It is not easy to clean the cramped spaces inside the car air conditioner vents using a cloth; however, fairly inexpensive foam brushes can solve the problem quickly and easily. Clean these ducts once every couple of months or even more frequently if you notice a lot of dust. If you smell musty when you turn on the system, clean the vents with a spray disinfectant. To avoid the formation of mold, dry the ducts by activating the fan at maximum while the air conditioner is off; also remember to clear the air intakes of all debris that accumulates on the outside of the vehicle.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Clean the Vents with a Foam Brush
Step 1. Purchase a set of foam brushes
These tools are perfect for reaching deep into the air conditioner ducts, slipping between the rods of the air intakes; they are inexpensive and available at most paint shops, hardware stores and home improvement stores, but you can also buy them online.
Step 2. Make a homemade cleaning solution
Mix equal parts white vinegar and hot water. If you can't stand the natural smell of vinegar, try using lemon scented cleaning oil; if you do not find this product, add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the solution.
Step 3. Insert the brush between each rod of the air intake
Dip the brush into the liquid and push it into the vent grille to remove dust and grime. Rinse it as needed to remove any build-up of encrustations or simply use another clean brush; if there are too many traces of moisture left, finish the job by wiping the surfaces with a dry brush.
Step 4. Rinse the used brushes and let them dry
Wash them with warm water and some dish soap, then squeeze them carefully and rinse them to remove excess soap. Then let them dry before placing them in a plastic bag; keep them in the dashboard drawer to keep them close at hand.
Method 2 of 3: Clean the Air Intakes
Step 1. Replace the cabin air filter
Most modern cars have a filter that is easily removed and can be accessed from inside the car. You should read the maintenance manual to know exactly how to disassemble and change the one of your specific car.
- In many new cars, including Honda and Toyota models, you have to start by lowering the dashboard drawer and detaching the tabs that hold it in place; it may be necessary to remove screws that secure the panel located just below the drawer. On GM sedans, the filter is located in the compartment under the dashboard on the driver's side.
- After lowering the drawer or removing the panel below, find the clip that secures the filter cover; pinch it to release it and remove the cover.
- Take the old filter out of its housing and replace it with the new one.
- You should do this once a year or more often if you live in a highly urbanized or dusty area.
Step 2. Clean the vents and spray them
They are located on the outside of the vehicle, around the base of the windshield; brush off dead leaves and any other debris using a broom or brush. Spray a sanitizing enzymatic product inside the ducts.
This type of disinfectant kills any mold or fungal spores that may develop in the system, while deodorants simply act like perfumes. Choose a product that says "against mold and fungus", "antibacterial" or "disinfectant" on the package, because it means that it contains enzymes
Step 3. Spray all vents with sanitizer
Close the doors and windows, check that the engine is off and the keys are out of the ignition switch, then apply the product freely in all the air vents of the air conditioner.
Read the vehicle owner's manual to locate the system vents
Step 4. Start the engine and set the air conditioner to maximum
After applying the sanitizer, start the car and activate both the fan and the air conditioner at maximum power; after 10 minutes, turn off the air conditioner, open all the doors and let only the fan work for another 5 minutes.
Step 5. Have the vehicle checked
If the odor persists, mechanical work on the air conditioning system may be required. If it smells of mildew, see a mechanic or dealer to replace the evaporator core; if the smell seems to be of another nature, such as gasoline or antifreeze, there may be a leak.
Depending on the system that needs to be drained or replaced, the cost of the repair varies between 250 and 1800 euros
Method 3 of 3: Avoiding the Development of Mold
Step 1. Turn off the air conditioner before reaching your destination
Get in the habit of turning off the system and leaving only the fan running for the last few minutes of the trip. Do this 3-5 minutes before turning off the engine to dry the air conditioning ducts and minimize the risk of mold growth.
Step 2. Check that the exterior vents are clear of leaves and other debris
Do not allow dirt to accumulate on these openings; sweep them every week or even more frequently if needed. Leaves and other debris collecting on the hood near the windshield can promote mold growth in the air conditioning system.
Step 3. Periodically turn on the fan without turning on the air conditioner
Every two to three months, choose a warm, dry day to clean the air vents using the car's fan; open all doors, check that the air conditioner is off and activate the fan at maximum speed. By regularly drying the ducts with this method, you will avoid the development of mold.
