musty and moldy smell in my camry - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

tylerho · 03-20-2011, 04:23 PM

I was driving in the rain today to the store and i was using the defroster to keep my windshield from fogging up. Now I am starting to smell a musty scent when i drive around with the fan on. Do any of you guys know what is causing this smell? and how to get rid of it

DarkSideMoon · 03-20-2011, 06:39 PM

I can't be certain in your case, but last summer some kids thought it would be funny to dump several bags of lawn clippings on to my car. The summer heat really helped the clippings to rot and it was all over my cabin air intakes. Grass was quite literally coming through my vents if I remember correctly. Anyway, it smelled like that for about 6 months, then it just went away on its own. It could've been the winter killing whatever was left, I'm not entirely certain.

Chris Crash · 03-20-2011, 06:40 PM

Try Ozium. You can buy it as an aerosol can at walmart or autozone or other parts stores. Just spray it in the cabin air intake and maybe in the vents, and you're good to go!

***fenixus*** · 03-20-2011, 06:45 PM

on both cars I sprayed like half a can of Lysol (big can of spray) antibacterial aerosol from local grocery store. I sprayed it through the windshield vent holes (from outside of course), at the time of spraying the a/c was at full blast. it helped on both cars.

tylerho · 03-20-2011, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Crash

Try Ozium. You can buy it as an aerosol can at walmart or autozone or other parts stores. Just spray it in the cabin air intake and maybe in the vents, and you're good to go!

Where is the cabin air intake located? I have heard that it is under the passenger wiper blide. Could you get back to me on that thanks

***fenixus*** · 03-20-2011, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tylerho

Where is the cabin air intake located? I have heard that it is under the passenger wiper blide. Could you get back to me on that thanks

it is on both sides under wiper blade arms. IIRC there is also a center one too, so the total of 3 I think.

Chris Crash · 03-20-2011, 06:59 PM

Anything anti-bacterial will PROBABLY get rid of the smell, Ozium just has a lemony fresh scent!

tylerho · 03-20-2011, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fenixus

it is on both sides under wiper blade arms. IIRC there is also a center one too, so the total of 3 I think.

on more thing should my windows be down when i do this, i will do this tomorrow after class in my school parking garage since its been raining for the last couple of days. I also assume that i should put the fan on high.

Chris Crash · 03-20-2011, 07:14 PM

It doesn't matter about the windows. And having the fans on will help it circulate through.

***fenixus*** · 03-20-2011, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tylerho

on more thing should my windows be down when i do this, i will do this tomorrow after class in my school parking garage since its been raining for the last couple of days. I also assume that i should put the fan on high.

yes, roll all windows down, or you will cough badly upon entering the car later

turn the a/c on, at full blast of cabin fan (max setting), set the air output to mixed feet and face setting or whatever it's called. don't forget to open all 4 individual vents if you tend to keep some closed.