Disinfect air conditioning: costs, maintenance & tips for cleaning

Stench in the car is not only disgusting, it even endangers her health.And it may also attack the interior.Then you should disinfect the air conditioning system.What that costs, how it works.

Überblick

If it stinks in the car, a fragrance tree is not a solution: it does not remove the mixture, but only covered it.The cause can hit health - and even let the car rust.The strict smell often comes from the air conditioning.Then there is only one solution: it has to be disinfected.

Disinfect air conditioning - how high are the costs?

The effort and the procedure differ depending on the car and air conditioning.And with it the costs if you commission a workshop.In some cases, it is sufficient to spray a certain spray into the interior and to switch on the air conditioning system in recirculation operation for a few minutes.In other cases, the evaporator must be treated directly and first exposed.

The costs start at 20 euros.As a rule, the disinfection is also part of the complete maintenance (climate service), which is available from 60 euros.Under certain circumstances, the service can also cost up to 400 euros.

Disinfect air conditioning - the instructions

With a cleaning spray or a special foam from the accessory trade (ten to 15 euros) you can do the work yourself, provided the evaporator does not have to be exposed.You can inquire about whether spray or foam are suitable for your car.

Use the spray like this:

1. die Fenster schließen
2. das Umluft-Gebläse auf höchster Stufe und Temperatur stellen
3. den Motor starten

Now place the spray in the intake area of the air conditioning.It is located in the front of the footwell.Activate the spray that should have escaped completely from the can after about 15 minutes.Then get out of the car and close the door.Nobody is allowed to sit in the car during the application.Then ventilate the interior well.

The foam is a bit more complex: they spray it through a hose directly into the evaporator of the air conditioning, which is located in the engine compartment.Let it take effect for about 30 minutes and then start the engine.Switch the air conditioning to full power for a few minutes.This spreads the foam where it should work.

The foam is more effective, the spray is less complex.But keep in mind: Neither of them replace the climate service.

This is how the smell arises

Among other things, the evaporator is installed in air conditioning.His task is to withdraw the heat to the air.Mushrooms and bacteria that are withdrawn from air are also removed on the evaporator.

There is also moisture in this air.It becomes a condensate on the evaporator (similar to the pearls on a cold bottle).This condensate is intended to wash away the microorganisms from the evaporator.

However, if this does not succeed, the smallest creatures multiply through moisture and warmth.This also happens if the air conditioning is not used for a long time.

Waiting does not help - on the contrary

If you now switch on the air conditioning system, it blows the resulting evaporates into the interior.The result: it stinks.

Some drivers believe that this stench disappears over time.However, the opposite is the case.He will intensify if the air conditioning is not disinfected.

Experts advise you to have the air conditioning disinfected once a year.The best time is spring.However, if you find uncomfortable smells during the year, of course, don't wait that long.

Damage to the car threaten

Cleaning not only eliminates the stench, but also protects against diseases and allergies.And even more: she can protect against damage to the car.

A viscous rotten layer can form from the germs in the air conditioning.In the worst case, it prevents condensation from the system.So moisture comes into the car - it can rust.In addition, an exchange of the evaporator may be necessary if the layer has crusted it.