it is true it smells moldy after a few uses [SEP] i saw some reviews stating it starts smelling moldy after a while it took about two weeks for me the spraying action is excellent but the smell clings to hair i tried to empty it every night to dry it out washed it with soap and vinegar the smell was there to stay i had to toss it i have seen different versions of this mister used by hairdressers and it never smelled not sure what it is i just switch to the regular spray bottle to avoid frustration