musty a/c smell

D

dinosaur1

New member
05 Highlander

08 Rav4



While running the defroster during the winter or even during summer I get a musty smell that comes out which goes away after some time. I change both of my air filters/cabin filters as needed.



The drain tube isn't plugged.



What is the best way to get rid of this smell?
 
Do you have a steamer?
dinosaur1 said:
05 Highlander

08 Rav4



While running the defroster during the winter or even during summer I get a musty smell that comes out which goes away after some time. I change both of my air filters/cabin filters as needed.



The drain tube isn't plugged.



What is the best way to get rid of this smell?
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Use a HVAC spray. They are available at AutoZone, etc. They are simple to use. Just crank up the fan and spray into the vent inlets (usually near the firewall in the engine compartment) and let it get pulled through all the vents. Works pretty well.
 
Brad B. said:
Use a HVAC spray. They are available at AutoZone, etc. They are simple to use. Just crank up the fan and spray into the vent inlets (usually near the firewall in the engine compartment) and let it get pulled through all the vents. Works pretty well.
Click to expand...



I dd research this, but I'm opposed to spraying chemicals inside in case if I do it wrong. I have kids.
 
I applaud your concern, but there is little way to get this wrong. I've had success with this for years.



The mildew in the vents can be bad for allergies so don't let it get worse. The alternative to spray is to disassemble and clean the vents manually. On some cars this is easier than others. I am a 'germaphobe' and when I bought a used Toyota 4Runner recently I took the vents/tubes and fan apart to clean all surfaces. It now smells factory fresh!
 
What spray would you recommend and do I spray this from the pursued under the wipers on our suv's? Do I need 2 cans? 1 per vehicle.
 
There are several good choices. I use Wurth a/c & Heating System Treatment and Einzett Klima Cleaner with great results. Yes, one can per car into the vents. You want to saturate it well.
 
Key is to get a product to the evaporator tray, that's where the majority of the bacteria are living and feeding.

Grumpy
 
dinosaur1 said:
Saturate it.... how do you mean?
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Just use the whole can so it has a chance to get everywhere. There are usually good instructions on the cans. I think there are a few YouTube videos showing the treatment as well.
 
I used Einzett Klima on a G35 and had black crap flying out of the ac vents for weeks. Seems that the product melted some kind of wrapping. No problems now, but will never use it again.
Brad B. said:
There are several good choices. I use Wurth a/c & Heating System Treatment and Einzett Klima Cleaner with great results. Yes, one can per car into the vents. You want to saturate it well.
Click to expand...
 
Legacy99 said:
I used Einzett Klima on a G35 and had black crap flying out of the ac vents for weeks. Seems that the product melted some kind of wrapping. No problems now, but will never use it again.
Click to expand...



That's the exact reason I don't want to go the "spray" route



Honestly the smell comes and goes. Its not constant.
 
An air freshener will not solve your concern.

There are products which have no fragrance, are non toxic to humans, which will kill off the odor creating bacteria and not affect those who ride in the vehicle.

Grumpy
 
I've had success with HVAC spray and I've also had success with spraying Lysol (the one in the aerosol can) into the blower motor. I think the key is to have the heat on full blast for like 10 minutes after you spray it.
 
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