How to Clean and Disinfect Car Air Conditioning?

[DeKathryn]

Detailed instructions for cleaning and disinfecting car air conditioning are as follows: 1. Choose the appropriate air conditioning cleaner: You can opt for products from domestic or joint-venture brands, which are reliable in quality and affordable. 2. Locate the air conditioning system's air intake and remove the air filter: The removed air filter can be cleaned with a high-pressure air gun. If it is too dirty, it is recommended to replace it. 3. Specific steps for cleaning and disinfecting the air conditioning: After starting the car, turn on the air conditioning cooling switch; adjust the fan speed to the minimum; set the air conditioning temperature to the highest; ensure the air conditioning system is in external circulation mode. 4. Precautions during cleaning and disinfection: Place your hand near the air intake to feel the airflow being drawn into the car. Spray a bottle of air conditioning disinfectant cleaner into the air intake. The cleaner spray will follow the airflow through the air conditioning evaporator and enter the cabin, disinfecting the air conditioning system. During disinfection, close all windows and doors to achieve better results. Ensure no one stays inside the car during the cleaning process. After completing the entire air conditioning cleaning process, open the windows for ventilation for a certain period.

[StFaith]

I used to find spray cleaning super convenient. Buy a can of air conditioning system cleaner, start the car, turn on the external circulation, set the fan to maximum without activating the cooling. Insert the spray tube into the air conditioning intake vent and continuously spray half the can. Wait ten minutes, then switch to internal circulation and spray the remaining half. Finally, turn off the air conditioning and let it sit for twenty minutes to allow the disinfectant to penetrate, then open the windows for ventilation. Remember to replace the air filter while you're at it, otherwise it'll get dirty again right after cleaning. Doing this once a month keeps the car basically free of musty smells, and turning on the air conditioning feels much more comfortable to breathe.

[JonathanRose]

Did you know that car air conditioners can harbor Legionella bacteria after prolonged use? Last time I noticed a sour smell, I immediately disinfected it. First, I removed the glove compartment and replaced the old filter, which was covered in dust and mold. Then, I used foam cleaner to spray into the air conditioning ducts—the foam helps dissolve dirt. The most crucial step was turning the heater to the highest temperature and blowing hot air for half an hour, as high temperatures can kill bacteria in the ducts. Now, when I turn on the AC, there's no more dusty smell, and my kids don't sneeze in the car anymore.

[VonEverly]

DIY cleaning is actually super easy: First, remove the cabin air filter (usually located behind the glove box on the passenger side) and use a vacuum to suck out leaves and dust. Purchase an air conditioning cleaner spray and apply it through the exterior air intake grille. Start the vehicle, turn on the external air circulation at maximum fan speed, spray half the bottle, then close the doors and let it sit for ten minutes. Restart the car, switch to internal circulation, and spray the remaining half of the bottle. Finally, open the windows to ventilate for half an hour and install a new activated carbon filter to complete the process. The cost of doing it yourself is less than one-third of what a dealership would charge.

[KinsleyDella]

Don't just clean the surface! Mold grows on the evaporator. I checked my own car with an endoscope, and the aluminum fins were covered in black spots. Later, I bought a specialized evaporator cleaner and poured it in through the drain tube to soak. Now, I perform this deep cleaning every year before summer, combined with an ozone sterilizer to kill bacteria, and I no longer experience coughing when turning on the AC. Remember to regularly clean the fallen leaves under the windshield—they're a breeding ground for mold.