Reddit reviews nextzett 96110515 Klima-Cleaner Air Conditioner Cleaner - 10 fl oz

It all depends on how deep you want to go and how much time you want to spend vs. the cost of a replacement vacuum.

I'd disassemble everything, all the plastic bits in a solution of vinegar or some anti-fungal.

Isolate where the smell is coming from.

If it's in the motor, do not put any liquid into the motor while it's running.

Any liquids will potentially damage the motor, but at this point if the motor is full of mold it's not much good to you anyway.

I know they make an anti-fungal spray for car HVAC systems like this one. You could spray that inside the motor's fan chamber according to the directions.

Replace all the bags, filters, etc.

That should do it.

if the filter doesn't fix it all, or even as a proactive measure before installing the new filter, some cleaner for the whole system would help alot. It goes in the intake behind the glovebox and outside the car as per directions on the can, just don't breathe much air from the cabin until you are done spraying, then breathe peacefully.

edit: didn't look at that product as closely as I should have (sorry for that,) seems far more complicated than my actual favorite, whose process is a bit easier

smells come from many places in the car. so try these methods

-use http://www.amazon.com/1Z-Einszett-961105-einszett-Cleaner/dp/B0002Z2MKO to get rid of smells from the aircon evaporator.

-use one of those fabric softner sheets and leave it under the seat.

-coffee grounds, baking soda + vacuum also work

-use a carpet cleaner on the carpet and seats

This won't really fix the problem, but it sure will help make the smell a lot better

http://www.amazon.com/einszett-961105-Klima-Cleaner-Professional-Conditioner/dp/B0002Z2MKO

It comes with a really long tube with a nozzle on the end that you fish down the vents and spray it along the whole path

Mold and reduced AC performance.

On yours you can see the drain tube inside the car.

See this video showing how the drain tube connects.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kkqs6k-JErs

Get some towels to catch the water then pull off the drain hose, then gently poke out the hose and opening.

Also you should replace your cabin air filter.

Once the drain is clear, I would remove the filter and spray a bunch of AC coil cleaner spray in there, then install the new filter. This will make your AC minty fresh and kill any mold/mildew in there.

How to change cabin filter in 2001 Civic
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emOtTVAfIuM

Klima-Cleaner Air Conditioner Cleaner

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002Z2MKO/ref=psdc_15735121_t2_B079TM4RV6

Cabin filter

https://www.amazon.com/CF10135-Fresh-Breeze-Filter-Hammer/dp/B0010E3JUI/

I have the same issues with my VW golf - sweaty feet smell - this is the best stuff I have found

https://www.amazon.com/einszett-961108-Klima-Cleaner-Conditioner-Cleaner/dp/B0002Z2MKO

There are a few YouTube videos out there on how to use it. -

Change the cabin filter, if still stinky you can try this: http://www.amazon.com/einszett-961105-Klima-Cleaner-Professional/dp/B0002Z2MKO

I know Einszett for their Klima-Cleaner Air Conditioner Cleaner

Einszett is the source company.

I Googled around and found that mineral spirits is effective at deep cleaning foam pads of waxes and sealants. Just make sure to wear gloves.

First determine if your car has a cabin air filter. If it does, replace it.

While the filter is out, use a vent cleaner to remove odors from the A/C and heater unit. Read and follow the directions carefully or you'll make a mess.

A couple of Ozium canisters under the seat works well after the interior is shampooed. Smoke rises so make sure the headliner is gently but thoroughly cleaned.

Call some used car dealers if you decide to get the car professionally cleaned. Ask them who they use for cars with smoke odors.