Car Air-Con Sanitisers

An air-con sanitiser treats the musty smell that blows out of the vents when the fan first comes on, caused by bacteria and mould in the damp parts of the air-con system. The can is set off inside the closed car with the ventilation running, so the treatment is drawn through the system instead of just scenting the cabin. The range here is the Designer Fragrances Air Con Refresh Bomb, a 150ml can in Black Code, Azul, Fleur and Cherry.

How to choose

Choose an air-con treatment when the smell comes from the vents and is worst as the fan starts. If it sits in the seats, carpets or headlining (smoke, pets, spilt food), look at Odour & Smoke Eliminators instead; the Alchemy Re-Fresh Odour Bombs there can also be run through the air-con. The same four scents come as Designer Fragrances Blast Cans in Aerosol Air Fresheners.

Good to know

• Follow the steps on the can: usually fan on full, recirculation on, doors shut and nobody inside, then air the car out before driving.
• If the smell soon comes back, change the cabin (pollen) filter: a damp, dirty filter holds the smell and the treatment will not last.

Can I clean my car air con myself?

Yes. The musty smell from the vents can be treated at home with an air-con sanitiser can, set off in the closed, empty car with the fan running on recirculation. If the smell soon returns, change the cabin filter as well.

Related: Air Fresheners & Odour Control, Odour & Smoke Eliminators, Aerosol Air Fresheners, Vent Air Fresheners.

Popular brands here: Designer Fragrances.