How To: Use Lysol to Clean Your Car's Air Conditioning System of Bacteria

Air conditioning systems are cold and damp and provide excellent breeding grounds for bacteria and mold, as well as adding odor to the air coming out of the vents.

If the air conditioner in your car is emitting a foul odor, it could very well be infested with bacteria. But instead of spending a ton of your hard-earned cash flushing your A/C system, you can clean it yourself with just a can of Lysol disinfectant spray.

Step 1. Blow up the air conditioner

Start by turning on the A/C and running the fan at maximum speed - make sure the recirculation option is enabled. from, since you want outside air to enter through the vents.

Step 2: Roll Windows Down

When blasting AC, roll down all windows to allow the Lysol spray to exit your vehicle properly. This is an important step - spray fumes can harm you and your pets.

Step 3: Spray Lysol on outdoor vents.

On the outside of your car, you will see air vents at the bottom of the windshield. When the AC fan is running at full speed, you should feel air being sucked in.

Take a can of Lysol and spray it thoroughly into this opening and the driver's and passenger's sides.

Step 4: Let your car air out

Leave the air conditioner on for at least 15 minutes after spraying to allow Lysol to pass through the system and out. After that, you can leave the windows closed overnight in your garage to make sure all the fumes are vented out of the system.

Depending on your region, you may want to do this several times a year, especially during the summer when it's hot and humid.

For more information, watch Scotty Kilmer's video below:

All images via Scotty Kilmer