AC vent cleaning

[MDIRADS]

My AC unit has a musty smell when initially turned on, and I want to get rid of it. I am the third owner, so I don’t know if the vents have ever been cleaned. I researched youtube for a basic vent cleaning, and multiple videos direct one to spray lysol into the intake cowl. The RS4 does not have intake vents, at least any I could find. A pic is attached with the cowl panel removed, showing the cabin air filter unit.

Is anyone able to direct me to get rid of the musty vent smell?

IMG_1161.jpg

[longlivenacars]

Following as I've had the exact same issue this summer. Heard about this product over the years but never tried: BG Frigi-Fresh. Anyone recommend this over lysol?

Also would like to know effective spray areas other than direct into blower motor and into the interior vents themselves

[Audibot]

I've used Ozium in the past with pretty good success by spraying it down the cabin air intake (without filter of course) and over the a/c evaporator too

[longlivenacars]

over the a/c evaporator too

I have read before that this is a point where mold likes to grow

Any access tips to get product directly into evaporator?

[Audibot]

If you have the a/c on LOW, the doors will all open and force air over the evaporator because that's where the heat exchange happens. You also do not want recirc when spraying because you want the outside air pathway. Directly down the cabin air intake should be fine. You just need to spray enough of whatever.

When I do it, I typically spray for a good minute straight, hold my breath, and swap the car over to recirc at this point. (you don't want to breathe any of this stuff in)

Run it for some time and usually good to go after that. Bonus is getting rid of other smells in the car.

[Spike00513]

OK

lots of people asking. Here we go.

#1. Run your car on heat. Get it warm. Turn the heat on. Recirc. Close the door ajar and do not lock yourself out. Do this for 30-60min.
The heat will bake the evaporator to get rid of this shit.

#2. They make things you can spray into the vents. Supposedly they do not really work. You can try whatever you want.

#3, FrigiFresh is a spray onto a new cabin filter. It does not do any of the above things

#4, machine ionizing treatment. There is a tool some shops have. You use a set amount of chemical, it's plugged into a socket. Placed under the cabin filter suction with the filter removed. Run it till it's used up. Makes a smoke show.
Inside the car. Door ajar to not lock yourself out but keep the shit in.
There is a bulletin for this.
Common sense applies. Such as recirc.

I've heard about using Oznium. Don't remember if I tried it myself. Maybe once a long time ago.

[MDIRADS]

So it’s as simple as idling the car for. 30-60 mins with heater running in recirc mode? Really?

[Spike00513]

So it’s as simple as idling the car for. 30-60 mins with heater running in recirc mode? Really?

1. It is one of multiple steps
2. Simple depends on who's doing it. Would they do it right? Probably not. Would they lock themselves out? Probably.

[MDIRADS]

If an end user does not have access to a machine ionizer, in addition to running the engine with the heater on, the one other step is frigiFresh. So it’s basically a two step process.

I appreciate your input. I will try the heater and frigiFresh product.

[Spike00513]

If an end user does not have access to a machine ionizer, in addition to running the engine with the heater on, the one other step is frigiFresh. So it’s basically a two step process.

I appreciate your input. I will try the heater and frigiFresh product.

1. heater
2. frigi fresh cabin filter
3. ionizer
4. foaming cleaner in circuit in evaporator

that's at least 4

odds are one does not have an ionizer the same way people generally don't own a $5k+ cert-required Robinair R134a machine and canister at home.

There is a cost benefit analysis associated.
Professional shop has a reason to have such things. It's a a required service, if not for the sake of satisfying the customer.
Or dealerships required to have certain tools on hand, inspected, to be allowed license.
Something that might pay for itself used 10 times, may not pay for itself used once.

[longlivenacars]

Hi MDIRADS, did you try any of this and results?

[MDIRADS]

I have not! I've been busy with work and family, maybe I'll have an opportunity this weekend. I intend to post a follow up when possible. Anyone else try these recommendations?

[MDIRADS]

Finally got around to this today. I ran the car with heater on high for 30-40 mins, then shut down. I removed the cabin air filter and proceeded to start the engine. I turned on the AC, set it to low temp. I went to spray the FrigiFreeze directly into the opening where the cabin air filter feeds into the cooling system, however, with the AC on Max, the recirculation mode automatically engages and closes the fresh air flap where the cabin air filter feeds the system. I turned off the Auto setting on the climate control, which allowed the flap to open. I sprayed the FrigiFreeze directly into the opening and ran the car for 5 mins. Following this, I sprayed the air filter with additional FrigiFreeze and then returned the filter to its case and closed it with the case lid.

I drove the car a while later, and it seems to have improved the smell. I won’t really know until I take the car to work and have it sit out all day in the sun and drive home at the end of the day. Those conditions brought out the heaviest of the musty smell.

[reyxlp]

Finally got around to this today. I ran the car with heater on high for 30-40 mins, then shut down. I removed the cabin air filter and proceeded to start the engine. I turned on the AC, set it to low temp. I went to spray the FrigiFreeze directly into the opening where the cabin air filter feeds into the cooling system, however, with the AC on Max, the recirculation mode automatically engages and closes the fresh air flap where the cabin air filter feeds the system. I turned off the Auto setting on the climate control, which allowed the flap to open. I sprayed the FrigiFreeze directly into the opening and ran the car for 5 mins. Following this, I sprayed the air filter with additional FrigiFreeze and then returned the filter to its case and closed it with the case lid.

I drove the car a while later, and it seems to have improved the smell. I won’t really know until I take the car to work and have it sit out all day in the sun and drive home at the end of the day. Those conditions brought out the heaviest of the musty smell.

Any update on this?

[RAudi Driver]

I run this on a regular basis to keep any mildew smells at bay.

Also follow these simple rules for a fresh smelling ac unit for as long as you own your car.

Summer tips:
1. Never Run your vehicle in Recirculation mode. Always fresh air
2. Never run your temp control on the low setting, 65 degrees to 70 is all you need to be cold. If you must run on low only do it right when you get in the car and try to raise it as soon as possible.
3. Turn off the ac and run the vent before you land at home or work. I do mine at the bottom of the hill and can stay cool enough to get home on a hot day.


Winter tips:
I don't really have any.

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