Surely, we’re getting a little bit obsessive now by suggesting adding air con cleaners to your car interior cleaning kit – but absolutely not. Any system that deals with cooling or heating in a confined space is bound to create moisture, and where there is moisture, there is always the risk of horrible spores and bacteria forming in the system, which can, in turn, cause unpleasant smells and even distribute unhealthy particles into the car.
From lingering pet smells to the remnants of last week’s takeaway, our cars can keep a hold of any number of not-so-pleasant smells that can hang around, even after vacuuming, making the daily commute even more unpleasant. Whether it’s the smell of your doggy pal, stale cigarette smoke, or the gym kit you forgot about two weeks ago, these odours have a knack for making themselves comfortable and at home in our cars, sticking around long after we would like to be rid of them. Sometimes, we have to bite the bullet and make the decision to give the interior a good steam clean to revive it, but there is an easier path.
In less than half an hour, air conditioning cleaners can neutralize and eliminate the most stubborn odours, transforming the interior of your car from an unemptied dustbin back into that comfortable place you know and love.
The best air con cleaners for cars at a glance:
But the benefits don’t end there. Not only do these cleaners obliterate existing odours, but they also have the power to fill your car with a variety of scents – even giving you that ‘new car’ smell. From fresh citrus bursts to the comfort of clean linen, there are many choices. Most of these are easy to use as you just switch the air con to full power, select the recycled air option, activate the spray and close the doors for 10-15 minutes. Then, all you have to do is allow the car to air for another 10-15 minutes, and that’s the job done. Join us as we explore the transformative capabilities of air conditioning cleaners and discover how they can breathe new life into your driving experience.
The best air con cleaners for cars
Editor's choice
Rrp: $12.00
Rrp: $12.00
Pros
- Four choices of scents to suit different tastes
- Easy to use, long-lasting results (Meguiar's claim 'weeks')
- Good value for money at around £15, depending on the flavour
Cons
- The volume isn't as large as others at 59ml
- The entire process takes up to 30-minutes, which isn't great if you're in a rush
The best air con cleaner on a budget
Pros
- Fresh smell and a host of flavours to choose from
- Claims to deodourise your cabin for up to 30-days
- Good value for money at £12 for a pair
Cons
- The smell can be quite strong initially, reportedly
The best air con cleaner for sanitising
Pros
- Does the task in under 10-minutes, which is handy
- Can eliminate bad smells as well as bacteria
- Healthy volume at 150ml, which is a step above some others
Cons
- No choice of scents, unlike the options from Meguiar's and Turtle Wax
The best air con cleaner for quick cleaning
Pros
- Easy-to-follow instructions, as per the form of these devices
- Works quickly as the whole process can be done in under 10-minutes
- Natural smell, which is pleasent for many tastes
Cons
- Spray lock reportedly isn't the best on the market
The best air con cleaner for ease of use
Pros
- Takes a matter of 10-minutes, which is speedy for its type
- Natural citrus smell and 150ml of product, which is a healthy amount
- Can tackle bacteria and even viruses as well as scents
Cons
- The scent could last longer, considering the price point
Best for new car smell
Pros
- 150ml of product is a healthy amount for its type
- The whole process takes under 10-minutes
- Leaves a quoted 'new car fragrance'
Cons
- Could potentially require a second application, which isn't ideal
Best for a deeper clean
Pros
- Great product for a deeper clean of the air con vents, if that's what you prefer
- Application nozzle included for accuracy of spraying into the vents
- Can be had in a number of flavours to suit different tastes
Cons
- Undoubtedly a more fiddly method than an air freshener bomb type
FAQs
How do air con cleaners work to eliminate odours?
Air conditioning cleaners typically contain powerful enzymes and deodorizers that effectively break down and neutralize odour-causing molecules, similar to some of the spray odour eliminators that are available. Whether sprayed into the air intake vents of your car’s air conditioning system or activated in your car interior, these cleaners circulate throughout the interior, targeting and eliminating odours at their source. This process helps to refresh the air within your car and leave behind a clean, pleasant scent.
Are air con cleaners safe to use in my car?
Yes, most air conditioning cleaners are formulated to be safe for use in vehicles. However, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and avoid spraying the cleaner directly onto surfaces such as upholstery or dashboard components. Additionally, it’s a good idea to test the cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure compatibility with your car’s materials.
How long does it take for air con cleaners to work?
One of the key advantages of air conditioning cleaners is their fast-acting nature. In many cases, you can notice a significant improvement in the freshness of your car’s interior in less than half an hour after application.
Can air con cleaners completely eliminate stubborn odours like cigarette smoke or pet smells?
While air conditioning cleaners are highly effective at neutralizing a wide range of odours, stubborn smells like cigarette smoke or pet odours may need multiple applications to get rid of the smells completely.
What scents are available in air conditioning cleaners?
Air conditioning cleaners come in a variety of scents, ranging from classic favourites like fresh linen and lavender to more exotic options such as tropical fruit or ocean breeze. Whether you prefer a subtle, understated aroma or a bold, invigorating fragrance, there’s sure to be something that suits you.
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