How to Clean and Disinfect a Car Air Conditioner?

[LeCali]

You can use a car air conditioner disinfectant cleaner to clean and disinfect the car air conditioner. The steps for cleaning and disinfecting the car air conditioner are as follows: 1. After starting the car, turn on the air conditioning cooling switch, set the air volume to the minimum, adjust the temperature to the highest, and ensure the air conditioning system is in external circulation mode. 2. Place your hand near the air conditioning intake vent; you will feel air being drawn into the car. Spray the air conditioner disinfectant cleaner into the intake vent, and the cleaner spray will flow through the air conditioning evaporator into the car cabin with the air. 3. Note that after spraying the cleaner, the car doors and windows should be closed to achieve better disinfection. Also, ensure there are no people or pets in the car during the cleaning process. The cleaning process should last about 15 minutes. After completing the cleaning, open the windows for ventilation. 4. Remove the air filter and clean it with a high-pressure air gun. If it is too dirty, replace it.

[StRebecca]

I think cleaning the AC by myself is quite simple. First, buy a bottle of dedicated AC cleaner, then start the car, turn on the AC to the external circulation mode, set the fan to the highest speed, and turn off the AC. Locate the air intake, usually in front of the passenger seat or below the wipers, insert the cleaner’s hose and spray about half the bottle. After spraying, wait for 15 minutes to let the cleaner dissolve the dirt on the evaporator. Then, open the windows, restart the AC, and run it at maximum fan speed for 10 minutes—dirty water will flow out from the chassis drain pipe. Finally, don’t forget to replace the AC filter with a new one; this step is crucial, or the cleaning will be in vain. The whole process takes about 40 minutes, and the materials cost around 40-50 yuan. Doing it myself saves at least 100 yuan compared to going to a shop.

[DeLevi]

My experience is that cleaning the car's AC focuses on sterilization and odor removal. Beyond the basic steps, it's essential to tackle residual mold and bacteria. After using the cleaning agent, I apply a UV ozone disinfection gun, pumping ozone into the air intake for 10 minutes, which kills 99% of bacteria. Before parking, I turn off the AC and let the natural air blow for five minutes to dry the evaporator, reducing moisture and mold growth. For the cabin filter, I choose activated carbon ones to absorb odors, replacing them every six months. I wipe the AC vents with disinfectant wipes and use a long-handled brush to clean deep inside the ducts. After a thorough cleaning last week, even with a baby in the car, there's no more coughing. Post-cleaning, you can notice a distinct fresh smell, and the cooling becomes faster and more effective.

[LaRhett]

Pay attention to details when cleaning the air conditioning system, improper operation may damage the car. First, ensure the cleaning agent has a neutral formula, as strong alkali can corrode the aluminum evaporator. Do not insert the spray tube more than 20 cm into the air intake, and avoid poking sensors randomly with the nozzle. Remove the cabin air filter before starting to prevent clogging, and replace it with a new one after cleaning. Do not turn on the AC compressor when the fan is at maximum speed, otherwise, the cleaning agent soaking in the compressor may cause damage. I once forgot to reinstall the filter after cleaning, and all the dust was sucked into the cabin. Also, check if the drain pipe is clear, as blockage can cause water leakage. After completing these simple steps, the improvement in performance is noticeable.