How To Clean Your Car's Air Vents And Make Them Smell Better

If your car has an odd smell or the air conditioning is blowing out a musty odour, then its air vents are probably due for a cleaning. The air vents are not the most obvious components to clean out when washing your car; however, they should be given priority since they trap dirt, cause bad smells, and circulate stale air when unkept. As such, you'll want to drop your car off at the cleaners every now and again to keep your air vents minty fresh. You can also do it yourself with a few tools, some elbow grease, and a bit of patience.

To do this, get a soft brush, a microfiber cloth, compressed air, a gentle cleaning solution, and a deodorizer, which you'll apply last. Start by locating the plenum and AC vents. Cars usually have two plenums: one for the engine, which helps increase your car's horsepower, and another for the HVAC. The HVAC plenum is the box where your car's air intake comes from. It is usually at the base of the windshield.

Once you've found the plenum and the vents, you can begin cleaning by using compressed air to clear any dirt, dust, pet hair, and whatnot. Then spray or apply the cleaning solution on its surfaces. Use the soft brush to scrub away any stains or dirt, then wipe off with a damp microfiber cloth. Foam swabs and vent cleaning sticks will come in handy for cleaning out corners that you can't reach with the brush or cloth. You can also use cleaning wipes to disinfect the surface area after washing.

Many people overlook the cabin air filter when cleaning the air vents. No vent cleaning is complete without checking and, if needed, replacing the cabin air filter. This is the chief culprit when it comes to dirty air vents, as it is meant to provide a layer of defense against dust, dirt, and other debris. When it's clogged, those contaminants will go right back into the air vents and then into your nostrils. For those reasons, you have to change your cabin air filter regularly or as your car's maintenance schedule dictates.

Also, don't underestimate the power of a good car air freshener or deodorizer. Something as simple as placing one underneath seats or on top of the front and back dashboards can go a long way in eliminating rotten smells. Alternatively, wind down the windows and leave the doors open every now and then to let the car air out naturally. This can help dissipate even the most stubborn odours, especially if it's caused by wet items or moisture build-up, such as damp seats or foot mats.

Additionally, pay attention to the cowl drains, if your car has one. Many modern cars have cowl drains, usually located at the fender corners. They can accumulate dirt and debris, which you can remove by squeezing the rubber tubing that frames them.