Where to Clean the Car Air Conditioning?
3 Answers
Car air conditioning should have the air conditioning filter and air conditioning ducts cleaned. Below are the specific details: 1. Air Conditioning Filter Cleaning/Replacement: Under normal circumstances, an original air conditioning filter has a service life of one year or 30,000 kilometers. Regularly cleaning the air conditioning filter can ensure fresh air inside the car and extend the filter's service life. If the filter is not very dirty, you can use a blower to clean it from the inside out. Cleaning Tip: The car air conditioning filter must never be washed with water; only use tools like an air gun or blower. 2. Air Conditioning Duct Cleaning: Cleaning the air conditioning ducts requires purchasing an air conditioning cleaner. Before cleaning, shake the cleaner well and attach the soft tube from the packaging. Then, set the air conditioning to maximum fan speed and switch to external circulation mode. However, do not turn on the air conditioning compressor (keep the A/C button off). Aim the nozzle of the well-shaken cleaner at the air conditioning filter's position and spray. The suction inside will draw the cleaner in, thereby cleaning the air conditioning ducts. It is particularly important to note that the soft tube on the cleaner should not be too close to the blower to avoid being sucked in.
As a car enthusiast, I always enjoy exploring vehicle details myself. The key components for car AC cleaning are the evaporator, blower, duct system, and filter. The evaporator is located under the dashboard in the cabin—it's the core refrigeration component that operates in a damp, cold environment prone to mold and odors. It must be cleaned with specialized foam spray, otherwise the air blown out may carry foul smells or bacteria. The blower fan blades inside the AC housing accumulate dust over time, reducing airflow, and require disassembly for gentle brushing with a soft brush. Ducts include air intake and outlet channels, which can be disinfected using long-nozzle sprays to remove accumulated dust. Don't forget the drain hole—clogging can cause water leakage onto the car floor. I recommend cleaning once every seasonal change to significantly improve AC efficiency and ensure fresh, comfortable cabin air quality. The cleaning process isn't overly complicated—just insert a cleaning agent bottle into the air intake, but remember to operate with the engine off and ensure proper ventilation.
As a veteran driver with over a decade of experience, I believe regular car AC cleaning is essential. The focus should be on core components like the evaporator and AC filter. The evaporator, located at the front inside the car, is prone to mold and bacteria due to high humidity, requiring thorough disinfection with cleaning spray. The filter, usually behind the glove box, can be removed for dust removal or washed and dried. Additionally, dust and debris accumulate in AC ducts and vents, causing odors and health issues if not cleaned. I make it a habit to clean every six months, especially before and after the rainy season, to prevent odors and mold. Post-cleaning, the AC cools faster, saves fuel, extends system life, and avoids major repairs. DIY cleaning with commercial kits is sufficient—insert the spray into the external intake to let the liquid flow through the system. Don’t forget to check and clear the drainage channel of leaves to ensure smooth flow. Though a small investment, cleaning yields significant returns.
