria, mold, or yeast. The machine may also produce a vinegar-like smell because of the same reason. These can all build up in the unit and start to produce an unpleasant smell. They specifically accumulate in the HEPA filtration system.
To get rid of the smell, you’ll need to clean the filter and other parts. Check the owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to do this. You might need to replace the filter as well.
Things You Can do to Prevent Bad Smells in Air Purifiers
You can do a few things to help prevent your air purifier from smelling bad. These include:
- Regularly clean the filter according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This will help to remove any build-up of bacteria, mold, or yeast that could cause an unpleasant smell.
- Use the air purifier in a well-ventilated and dry room. This will help to prevent any build-up that could cause a bad smell.
- Try to follow all the manufacturer’s instructions. This will help keep your air purifier running correctly and prevent any issues that could cause a bad smell.
- If any machine parts need to be replaced, do it on time. This will help to keep the machine operating smoothly without any issues.
When to Be Concerned
In most cases, a foul smell from an air purifier is nothing to be concerned about. However, if the odor is powerful or doesn’t go away, you should be careful about this.
The first thing you should do is turn off the unit and unplug it. Then, try to identify the source of the smell. If you can’t figure it out, contact the manufacturer for help. They will help you troubleshoot the issue.
You need to be more concerned about smells like burning or chlorine. If the smell is very strong, it’s best to turn off the machine and leave the room and contact the manufacturer immediately for further instructions.
If the machine doesn’t have a valid warranty, you can also contact an expert technician to look at the unit.
Can Dirty Air Purifiers Make you Sick?
Yes, a dirty air purifier can make you sick. This is because the bacteria, mold, and yeast that accumulate in the unit can cause respiratory infections. These are especially dangerous for young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems.
To prevent this from happening, it’s important to regularly clean the filter and follow all the manufacturer’s instructions. Especially the filter needs to be replaced in a timely manner to prevent any build-up.
Final Thoughts
An air purifier is a fantastic machine that can help improve the air quality in your home. However, like any other appliance, there can sometimes be shortcomings, like the smell. We hope the tips and information in this article will help you if you ever face this issue.
