How to deal with mould in the AC? Odours, dirt buildup and safe cleaning
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If there is dust, moisture or a smell inside the air conditioner, you can first stop using it and note when the symptoms appeared, then inspect the accessible dust filter and arrange an equipment check. A musty smell alone cannot identify the type of mould, nor can it be used to conclude that it causes cancer or any specific health risk.
What Is the Relationship Between Moisture and Dust Inside an Air Conditioner?
During cooling, condensation may form inside the unit; if drainage is poor or some areas remain damp for a long time, accumulated dust and odour are worth checking. Appearance or smell alone cannot identify the mould type, quantity or health impact, and no one should write a certain mould or so-called 'tens of thousands of spores' as an inevitable condition for every air conditioner.
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Cleaning an easily accessible dust filter does not mean the internal deep cleaning is complete; nor should you dismantle the unit yourself or spray liquid onto electrical control components. If there is a persistent odour or water leakage, note the model and situation, determine the cause, and then decide whether cleaning or repair is needed.
Professional staff will assess the cleaning method based on the model, dirt build-up and safety conditions. Cleaning can remove accessible dirt, but it cannot guarantee sterility inside the unit, treat illnesses, or eliminate undiagnosed cancer risks. If breathing discomfort continues, you should seek medical advice separately.
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