The dirty sock odor is caused by the growth of mold and mildew on the evaporator coil in your air conditioner. Dust gets caught in the moisture that collects in your coil due to continued use, which in turn leads to the growth of mold and mildew.
In this post
Why does my room smell like dirty socks?
“Dirty Sock Syndrome” refers to when a foul-smelling, mold- or mildew-like odor comes from your air conditioner when you first turn it on. This happens when moisture, dust, and dirt build up on your AC system’s evaporator coil, inviting bacteria and mold to multiply.
Why does my bedroom smell like dirty feet?
Your house probably has Dirty Sock Syndrome.
Not only is the coil dirty – little microbial organisms are feeding on the dirt, dust, and other stuff that’s collected on it. That’s what’s causing the terrible smell.
How do you get a dirty sock smell out of your house?
How to Fix Dirty Sock Syndrome in 4 Steps
- Change the air filters.
- Clean the evaporator coils.
- Clean the drip pan.
- Clean the condensate line.
Why do I smell like a sock?
If your air conditioning system puts out an odor reminiscent of dirty socks, you likely have bacteria inhabiting your evaporator coil in your AC system.
Will dirty sock syndrome go away?
HOW TO SOLVE DSS? Fortunately, Dirty Sock Syndrome can usually be addressed and fixed rather easily. Since the source of the odor is mold and bacterial growth, a good cleaning of the coils of your air conditioner will usually take care of the problem.
Does mold smell like dirty feet?
Others have described mold as having an earthy or meaty odor, resembling the smell of wet socks or rotten wood. For many homeowners, the smell is unpleasant and pungent.
Can mold smell like dirty socks?
The dirty sock odor is caused by the growth of mold and mildew on the evaporator coil in your air conditioner.
How do you get rid of foot odor in a room?
Deodorize your stinkiest rooms by placing a mixture of 3-parts water, 10 drops of citrus oil, and 1-part vodka in a decorative bowl. This is especially effective in rooms with strong foot or body odors like mudrooms and laundry rooms.
How long does dirty sock syndrome last?
While cleaning alone seldom takes care of the problem permanently, it may be enough to keep the HVAC system problem-free for the duration of one year.
Can dirty sock syndrome make you sick?
Since the strong odor derives from your unit decomposing, it can also make you feel sick. This can leave you feeling very unwell when you spend any time in your home. So rather than letting mold develop, it’s vital that you tackle your dirty sock syndrome issue promptly and don’t wait for it to get worse.
What does dirty socks smell like?
“Dirty sock syndrome” is the term used for what happens when a heating and cooling system produces an unpleasant dank, musty smell reminiscent of dirty socks. In milder cases, the odor might be similar to the dusty smell produced when the system is first turned on after it hasn’t been used in a while.
Can Dirty evaporator coils make you sick?
Your air conditioner blows air into every room in your home – air that has passed over a dirty coil! If anyone in your family is experiencing asthma or flu-like symptoms, fatigue, or allergy symptoms, it could be caused by mold in your air conditioner or ductwork.
Does mold smell like wet socks?
Most people describe the smell of mold as musty, stale, and earthy — somewhat similar the odor of wet socks or decaying wood.
Why does my house smell dirty?
A musty or dusty smell is often a sign of mold or mildew, especially in humid or moisture-prone environments like the basement, laundry room, kitchen, or bathroom. Mold and mildew can create severe respiratory problems and can exacerbate allergies and asthma in sensitive individuals.
Is Dirty sock syndrome covered by warranty?
We have such confidence in the technology of our products and our system that we can offer the homeowner a 5 YEAR RESIDENTIAL WARRANTY guaranteeing the smell will not return.
How do you clean mold out of an air conditioner coil?
Tips on How to Clean Mold & Mildew From HVAC Coils
- Make sure you clean coils at least once a year, twice if you are also using your HVAC system for heating.
- If possible, vacuum the coils gently or use a soft brush.
- Wet clean the coils with an alkaline coil cleaner and pressurized water.
What are signs of mold sickness?
Mold may cause:
- skin irritation.
- sporotrichosis, a skin infection that starts out as a small pink, red, or purple bump on the skin.
- itchy, red eyes.
- runny or stuffy nose.
- postnasal drip.
- headache.
- dizziness.
- asthmatic symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and tightness in the chest.
What does toxic mold smell like?
It’s often described as musty and earthy, and may even smell like rotting vegetables or plants.
How can I tell if I have mold in my walls?
Be aware of signs that drywalls are moist such as:
- water stains.
- dark rings.
- discoloration.
- deterioration like peeling, bubbling, or cracking of the paint or wallpaper.
Is a musty smell always mold?
As we have seen, the most common reason for a musty smell in your home is the presence of mold or mildew. And because the microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) emitted from mold and mildew have a low odor threshold, a musty smell does not necessarily mean that there is a lot of it.