How to Clean a Car Air Conditioning System?
3 Answers
Car air conditioning system cleaning method: You can purchase an air conditioning cleaner, shake the cleaner well and attach the hose from the packaging, turn the air conditioning to maximum airflow and set it to external circulation mode, then spray the well-shaken cleaner directly at the position of the air filter. Ensure the hose on the cleaner is not too close to the blower to avoid being sucked in. After spraying the cleaner, let the air conditioning system run for a few more minutes in external circulation mode. If the air filter is not very dirty, you can use a blower to clean the air filter from the inside out. If there is still an odor after cleaning the air conditioning system, it indicates that there is dirt inside the evaporator or the air conditioning pipes. In this case, the only solution is to disassemble and clean the air conditioning pipes and evaporator, which should be done at a 4S shop or professional repair shop.
Cleaning the car's air conditioning system is quite an interesting task for me, as doing it myself saves costs. Just buy a can of air conditioning cleaning spray, which costs only a little over ten yuan. First, start the car and park it in a well-ventilated outdoor area, then turn on the air conditioning to the highest fan speed in external circulation mode to get the system running. Second, locate the air intake, usually found at the base of the windshield under the hood, and slowly spray the cleaning agent inside, avoiding excessive spraying to prevent flooding electronic components. Third, let the system run for about fifteen minutes to break down bacteria and mold—this is the perfect time to replace the old air filter with a new one. After finishing, ventilate for half an hour to dissipate any residual odors. I do this every six months to prevent unpleasant smells, especially before summer to avoid musty odors that could affect health. After cleaning, the air quality improves noticeably, which is great for people with rhinitis, and it also saves money on repair fees.
As someone who enjoys meticulous car maintenance, cleaning the air conditioning system requires careful operation. The system contains delicate components, and cleaning agents may be corrosive. I recommend wearing gloves and a mask for protection, and when spraying, aim for the air intake to avoid getting near electrical wiring. If you're unsure, it's safer to visit a professional shop—they use high-pressure equipment for thorough cleaning. The cleaning process removes moisture and bacteria inside the AC system, preventing odors and health issues like allergies or respiratory discomfort. The key is to inspect the filter condition every season and replace it if dirty to avoid major repairs. After cleaning, test the airflow to ensure no unusual noises or odors—only then is the job complete. Proper maintenance extends the AC's lifespan, saving money and hassle.
