Air conditioning cleaner

[mjstokes85]

Not sure what section to post this in, but I guess it falls under detailing and car care. Anyway, what I want to know is, has anyone used an air conditioning cleaner like "Comma Aircon Cleaner" that Halfords sell, or any equivalent? If so what are the results like, they claim to kill the bacteria in the pipes etc to make the air con smell fresh and give a "new car smell" back to the car. So, has anyone used this stuff?

 

[SimonFRTDI]

If it is the one that comes in an aerosol you just set it off with the ac on full and leave it to circulate for a few mins. Can't say I noticed any difference when I used it but then my ac did not smell! Probably worth doing for £5 or so.

One piece of advice though, do not try and move the car quickly while it is still going, it is not as nice to breath as air!

 

[mjstokes85]

If it is the one that comes in an aerosol you just set it off with the ac on full and leave it to circulate for a few mins. Can't say I noticed any difference when I used it but then my ac did not smell! Probably worth doing for £5 or so.

One piece of advice though, do not try and move the car quickly while it is still going, it is not as nice to breath as air!

Yeh thats the sort, put it behind the drivers seat set it off, put recirc air con on, close the doors and leave it for 10 mins i think it says. My AC doesn't really smell too bad, I get the odd whiff damp stale air from time to time but nothing major, it's just never been done in the 5 years I've had my car so might give it a bash.

 

[nightflight]

Did mine with the comma one form halfords.
got rid of the smell for a bit, until the smell of the cleaner faded (beware, this stuff really does smell strongly) suspect my pollen filter's got wet hence the ongoing smell?

 

[SimonFRTDI]

It is strong, and as you say, not sure how much of the 'cleaning' is just a strong smell. Still worth a go though.

Not sure on the pollen filter, but I think they are fairly cheap to replace (and are part of certain services I think?). Again, probably worthreplacing to see if it gets rid.

 

[Neo]

Hi guys, just putting my 2 pence in...

The smell is caused by chilled air left in the pipes after switching off the engine. When you`ve had a/c on, the cold air is trapped there and condenses - this moisture then goes mouldy.

After killing this bacteria with one of those cans you can prevent the smell coming back by switching the a/c off a couple of minutes before you reach your destination - or even set it to warm, this will clear it of the cold air so it does`nt turn to moisture when the pipes warm up after engine shutdown.

Hope this helps

 

[cube5]

What happens to the liquid after this 'cleaning' process? I've noticed a pool under front of my car so I wonder if thst was the content of the can...

 

[/dev/null]

^ No, that's just condensation from the air con

 

[Neo]

What happens to the liquid after this 'cleaning' process? I've noticed a pool under front of my car so I wonder if thst was the content of the can...

A lot of cars will do that when the a/c has been used - it`s moisture dripping off the evaporator case, and when the car is standing it drips off... nothing to worry about.

 

[cube5]

A lot of cars will do that when the a/c has been used - it`s moisture dripping off the evaporator case, and when the car is standing it drips off... nothing to worry about.

Thanks, I was a bit worried to be honest...

 

[stuarta]

Just wondering if this is the same problem as I have.

My Leon is just coming up to it's first MOT and just booked it in with the dealer for my final free service.

Since day 1 though, I've had constant issues with the air con/heater. At one point I couldn't drive the car very far without the screen misting up and had to spend most trips with full heat on the screen so I could see.

This was fixed, although I can't remember what was replaced, seem to remember a wire or something not connected.

However I still have issues with the air con. When I switch it on, it's cool, but I wouldn't say cold, especially when compared to my 7 old BMW that I sold to get the Leon and my gf's mum's 6yr old Daewoo Lacetti (which is like a fridge). Also, if I have it on for any length of time, even as short as 10mins, when I switch if off, I can a smell coming through which my gf describes as smelly socks.

I've mentioned this to the dealer several times, all of which they can't find anything but the problem still persists. I've told them again and it's being serviced Thursday. Keen to see if there is anything I can back it up with. They have in the past tried charging me for a recharge, but I feel I shouldn't have to do this as the car isn't that old. Going back to my BMW, I had that for 7 years and never had a single fault with it and never recharged it once.

I'm tempted now by this Comma Cleaner, but not sure if it will fix anything in my case.

Would appreciate thoughts.

Thanks

 

[nightflight]

Exact same issue i have with mine, tried the comma cleaner, but that's not worked.
Only happens on mine if i have it bringing in air from the outside, if i have the aircon on with the recirculation button on it doesn't smell.

 

[stuarta]

hmmm interesting, never tried it with recirculation on. Had nice hand wash on it yesterday so stinking at the moment with a nice vanilla air freshner (not)