Forté Technical Tips – How to effectively clean car air conditioning systems

Customers coming to you complaining about air con smells in their car or perhaps you’re wondering how best to clean your customers’ car air conditioning systems ahead of summer? Join us as we take a look at how these bad smells occur, the signs of a contaminated air conditioning system, and the Forté solution that will help you easily clean these systems. 

Why and how air con smells in a car

To maintain optimal performance and ensure passenger comfort year-round, it is recommended to use the A/C and Climate Control systems regularly. Manufacturers advise running the system briefly on a cold setting at least once a week if it’s not in constant use. But what happens when you don’t do this? 

Well, failure to use the system regularly, especially during colder months, can lead to various problems. In winter, cold and damp conditions can cause condensation to accumulate on the evaporator, a component that cools the incoming air. This creates an ideal environment for mould and fungi to thrive. As microorganisms grow, they release spores that can be harmful when breathed in by vehicle occupants.

During warmer months when the A/C is in use, the smells that the air con system produces are circulated into the cabin, compromising air quality and creating discomfort for passengers. This is often called ‘sick car syndrome,’ with sensitive individuals experiencing flu-like symptoms due to exposure to the bacterial spores. Under normal circumstances, excess condensation is supposed to drain from the vehicle via a tube connected to the evaporator. However, if this drain tube becomes blocked, water can accumulate in the ducting, fostering the growth of harmful microorganisms.

The signs of a contaminated air conditioning system

So, when should you recommend a vehicle air conditioning decontamination treatment? Well, as the weather warms up and summer approaches, many people rely on their vehicle’s air conditioning system to keep them cool and comfortable whilst driving. When a vehicle enters the workshop, there are several opportunities to check and recommend an air conditioning decontamination treatment, including… 

1. Unpleasant Odours

When the air conditioning is turned on, bad air con smells in the car indicate contamination. Often described as musty or mouldy, these odours signal the presence of mould or bacteria breeding within the system. This contamination is typically fuelled by moisture accumulation in the air conditioning system, creating an ideal breeding ground for microorganisms.

An air conditioning decontamination treatment is strongly advised if a customer complains about a foul smell in their vehicle.

2. Changing pollen filters

Contaminated pollen filters can have detrimental effects on the air conditioning system’s performance and air con smells in the car. These filters trap dust, pollen and other airborne particles and ensure clean air circulation within the vehicle. However, when these filters become clogged or contaminated, they reduce airflow, leading to strain on the air conditioning system. This strain results in reduced cooling efficiency and increased energy consumption.

Conducting an air conditioning clean when replacing heavily contaminated filters is recommended to mitigate bad smells, mould, and bacteria growth within the system.

3. Regular servicing

Routine maintenance of the vehicle’s air conditioning system is crucial for optimal performance. Incorporating and knowing how to clean a car air conditioning system is part of routine servicing, which helps prevent contamination and maintains the system’s efficiency.

The Forté Solution

When you’re looking for ways on how to clean vehicle air conditioning, look no further than Forté. We’ve created 2 specially formulated treatments that tackle air con smells in the car quickly and effectively. 

Power-Clean AC Bacteria & Odour Remover 

The Power-Clean AC Bacteria & Odour Remover, is an all year-round, 15-minute service solution, to effectively clean and decontaminate the air conditioning system and interior surfaces, without the removal of parts or cabin filters.

• The safest way to clean A/C systems without risk of damage to parts or internal surfaces
• 15 minute application with no technician supervision required
• No removal of parts or cabin filters is required
• Effective on 99.9% of all bacteria, viruses and fungi found within A/C systems, including SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)
• Removes bacteria from interior surfaces of the vehicle
• Removes bad odours
• Leaves a pleasant, fresh aroma
• The fine vapour can effectively gain 100% penetration of the A/C system getting to the source of the problem

Learn more about this solution. 

Air Conditioner Treatment 

Forté Air Conditioner Treatment is a preventative and curative treatment used to safely and effectively eliminate mould, fungi and unpleasant odours from vehicle air conditioning systems.

• Destroys bacteria on the evaporator
• Eliminates unpleasant air con smells in car emitted from air conditioning systems
• Deodorises the passenger cabin
• Provides a healthier environment for car occupants
• Easy to use and safe application

Learn more about this effective solution. 

Now you have a better understanding on how to effectively clean car air conditioning systems in time for summer. To ensure your customers are satisfied with your garage service, use our specialist air conditioning products, to get rid of bad odours once and for all. For more on this topic, or if you have a query about our products, please get in touch with us.