TOP 9 air conditioner cleaners
Content
Car air conditioner cleaner - this is a tool that not only restores the effective operation of climate control, but also ensures that its internal elements are cleaned of dust and dirt, in which, in turn, pathogenic bacteria (perhaps even fungal infections) multiply, which cause an unpleasant smell in the cabin vehicle and worsening the well-being of passengers.
Therefore, regular use of a car air conditioner cleaner will not only create and maintain a comfortable temperature in the cabin, but will also protect the driver and passengers from inhaling harmful substances. There are both factory-made products for cleaning air conditioners, and compositions that you can make yourself. At the same time, it must be remembered that the cleaner is usually used in combination with other products intended for cleaning the interior, ventilation elements, and so on. And in order to figure out what cleans better and which cleaner best copes with the task, a rating was created based on the characteristics and results after use by real people.
Types and features of air conditioner cleaners
Before moving on to the review of popular car air conditioner cleaners, it is worth familiarizing yourself with their types and features of use. So, at present, the following types can be found on the shelves of car dealerships:
Using a foam cleaner
- foam;
- spray can;
- smoke bomb.
Despite their diversity, they work on a similar principle. namely, the active addition, regardless of its state of aggregation, is placed inside the air conditioner (on the evaporator), after which the system is turned on. This cleans the air conditioner from bacteria, dust and dirt. However, to improve the effect, it is better to dismantle the evaporator and rinse it separately. Do not forget also that the cabin filter is recommended to be changed at least once a year. Cleaning the air conditioner is a great reason to replace it accordingly.
Perhaps the most effective, and therefore the best air conditioner cleaner, is considered foamy. This is achieved due to the fact that thick foam (almost any product, regardless of brand) penetrates into the tubes and cavities of the machine air conditioning system, thereby removing all dust, dirt and microbes. Aerosol cleaners are less effective, although there are good examples among them.
Separately, it is worth dwelling on the so-called smoke bombs. They are intended primarily for disinfection. After activating the checker, hot smoke containing quartz begins to intensively come out of it. Please note that such cleaning must be carried out when there are no people and / or animals in the cabin! The cleaning procedure takes about 8-10 minutes. After that, the interior must be carefully checked.
detailed operating instructions are usually applied to the package body or additionally printed on the attached sheet. However, in most cases, the algorithm for using air conditioner cleaners is similar, and consists of the following steps:
Air conditioner cleaning
- dismantle the cabin filter;
- apply a cleaner to the air conditioner evaporator (as carefully as possible, from all sides);
- close the plugs of the filter element;
- raise the windows in the car and close the doors;
- turn on the stove at maximum speed, and do not turn on the air conditioner, but set it to air recirculation mode;
- also add an air conditioner cleaner to the drain hole, while its residues may flow out;
- wait for the time specified in the instructions (usually up to 10 ... 15 minutes);
- turn on the stove in heating mode in order to dry the interior;
- open the windows and / or doors of the car for ventilation;
- install the cabin filter (preferably new);
- make sure the air conditioner is working.
In some cases (with severe contamination), the air conditioner can be cleaned twice. In case of very heavy contamination, when traditional cleaners do not help, it is necessary to perform a mechanical cleaning of the device. To do this, it is better to contact a service station or a specialized car service.
Rating of 9 popular car air conditioner cleaners
A natural question that interests motorists within the framework of the topic under discussion is which car air conditioner cleaner is better? It’s worth mentioning right away that they differ not only in efficiency and price, but also in the conditions of use. namely, if a huge amount of debris got into the air conditioner, and it was compressed there, then even the best air conditioner cleaner may not save in such a situation.
the following is a rating of popular cleaners that have shown their effectiveness, judging by the numerous reviews and tests on the Internet conducted by various motorists. If you have had any experience (both positive and negative) on the use of this kind of funds, we will be glad to hear your opinion in the comments.
Step Up
This is one of the most popular and effective foam cleaners for machine air conditioners. According to the instructions, it is injected into the drain pipe of the air conditioner, and after the active reaction enters into the reaction, it very well and quickly eliminates unpleasant odors, cleans pipes and other elements of the air conditioning system. It has a pleasant smell that does not remain after using the product in the car.
Please note that cylinders are sold with or without an extension hose. The hose can be purchased separately. The option with a hose, of course, is preferable, since it is more convenient to work with it. Manufacturer recommends after applying the cleaner, use an air conditioner freshener of the same brand, as an unpleasant odor may remain in the cabin. However, this is at the discretion of the owner.
Sold in a 510 ml can. Item number - SP5152. The price as of the summer of 2020 is about 550 rubles. As for the extension hose, you can buy it under the following article - SP5154K. It costs 340 rubles.
Liqui Moly air conditioning cleaner
This is a foam cleaner from a well-known German manufacturer. drivers note a high effect from the use of this composition. As for use, first you need to remove the cabin filter. After that, about two-thirds of the can must be applied to the evaporator of the air conditioner, and the remaining volume - to the drain hole of the air conditioning system.
After injecting the Liquid Moli Klim cleaner foam into the system, you need to wait about 10 minutes so that its composition removes unpleasant odors, dust, and also disinfects the internal cavity of the air conditioning system. After use, the interior must be ventilated, and it is advisable to replace the cabin filter with a new one.
Sold in a 250 ml bottle. The article of the Liqui Moly Klima-Anlagen-Reiniger air conditioner cleaner is 7577. The price for the above time period is about 1250 rubles.
Mannol Air Conditioner Cleaner
Mannol Air Conditioner Cleaner is a foam air conditioner cleaner. The effectiveness of the tool is quite high, which is confirmed by numerous tests and practice of real use. The volume of the cylinder, depending on the contamination of the air conditioner, can be enough for one or even two cleanings. In general, the product is similar to other foam cleaners, the active ingredient in its composition quickly and efficiently removes unpleasant odors and dirt from the air conditioning system.
The usage algorithm is the same as above. you need to turn off the internal combustion engine, remove the cabin filter, and then apply the agent from the inside or outside (depending on the design of the car and the presence of a viewing hole) into the air conditioning system. And to do this in portions with breaks of 30 seconds. The cleaning time is usually 10-15 minutes. After that, it is better to change the cabin filter to a new one.
Sold in 520 ml cans. The item number is 9971. The price as of the summer of 2020 is about 390 rubles.
Sonax Clima Clean Antibacterial
An effective foam cleaner for machine air conditioners with an antibacterial effect. Its high efficiency is noted due to high-quality performance and the use of a unique chemical composition. On the Internet you can find many positive reviews about this tool.
The application method is traditional. It must be applied to the evaporator or into the drainage system, after waiting for some time in order for something to also chemically react with pollution. then dry the system with the included stove. Don't forget to ventilate the interior! Of the advantages, it is worth noting its high efficiency, as well as the absence of an unpleasant odor. the basic disadvantage is the relatively high price with a small volume of the cylinder.
Sold in a 100 ml bottle. Its article number is 323100. The price is approximately 640 rubles.
Runway Air Conditioner Cleaner
The difference between this Runway cleaner and those listed above is that it is aerosol. Therefore, it must be used from the inside of the cabin. It has good cleaning and disinfecting properties. In addition to machine air conditioners, it can also be used for similar household appliances.
Shake the bottle well before use. then turn off the air conditioner and start the engine at idle. Using the existing tube, spray the agent into the air intake grilles and into the drain tube of the air conditioner evaporator. After that, turn off the internal combustion engine and wait about 5 ... 10 minutes for the cleaner to be absorbed. then start the internal combustion engine again and leave it to idle for 10 minutes, while turning on the ventilation system at full power. Please note that during the cleaning process, the interior doors must be kept open, and do not close them until they are completely ventilated. One can is designed for one cleaning of the air conditioning system. The undeniable advantage of this cleaner is its low cost.
Sold in 300 ml cans. The item number is RW6122. The price is about 220 rubles.
GOOD BN-153
A distinctive feature of this tool is the fact that it is positioned as a cleaner not for machine, but for domestic and industrial air conditioners. However, many drivers use them specifically for cleaning machine units, and note its high efficiency. It is an aerosol cleaner that is sold in the appropriate packaging with a manual sprayer.
Cleaning the machine air conditioner must be done with the removal of the cabin filter. then you need to turn on the air recirculation in the cabin at full power and spray the product on the cooler or in the air intake points (depending on the design of the car). Continue the action until dirty cleaning liquid flows out of the drainage tube, preferably until it is as clean as possible. The procedure usually takes about 5 minutes. After cleaning, ventilate the car interior.
Sold in a 500 ml manual spray bottle. The price is about 400 rubles for the mentioned package.
Wurth
The manufacturer is positioned as a deodorizing and disinfecting cleaner for Wurth air conditioners. Many car owners using this tool note its rather high efficiency both in terms of cleaning the air conditioning system and in eliminating unpleasant odors. Among the shortcomings, one can note its rather high price with a small volume of the can.
The method of application of the product is similar for aerosol cleaners. So, you need to turn off the car's internal combustion engine, turn on the system in air recirculation mode (without air conditioning), open the vents. Turn on the minimum fan speed and direct the air flow towards you. Place the cylinder in the middle of the passenger compartment (between the driver's and side passenger seats) so that its atomizer is directed vertically. Press the button until it clicks and leave the car (doors and windows must be closed). After 5 ... 10 minutes, turn off the air conditioner and turn off the engine. Allow the interior to ventilate, while trying not to inhale the sprayed product. Try to avoid getting the cleaner on the skin, and even more so in the eyes and mouth!
It is sold in small cans of 150 ml. The article of the Würth air conditioner cleaner is 89376455. The price is 400 rubles.
On Plaque
Plak's air conditioner purifier came in last place in the rankings. The reason for this is the numerous negative reviews of car owners who have used this tool at different times. namely, not only its low efficiency is noted, but also a very sharp unpleasant smell, which after use is very difficult to remove from the salon (judging by some stories, such an unpleasant smell can stay in the cabin for several months). However, the advantage of this purifier is its low price. But in connection with the mentioned significant drawback, the decision on whether to buy such an air conditioner cleaner or not lies entirely with the car owner.
The use of Atas Plak MIX air conditioner cleaner is standard. you need to turn off the internal combustion engine, dismantle the cabin filter, and then use a tube to apply the agent into the ventilation holes. If after 10 minutes the flowing liquid is black or green, then it is advisable to repeat the cleaning procedure until the liquid is clean. Due to the fact that the composition of the cleaner includes a strong chemical additive, then the product should not be allowed to come into contact with the skin, and even more so with the eyes and / or oral cavity!
Sold in a 500 ml bottle. The item number is 30024. The price is 300 rubles.
Smoke bomb for cleaning Carmate air conditioner
Separately, it is worth noting the smoke bombs popular among motorists for cleaning the air conditioner from the Japanese company Carmate. The tool is positioned by the manufacturer as an air freshener with a bactericidal effect, using silver ions, has no smell. Judging by the numerous reviews of motorists, it works quite effectively removes unpleasant odors from the passenger compartment and air conditioning.
The steps for using checkers are quite simple. To do this, you need to set the internal circulation mode on the air conditioner and it is desirable to set the direction of air movement “in the face”. then set the temperature to the minimum value for the air conditioner and start the internal combustion engine. Let the air conditioner run for about 5 minutes. Then take a smoke bomb, turn it over, make a hole in the lower part in accordance with the attached instructions (pull up). Press the button in the middle of the bank with the inscription PUSH. Note! 30 seconds after this, the jar will start to get very hot., so you need to have time to install it on the floor in front of the front passenger seat, get out of the car and close all doors and windows. The cleaning time is 10 minutes. After that, open the car doors, turn off the engine, turn off the air conditioner and ventilate the interior well.
It is sold in a special metal can. The item number is D21RU. The price of such a checker is 650 rubles.
How to make a DIY cleaner
If for some reason you do not want to buy a car air conditioner cleaner (want to save money or not able to visit the store), then there are several simple folk recipes with which you can make quite effective products that can compete with factory formulations. For example:
air conditioner cleaning hose
- Chlorhexidine. This is a popular and cheap remedy sold in pharmacies and used in medical practice as an antiseptic. It is available in various forms, however, to create a cleaning composition, you need to buy a solution for external use with a concentration of 0,05%. After that, in a 1: 1 ratio, chlorhexidine must be mixed with medical alcohol. Another option for using this product is to warm it up a little and apply it without impurities using a sprayer inside the air conditioning system.
- Chloramine. This is a less popular and rather rare liquid. However, if you have the opportunity to get it, then you need to dissolve it in the proportion of one tablespoon per liter of water.
- Lysoformin (namely, Lysoformin 3000). This is a fairly expensive modern drug used to ensure sterility on surfaces. Due to its high cost, its use is debatable, since there are factory-made air conditioner cleaners that are much cheaper. However, if you decide to use lysoformin, then it must be diluted in a proportion of 50 grams of the product per liter of water.
It is better to preheat the system by turning on the internal combustion engine for 5 ... 10 minutes. then, using a sprayer, apply the solution to the intake holes and into the pipes of the system (it is advisable to avoid droplets on the impeller). it is also possible to apply part of the agent from the passenger compartment, having previously set the recirculation mode. At the end of the procedure, you need to turn on the oven to dry. As you can see, the cleaning process is similar to factory products. Please note that cleaning with the popular Chlorhexidine is best done at temperatures above 20 degrees Celsius, so it works more efficiently!
Conclusions
Remember that you need to clean the machine air conditioner, as well as change the cabin filter on a regular basis! This will not only ensure its high efficiency, but also save the health of the driver and passengers, since the products used for this not only wash off dust and dirt from pipes and air conditioning systems, but also destroy pathogenic microbes that are harmful to the human body.
As for the means used for cleaning, their choice is currently quite wide. It also depends on logistics, so different brands may be represented in different regions. What to choose is up to you. If you want to save money, you can make your own air conditioner cleaner according to the recipe above.
In 2020, compared to 2018 (the time this article was written), prices for all funds from the rating rose by an average of 50-80 rubles. The Liqui Moly Klima-Anlagen-Reiniger air conditioner cleaner has risen in price most significantly - by 250 rubles.
