Does the Air Conditioning Evaporator Need Cleaning?
3 Answers
The air conditioning evaporator does require cleaning, and the cleaning method is as follows: 1. Remove the air filter and blower of the vehicle to be cleaned; 2. Place a clean water basin under the air conditioning drain outlet of the vehicle to collect wastewater; 3. Adjust the bend of the endoscope camera on the cleaning machine to an appropriate angle; 4. Evenly spray a cleaning agent onto the evaporator; 5. Replace the cleaning agent in the cleaning gun and repeatedly rinse the evaporator from top to bottom until the foam disappears; 6. Pour clean water into the empty cleaning agent bottle and repeatedly rinse the evaporator; 7. Evenly spray a long-lasting antibacterial agent for automotive evaporators onto the evaporator until it is completely used; 8. Install the blower to dry the evaporator; 9. Use a fogging antibacterial machine to perform fogging sterilization on the air conditioning ducts; 10. Start the vehicle, turn on the air conditioning internal circulation mode, set the fan speed to maximum, and close the AC mode for fogging sterilization; 11. Remove the machine and open the car doors for ventilation.
As a veteran driver with 10 years of experience, I truly believe the AC evaporator needs regular cleaning. I remember one summer when I turned on the AC, a pungent musty smell suddenly filled the car, and the cooling performance dropped noticeably—it was extremely uncomfortable. After getting it cleaned, the odor vanished instantly, and the airflow became refreshing again. The evaporator, located inside the AC system, easily accumulates dust and mold, especially in humid climates where bacteria multiply quickly. Neglecting cleaning leads to poor air quality inside the car, which can harm your health—triggering coughs or allergies, for example. I generally recommend cleaning every 1 to 2 years, or as soon as symptoms appear. You can use specialized cleaning sprays for simple maintenance, but for more complex cases, a professional service is safer. Regular cleaning isn’t just about health—it also extends the AC’s lifespan and saves on repair costs. In short, don’t slack off; making it a habit significantly improves driving comfort.
As someone who frequently handles car maintenance, I believe evaporator cleaning is essential. Located inside the air conditioning components, the evaporator operates in a damp environment where dust and condensation can mix, fostering mold growth that leads to odors and bacterial spread. Without cleaning, the AC's efficiency declines, airflow weakens, and passengers may feel stuffy or sneeze while driving. The cleaning process isn't complicated—professional technicians either dismantle it for cleaning or spray disinfectant, taking about 30 minutes. For frequency, new cars may skip it the first two years, but a biennial clean thereafter suffices. Note that prolonged closed-window AC use dirties the evaporator faster; brief ventilation before turning on the AC is advised. Don't overlook small details—keeping the system clean ensures safety and optimal performance.
