How to Clean Car AC System? – Clean Out Your Cars Air Conditioner Like A Pro!

Last updated on October 16th, 2023 at 03:55 am

When summer knocks at the door, the air conditioning system in your car is something to watch out for, especially for hot commutes. When it comes to the maintenance of the air conditioning system in your vehicle, you can do it by yourself.

Following a few DIY methods you can keep your car’s air conditioning system up and running in the best ways. You can be confident that your AC is in top-notch shape even in the moistest of summers. This important maintenance task is essential for the engine and fuel efficiency. It will also help you eliminate any foul odors from your AC system.

Here are some easy tips to keep your car ac clean and smelling great. To clean your ac, First of all, you need to know where your AC filter is. Most cars have two filters: the cabin and air intake filters.

Step by Step Guideline On How to Clean Car AC System

• Step 1 – Take Your Air Conditioner Apart
• Step 2 – Flush it Out
• Step 3 – Clean the air filter
• Step 4 – Search the Ducts
• Step 5 – Remove the Accumulator
• Step 6 – Replace the Accumulator

Step 1: Take Your Air Conditioner Apart

The first step is to completely take your air conditioner apart, allowing you to gain access to the vehicle’s inner workings and drain out any dirt or debris that has accumulated. Remove all hoses, evaporators, condensers, or other air conditioning components you find.

Step 2: Flush it Out

Now, use duct cleaner spray to flush out each individual part of the system, Afterwards, you can wipe off the condenser with a paper towel and wipe it with a cloth.

To clean the accumulator, you must use a shop-vac with a soft-bristled brush attachment. You should avoid opening the accumulator since it destroys its moisture-absorbing abilities. 

Besides the ac system, you also need to clean your vehicle’s air intake. Dust, dirt, and moisture are common reasons for bacterial growth in car air conditioning systems. If you want to prevent this, you can clean the vents of your car by using Lysol disinfectant spray. Just make sure you leave the spray for at least 30 minutes before you turn the fan on. This will allow the air conditioner to circulate outside air.

Step 3: Clean the air filter

The most crucial and effective tip is to frequently check and clean the air filter and replace it if necessary. Keep in mind that the air filter in the cabin, not the engine, directly impacts the air conditioning system. It can usually be found behind the glove box in vehicles. If it’s clogged with dirt and debris, clean it by shaking the dry materials off first. Then use water to wash it. Replace it after drying it. If possible, buy a new one if it is damaged.

Step 4: Search the Ducts

Next, search the ducts and locate the evaporator core. You can find the evaporator core by looking at the car’s manual, but this will only work if your car has a manual with this information. A shop-vac with a soft-bristled brush attachment is a great way to clean the evaporator.

After the evaporator has been cleaned, you can use a coil cleaner to remove dirt and debris from the evaporator. After cleaning the evaporator, you need to clean the cabin filter, evaporator, and fan. Be sure to buy a special tool for this purpose. You’ll need to purchase the right tools for this job. After completing this task, you should return the resistor box to the ac evaporator.

Cleaning the condenser of your car AC system is one of the most important things you can do:

1. Remove the plastic covers.
2. Clean the area around the condenser and bumper.
3. Make sure you reconnect the fog light.
4. Remove the clips and screws holding the AC condenser in place.

Once all components have been removed, replace the parts using new ones. You can also use a blowgun to remove the water.

To clean the condenser:

1. Start by shaking a bottle of coil cleaner.
2. Spray the solution on the surface.
3. Wait five to 10 minutes before turning on the air conditioning system. The cleaner should foam up, so don’t forget to leave the area overnight.

Once the air conditioning unit is completely dry, you can remove the protective plastic caps. Once you are finished, replace the plastic caps.

Step 5: Remove the Accumulator

After removing the accumulator, you’ll need to clean the accumulator. The accumulator bracket will help you align the accumulator to your car’s interior. It’s best to start threads and align bolts before tightening the lines. Next, you’ll need to remove the accumulator. Lastly, you’ll need to remove the evaporator bracket.

Step 6: Replace the Accumulator

When you’re done, you’ll have to replace the accumulator. The accumulator is a cylinder that contains air and refrigerant. It’s important to clean the accumulator to keep it working properly. However, it can’t be reinstalled without first taking off the front bumper. If the ac unit is leaking refrigerant, you’ll need to replace it.

Again, Once you’ve removed the front bumper, you can now clean the AC condenser. To do this, you must turn off the car’s air conditioner and all the windows. Make sure to remove the screws before cleaning the condenser. Then, you can clean the AC vents. Again, ensure that you have removed the accumulator / receiver-drier before starting the cleaning process.