How to Clean Car Vents After Winter

Winter grime and cabin air don’t mix. Here’s how to safely clean your car’s air vents and HVAC system after the cold season.

Why You Should Clean Your Vents

During winter, your car’s vents pull in all kinds of contaminants: road salt dust, pet dander, moisture, and mold spores. That stale smell you notice when spring hits? It’s coming from dirty vents.

What You’ll Need:

• Complete Cabin Cleaner
• Detailing brushes (like these: Amazon Link)
• Air Freshies

Step-by-Step Vent Cleaning

Step 1: Turn the Car Off

Always shut off your car and HVAC system before you begin cleaning to prevent debris from blowing deeper inside.

Step 2: Agitate with a Vent Brush

Use a soft detailing brush to dislodge dust and buildup inside each vent slat. Work gently to avoid damaging any plastic.

Step 3: Spray and Wipe

Lightly mist a microfiber towel with Complete Cabin Cleaner and carefully wipe the outer trim and plastic frame of the vent area. You can also spray the brush and gently run it through the slats again.

Step 4: Deodorize

Place a Jimbo’s Air Freshie under the front seat or in the rear of the cabin to keep air smelling crisp after cleaning.

Pro Tip: Use Recirculation Mode

After cleaning, run your HVAC on recirculate with the fan on high for 5 minutes to help clear any remaining airborne dust.

Related Posts

• How to Remove Winter Smells from Your Car
• Top Interior Products to Reset After Winter
• Deep Clean Car Interior After Winter

FAQs

Can I spray cleaner directly into my car’s vents?

It’s best to spray onto a brush or towel — not directly into the vent — to avoid liquid dripping into electronics or sensors.

How often should I clean car vents?

At least once every season, or more often if you notice odors or dust buildup.

Will this fix bad smells coming from the HVAC?

If odors persist after cleaning, it might be time to replace your cabin air filter too.