Professional Air Vent and HVAC System Detailing

Park the vehicle in a shaded, well-ventilated area. In Australian summer conditions, ensure the interior has cooled down from peak heat before applying any chemicals. Applying cleaners to 50°C+ plastic can cause flash-drying and permanent chemical spotting. Open all doors to allow cross-ventilation during the cleaning process.

Using a vacuum with a soft brush attachment, remove loose surface dust from the exterior of the vents. This prevents the dust from turning into 'mud' once liquid cleaners are introduced. Pay special attention to the base of the windscreen where the intake vents are located, as leaves and debris often accumulate here.

Mix your pH-neutral APC in a spray bottle at a 1:10 ratio (100ml product to 900ml water). Ensure your detailing brushes are clean and dry. If using a steam cleaner, fill it with demineralised water to prevent lime-scale buildup, which is common in many Australian municipal water supplies.

Locate and remove the old cabin air filter (usually behind the glovebox). Do not install the new filter yet. Removing the filter allows for better airflow during the cleaning process and ensures you aren't blowing dust through a clogged medium while working on the vents.

Use compressed air or a cordless blower to blow out the internal vent channels. Start from the vents furthest from the blower and work your way across. This dislodges fine red dust trapped behind the directional slats. Keep a vacuum nozzle near the vent opening to catch the airborne particles as they exit.

Using a dry 15mm boar's hair brush, agitate the hinges and edges of the vent slats. Move the slats up and down to reach the hidden surfaces. This mechanical action breaks the static bond that fine dust has with the plastic surfaces, making the subsequent wet-clean more effective.

Do NOT spray cleaner directly into the vents. Instead, spray your 1:10 APC solution onto the tips of your detailing brush. This prevents liquid from dripping into sensitive electronics, such as the infotainment system or climate control sensors located behind the dash.

Work the dampened brush into the crevices of each vent. Use a side-to-side motion for horizontal slats and an up-and-down motion for vertical ones. Ensure you reach the very back of the visible slat. The APC will emulsify oils from fingers and any sticky residue from atmospheric pollution.

For extremely tight corners where a brush cannot reach, use a foam-tipped detailing swab dampened with APC. This is crucial for the pivot points of the vents where red dust often cakes into a hard crust. Replace the swab as soon as it shows signs of heavy soil transfer.

If using a steam cleaner, wrap a microfibre cloth over the nozzle. Briefly pulse steam into the vent (no more than 2 seconds at a time). The heat kills bacteria and mould spores instantly. Immediately wipe away any condensed moisture with a dry microfibre towel to prevent water spots.

Use a fresh, dry microfibre cloth wrapped around a flat tool (like a trim removal tool) to wipe between the slats. This removes any remaining APC residue and ensures the vents are completely dry. Leaving moisture behind in the dark channels can encourage new mould growth.

With the engine running and AC on 'Recirculate' at maximum fan speed, activate your antimicrobial AC aerosol in the passenger footwell (the intake area). Close all windows and doors for 10-15 minutes. This allows the disinfectant to cycle through the entire evaporator core and ducting.

Apply a small amount of UV-resistant dressing to a clean microfibre swab. Lightly coat the visible parts of the vent slats. This provides a sacrificial layer against the intense Australian sun, preventing the plastic from fading or becoming chalky over time.

Use a bright LED torch to inspect the depths of the vents for any missed dust or streaks. Once satisfied, install the new cabin air filter, ensuring the airflow direction arrow matches the housing. Turn the AC to 'Fresh Air' mode and run for 5 minutes to clear any remaining aerosol scent.