Whats the best way to get rid of odors from HVAC?

[90Notch]

Anyone know a good product/method to get rid of that mildew smell from the HVAC system? I've seen some DIY on you tube and I really don't feel like tearing apart the entire dash to get to the evaporator. Ideally I'd like a permanent fix but to to thrilled about tearing apart the dash.

Thanks!

 

[wallyuwl]

You could try using the first two products at the link below. The third product is a combination of the first two, plus an applicator (and enough for two cars). Never tried it so I can't say how well it works, but might be worth a try.

http://www.theautopartsshop.com/shoptoolsandequipment/odoreliminationchemicals.htm#

 

[cadfaeltex]

I've used this before with good results:
http://detailersdomain.com/carcareproducts/1z_einszett/1ZeinszettKlimaCleaner.html

 

[90Notch]

Thanks for the tips. I think I'm going to go with cadfaeltex suggestion sinced you've used it. People gave the Klima Cleaner stuff pretty good reviews on various auto forums so I'm gooing to give it a shot.

Thanks Again!!

 

[cadfaeltex]

Good luck. Let me know how it works. Been good for me.

 

[demarpaint]

I can't say its the best way but it works. We'd spray Lysol into the fresh air intake while the blower motor was on. It would kill the mold and mildew smell in some trades we took in. HTH

 

[ChiTDI]

You could upgrade to a charcoal element cabin filter also if they make one that fits your application.
Fram has one that contains baking soda for odor retention.

 

[rslifkin]

I've done the Lysol thing, and it does work. However, on vehicles without a cabin filter, if you've accumulated some little bits of leaves and other trash in the system, then the smell will come back.

 

[NateDN10]

One thing that's temporarily (on the order of a few months) solved the problem for me is to turn the fan on max, heat on max, and AC on while driving for ~15 minutes.

Not fun to be in the car while that's going on, but it did help!

 

[kkreit01]

When I once had a rotten egg smell in my '95 Dakota, the dealer told me to run water down through the cowl vents. This cleared it up.

 

[90Notch]

Originally Posted By: kkreit01
When I once had a rotten egg smell in my '95 Dakota, the dealer told me to run water down through the cowl vents. This cleared it up.


I'm not really crazy about running water through the vents since moisture breeds bacteria/mold etc which is the main cause of the odors.

I'll definitely pull the cabin filter before I do it. I've tried running the A/C on high, heat on high, fan on high method but it didn't work because as soon as a little bit of moisture forms the mold/bacteria comes right back. It also doesn't help that I live in a foggy area

 

[90Notch]

Originally Posted By: cadfaeltex
I've used this before with good results:
http://detailersdomain.com/carcareproducts/1z_einszett/1ZeinszettKlimaCleaner.html



I also found this similar product http://www.interdynamics-europe.com/ourproducts/product.php?id=46

Wonder if it's any good? Can't find any reviews for it though so I'm a bit skeptical.

 

[Vikas]

What, nobody suggested Yaris Treatment yet??

 

[tom slick]

No need to go through the hassle of "finding" some cleaner at the autoparts store.
Find your local HVAC supply shop, Ferguson is a national chain, and buy some "Evaporator Cleaner" in a spray can. Remove your fan resistor (if you can get to it) and hose everything down with the evaporator cleaner. reinstall the fan resistor and run the AC on high. The condensation will rinse the cleaner off of the evaporator.

I've used this stuff with great success
http://www.nucalgon.com/products/aerosol_evapfoam.htm

Quote:
I'm not really crazy about running water through the vents since moisture breeds bacteria/mold etc which is the main cause of the odors.


Moisture condensates on the evaporator as it operates, there is nothing you can do about it. Water goes through the cowling every time it rains or your wash your car. Running the hose into your cowling is not adding to any bacteria/mold etc.

 

[mechtech2]

Febreeze or other odor KILLING [not just masking] sprays can work very well, for very little $ and work.
Spray into the outside vents and move your vent selector to differnt posisions.
Put the unit on RECURCULATE [often labeled MAX] and spray in the return under the dash.
Of course, spray with the fan running!

Let it soak and repeat.

 

[Merkava_4]

Turn the A/C off and the fan on full blast the last 1/2 mile to your house each day you drive
the car. This will dry out the A/C ducts and keep them clear of microscopic mold spores.

 

[Spazdog]

Originally Posted By: demarpaint
I can't say its the best way but it works. We'd spray Lysol into the fresh air intake while the blower motor was on. It would kill the mold and mildew smell in some trades we took in. HTH


At the lot I worked at, the detailer was using a foam spray especially for evaporators. He eventually just started using scented Lysol knockoffs from Dollar General. Said it worked as well as the expensive stuff.

A lot of these cars came in with A/C stuck on recirc and a full ashtray...you knew it was going to have some odor problems. Dollar General Lysol and using Suavitel on the floor mats at least masked it long enough to get sold.

 

[440Magnum]

Originally Posted By: 90Notch
Originally Posted By: kkreit01
When I once had a rotten egg smell in my '95 Dakota, the dealer told me to run water down through the cowl vents. This cleared it up.


I'm not really crazy about running water through the vents since moisture breeds bacteria/mold etc which is the main cause of the odors.


The cowl vents (right in front of the windshield between the wipers on most vehicles) are MADE to have water run through them every time it rains. Flushing the cowl out periodically with a garden hose can get rid of accumulated leaves, dirt, bird droppings, dead rodents (I kid you not...) etc. that might get trapped there and won't necessarily get flushed out by the gentle spray of rain or a car-wash.