

So, if you’ve been wondering where the bad plastic or ozone smells are coming from, you now have your answer. If the UV light in your air purifiers is damaged, you’ll start getting that burning plastic smell every time your air purifier is on.įor this reason, inspect your air purifier regularly to ensure that everything is in good shape and that the UV light is working. Also, make sure to use filters that have antibacterial and UV properties to inhibit the growth of said microorganisms.Īn awful stench from your air purifier might also result from a faulty UV air filter. So, ensure that your air purifiers are well stored to prevent moisture build-up. Usually, moisture is the main reason why these microorganisms grow on the filters. This is the same smell that occurs when bacteria or mold infest your heating and cooling system (HVAC). When these microorganisms infest or grow inside your air purifier, the smell that results is not pleasant at all. If you have noticed a foul wet dog smell when you turn on your purifier, these microorganisms must be the culprits. These cause air purifiers to produce quite an annoying smell. Bacteria, Mold, and Yeast Growth On Your Filters.But, with ample ventilation, all will be well. Activated carbon filters are notorious for these issues. You could be dealing with all sorts of smells here including paint, dust, tobacco, fragrance, and more. This is because once the air purifier is filled with bad odor particles, it will produce that same smell when you turn it on. Therefore, it’s essential to ensure that where you store your purifier isn’t a hub of awful smells. In poorly ventilated spaces, the carbon filters might be saturated with different odor particles. Poor ventilation is another culprit for the bad smell that your air purifier is producing. Luckily, since ozone is a strong lung irritant, the production of ozone-based air purifiers has been banned in some states like California. Some of the side effects and symptoms of ozone irritation include:

If you have a PCO, PlasmaCluster, or Ionic air purifier, the foul smell you’ve been experiencing in your house is undoubtedly ozone. Sadly, not many people realize that their air purifiers produce ozone during operation. Ozone is a byproduct of some air purifiers, and this might be why you have that disturbing smell in your house. It usually has a clean smell, almost like the smell you would experience after a thunderstorm or in a chlorine-treated swimming pool. If you notice a chlorine-like smell emanating from your air purifier, the main culprit is most likely ozone. And, in case it doesn’t, the air purifier should be inspected as some plastic might be burning on the inside. However, this smell shouldn’t last for long. When you hook up your air purifier to an electricity socket, these fumes reemerge, resulting in the common plastic smell. Generally, plastic molding produces strong fumes that are sometimes left trapped in the product during the initial process. On the other hand, the plastic smell is due to trapped plastic fumes or burning plastic inside the air purifier. The sweetish smell is mostly caused by the carbon filter and is a good sign that the purifier is working. If this is your case, then it’s most probably because your air purifier is still new or you’ve recently changed the air filters. Most people will report cases of a sweet or somewhat plastic smell emanating from their purifiers. Why does my air purifier smell like plastic? This is a question that most homeowners grapple with. Each of these smells results from different causes.īut, whichever the type of smell, here are the leading causes: The fact is, some people will complain of a bad smell, wet or dumpy smell, and others a nice, sweet smell. If you are reading this, it’s because you’ve asked yourself this question or have heard someone ask: why does my air purifier smell? Well, there are several reasons why your air purifier might smell. Sometimes, the device can be creating the same problem it was initially meant to solve – bad smells. Air purifier smell is one such downside that many homeowners complain about. However, air purifiers also have some downsides, despite being such handy devices. This is because the devices help eliminate bad smells, contaminants, and other harmful airborne elements, in enclosed spaces. Air purifiers have become a staple for many households, especially those keen on maintaining a healthy indoor atmosphere.
