Disinfecting car air conditioning? Why it's not a good idea – and what really helps
Disinfecting car air conditioning? Why it's not a good idea – and what actually helps
Many drivers are familiar with the problem: When the air conditioning is turned on, it smells bad, emitting odors reminiscent of vinegar, cheese, or even urine. The first reaction is often: "I need to disinfect the air conditioning!" – but be careful: Disinfecting the air conditioning with aggressive chemicals can do more harm than good.
Why does the car's air conditioning smell?
A smelly air conditioner can be due to various causes. The most common reasons are:- Mold and bacterial growth: The moisture in the air conditioner's evaporator provides ideal conditions for mold and bacterial formation. This can lead to a musty or rotten smell.
- Clogged Filters: A clogged filter can also cause unpleasant odors. Pollen, dust, and other particles accumulate in the filter and can rot over time.
- Moisture in the ventilation system: Condensation that accumulates in the ventilation system can stagnate and produce a foul odor.
First Steps: What to do if the air conditioner smells bad?
If your air conditioner smells, there are some initial steps you can take:
- Check and clean filter: Regularly replacing or cleaning the air conditioner filter can help eliminate odors.
- Keep ventilation slots open: Leave the ventilation slots open for a few minutes with the engine turned off to reduce moisture.
- Operate ventilation without air conditioning: Allow the ventilation to run for a few minutes without the air conditioning turned on to expel the moisture.
The better solution: Mechanical cleaning of the evaporator, pollen filter box, and ventilation shaft
Instead of disinfecting the car's air conditioning, experts recommend a mechanical cleaning of the air conditioning system and the evaporator. With the system from aircowell.com the air conditioning is thoroughly and gently cleaned – without the use of harsh chemicals.
The result:
- Odors are permanently eliminated
- The performance of the air conditioning increases – TÜV-certified effectiveness
- The cleaning is health-friendly and suitable for allergy sufferers
Why are disinfectant sprays like click cans not really effective?
Disinfectant sprays, especially so-called click cans, are often advertised as a quick fix for bad odors in car air conditioning systems. However, their effect is usually superficial and short-lived.
- You cannot reach the evaporator
The evaporator is the core component of the air conditioning system – and it is precisely there that most odors from bacteria and mold originate. Click cans only distribute the spray in the interior and on the surfaces of the ventilation ducts. There is no targeted cleaning of the evaporator. - No mechanical removal of biofilm
Odors are caused by microbial biofilm. It cannot simply be 'disinfected away'. Only mechanical cleaning permanently removes the biofilm and prevents rapid reformation. - Chemicals can attack components
Many click cans contain aggressive substances that can damage seals, plastics, and the vaporizer. This can lead to costly repairs – and impair the performance of the air conditioning system. - No TÜV-certified effectiveness
Unlike mechanical cleaning with aircowell, whose effectiveness has been confirmed by TÜV Thüringen, many sprays lack independent testing. The effect is often not substantiated. - Only temporary odor removal
Click cans mask odors – they do not eliminate them. After a few days or weeks, the stench returns because the cause has not been addressed.
Questions that drivers often ask us about air conditioning disinfection
Why does my car's air conditioning smell?
The cause is usually bacteria, fungi, and mold on the evaporator. These are caused by moisture and lack of cleaning. A mechanical evaporator cleaning is the best solution.
What to do if the air conditioner smells when turning it on or after turning it off?
Avoid chemical disinfection of the air conditioner. Instead: clean the evaporator, check the filters, and use a mechanical air conditioner cleaner.
Is the smelly air conditioner harmful to health?
Yes. Indoor air quality suffers, and allergic reactions or respiratory problems can occur. Regular cleaning of the car's air conditioning system protects your health.
How often should I clean my air conditioner?
At least once a year – ideally before the warm season starts. It's especially important to clean the evaporator, as that's where most germs accumulate.
How much does it cost to clean the air conditioning?
The cost varies depending on the vehicle and method. A mechanical cleaning with aircowell is often cheaper than an extensive repair after chemical damage.
What odors are caused by a dirty air conditioning system?
Typical smells include:
- Vinegar
- Cheese
- Urine
- Musty basement smell
These are caused by microbial infestation – and can be permanently removed by mechanical cleaning.
Questions that workshops frequently ask us
Why should we avoid chemical disinfection?
Chemical agents can damage components such as the evaporator and lead to long-term complaints. Mechanical cleaning is more gentle on materials and more effective.
How does cleaning with aircowell work?
The system mechanically cleans the evaporator and air ducts – without aggressive chemicals. It is TÜV-certified and can be easily integrated into the workshop process. With the aircowell app, all model-specific instructions are available directly at the customer's vehicle, making them quick and easy to implement.
Can we offer cleaning as a service package?
Yes! Combine air conditioning cleaning with inspections or spring/fall checks. This creates added value and retains customers in the long term.
Conclusion: Why You Should Opt for Mechanical Cleaning
A smelly air conditioner is not only unpleasant but can also be harmful to your health. The widespread chemical disinfection – such as with click cans – does not provide a sustainable solution and can even damage components. Mechanical cleaning of the evaporator, pollen filter box, and ventilation shaft, on the other hand, permanently removes the cause of the odors, improves the performance of the air conditioning, and protects your health. With the TÜV-certified system from aircowell.com, you opt for an effective, gentle, and professional solution – for satisfied customers and a fresh climate in the vehicle.