Air purifiers are super important for keeping the air in your home clean and healthy. Levoit is a very popular brand that a lot of people use. But sometimes, Levoit air purifiers can start to smell kinda funky. This can be really frustrating and make you wonder if your air purifier is even working right.
The good news is, there are usually some easy fixes for those unpleasant odors. In this blog post, we’ll go over the most common reasons why Levoit air purifiers might start to smell bad.
We’ll also share some simple tips and tricks to get rid of the smell and make your air purifier work like new again.
What Causes the Unpleasant Odors in Air Purifiers
Before we get into resolving the funky smells, it’s important to understand what’s causing them in the first place.
There are a few common reasons why Levoit air purifiers may start to give off unpleasant odors:
1. Dirty or Clogged Filters
Over time, the filters in your Levoit air purifier can become clogged with dust, pet hair, and other airborne particles. As these filters get dirtier, they can start to produce musty, stale odors.
The activated charcoal carbon layer inside the filter can be fully saturated and may no longer absorb smells. Once fully saturated, these carbon filters usually start leaking the smells back out.
This can be resolved by replacing the filter regularly. If you use your air purifier every day, you should replace the filter at least once a year.
2. Accumulation of Dust and Debris
In addition to the filters, dust, dirt, and other debris can also build up inside the air purifier’s internal components. This can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which give off that classic “moldy” smell.
3. Off-Gassing from New Filters or Components
When you first install new filters or replace other internal parts, they may emit a slight chemical-like odor as they “off-gas” and release any residual manufacturing fumes.
This can be can also be caused by the plastics and glues that are used to make these filters. They very often tend to off-gas a chemical and slightly plastic like smell. This smell can last for days or weeks before it wears off.
4. Mold or Mildew Growth
If your Levoit air purifier is placed in a humid or damp environment, mold and mildew can start to grow inside the unit, resulting in a strong, unpleasant smell.
As mold and mildew grow inside the air purifier’s components, they release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) into the air. These molecules contribute to the unpleasant musty or earthy smells caused by mold and mildew.
How to Resolve Foul Smells in Levoit Air Purifiers
Now that we’ve identified the common causes of unpleasant odors in Levoit air purifiers, let’s look at the solutions.
Here are some tried-and-true methods for eliminating unpleasant odors:
- Clean or Replace the Air Filters Regularly
One of the most effective ways to combat odors is to ensure your Levoit air purifier’s filters are clean. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for how often to clean or replace the filters. Neglecting filter maintenance is a surefire way to let odors build up.
- Use Genuine Levoit Replacement Filters
It’s important to use authentic Levoit replacement filters, as off-brand filters may not fit properly or could even contribute to odor problems. Genuine Levoit filters are designed to work seamlessly with your air purifier.
- Address Any Mold or Mildew Growth
If you suspect mold or mildew is the culprit, you’ll need to thoroughly clean the interior of the air purifier. Use a mild disinfectant solution to wipe down all surfaces and let the unit dry completely before turning it back on.
- Air Out the Unit by Running It on High Speed
Sometimes, simply running your Levoit air purifier on the highest setting can help flush out any lingering odors. The increased airflow can help circulate fresh air and dislodge trapped particles.
- Use Vinegar or Baking Soda Solutions
For stubborn smells, you can try placing a small bowl of white vinegar or baking soda near the air purifier’s intake. These natural deodorizers can help neutralize unpleasant odors.
- Consider Running the Unit Outside
In extreme cases, you may need to take your Levoit air purifier outside and let it run in the fresh air for a while. This can help clear out any deeply embedded odors.
Preventative Measures to Avoid Unpleasant Odors
Unpleasant odors can quickly turn a comfortable living space into an unwelcoming environment. Whether it’s lingering cooking smells, pet odors, or musty mildew scents, addressing the root cause is essential for maintaining a fresh atmosphere in your home.
And the best way to deal with unpleasant odors in your Levoit air purifier is to actually prevent them from happening in the first place. Here are some proactive steps you can take to keep your air purifier smelling fresh:
1. Regularly Clean and Replace Filters
Make sure you’re following the manufacturer’s recommendations for how often to clean or replace the air filters in your Levoit unit. Neglecting filter maintenance is a surefire way to let odors build up over time.
2. Use Genuine Levoit Replacement Parts
It’s crucial to use authentic Levoit filters and other replacement components. Off-brand parts may not fit properly or could contribute to odor issues down the line.
3. Keep the Unit in a Dry, Well-Ventilated Area
Placing your Levoit air purifier in a humid, damp environment increases the risk of mold and mildew growth, which will lead to foul smells. Choose a dry, well-ventilated spot to set it up.
4. Vacuum and Wipe Down the Exterior
Regularly vacuuming around the air purifier and wiping down the exterior can help prevent dust and debris from being pulled into the unit and causing odors.
5. Run the Purifier Consistently
Using your Levoit air purifier consistently, even when you don’t necessarily “need” it, helps keep the filters fresh and the internal components clean.
6. Consider Adding a Pre-Filter
Some Levoit models allow you to use an additional pre-filter, which can help catch larger particles before they reach the main filters, prolonging their lifespan.
When to Contact Support
Knowing when to reach out to Levoit customer support can save you time and hassle when dealing with issues beyond your expertise.
Here are situations to consider contacting them:
- Persistent Odors – If you’ve tried all the recommended cleaning and maintenance steps, but the unpleasant odors in your air purifier simply won’t go away, it may be time to contact Levoit. There could be an underlying issue that requires further assistance.
- Unusual Noises or Malfunctions – If your Levoit air purifier starts making strange noises, fails to power on, or exhibits other unexplained malfunctions, reaching out to customer support is the best way to diagnose and resolve the problem.
- Questions About Replacement Parts – Unsure about which genuine Levoit filters or other replacement components you need for your specific model? The customer support team can provide guidance to ensure you get the right parts.
- Warranty-Related Issues – Levoit offers a standard warranty on their air purifiers. If your unit is malfunctioning within the warranty period, customer support can walk you through the claims process.
- Installation or Setup Difficulties – If you’re having trouble getting your new Levoit air purifier properly installed or set up, the customer service representatives can offer troubleshooting assistance.
Is your Levoit Air Purifier Display Not Working? Click here to learn how to fix it.
If you notice bad smells coming from your Levoit air purifier, it’s important to take action to fix the problem. You can try the tips we’ve talked about, like cleaning the filter and keeping the area around the purifier clean. If you’re still having trouble, you can contact Levoit’s customer support for help.
Just remember, by taking care of your air purifier and getting rid of bad smells, you can make sure your home stays fresh and healthy.
