How to Rid Your Swamp Cooler of Foul Smells

A blue swamp cooler.
  • 1-2 hours
  • Beginner
  • 25-50
What You'll Need
Water
Deodorizers
Tea tree oil
Fragrant oils
Cloths
Towel
Sponge
Cotton wool
Cheesecloth
What You'll Need
Water
Deodorizers
Tea tree oil
Fragrant oils
Cloths
Towel
Sponge
Cotton wool
Cheesecloth

A swamp cooler is an alternative system to the more costly air conditioner. Basically, a swamp cooler has damp pads and a pump. The pump propels air into the room and then generates additional humidity which causes the temperature in the room to cool down.

For the best results, it is important to make sure that you maintain the swamp cooler appropriately. After prolonged use, it may end up generating rather foul and unpleasant odors. The odor comes from moistened pads within the system which can generate mold and mildew. These steps can prevent this from happening.

Step 1 - Prepare The Swamp Cooler

Start by switching the swamp cooler on. Let it run for a while. Then, switch it off and open it. You will see that it has accumulated water and that it is now damp. Remove all the water that you found within it and on the sides for a start. Just use an old towel or rag.

Step 2 - Clean the Accessories

The swamp cooler is made up of basic parts, including a tray where the majority of the water gathers. This will most likely be dirty with accumulated mold if your swamp cooler is smelly. Use a cloth to wipe it to remove loose dirt at first. Then, apply some clean water mixed with vinegar. Use another clean cloth or sponge to scrub the more persistent stains and dirt patches you might find. The vinegar will also help reduce the unpleasant smells.

Step 3 - Fill With Water and Deodorizer

An orange swamp cooler.

Swamp coolers need to have moisture in them, so you need to add some fresh, clean water for it to operate. Ideally, in order to make up for any odors which might end up arising over time, you should add a few drops of tea tree oil, which can help reduce the accumulation of bacteria and the subsequent bad odors. It can also prevent mold from growing. A few drops of lavender oil and lemon juice can also be used. There are also some other commercial deodorizers or fragrant oils which you can purchase and use in the swamp cooler.

Step 4 - Change the Pads

Another effective way to prevent bad odors from arising is to change the pads inside the swamp cooler. You can simply use several layers of cotton wool dipped in fragrant oils. Then, attach a layer of cheesecloth over the cotton wool to trap the fragrance inside, only allowing for it to be released little by little into the air when the swamp cooler is switched on.

By following these basic guidelines, you will successfully get rid of foul smells in a swamp cooler. Apply these steps on a regular basis for the best results.