Guys, Had a chance to use the ETU this past weekend and I just wanted to share my experience. I have used 1Z Klima Cleaner for several years. I usually do it on a yearly basis right before I start using the A/C in the Spring time (along with a cabin filter change). I bought two ETU cans when it first came out, but completely forgot I still had them. I performed a quick interior detail on my wife's SUV this weekend and decided to put it to the test. First of all, I was a little dissapointed at the fact that the spray can didn't seem to have enough pressure to release all of its content. The can sprays high enough so that the front and rear AC vents move the particles around the cabin, but it's not a strong pattern like the Dakota odor bombs that literally soak your headliner. Followed the instructions found in the can, and opened the doors ... BANG!! I got hit with the strongest Klima scent ever (smells like the original Klima for those that remember). You need to roll your windows down to let the air circulate a little bit, but the strong smell dissipates in a few minutes. The interior smelled clean and refreshed just like the regular Klima. It does leave a little bit of residue around the area where it sprays, but it wipes clean and without any staining issues. I strongly recommend doing the ETU before applying 1Z Cockpit. In summary, the ETU is a great alternative for those that don't want to mess with spraying foam on the AC ducts. IMO, the ETU and the regular Klima are a 2-step system that will eliminate strong odors from any cabin. I'm planning on using both the ETU and the regular Klima on my daily driver. I'll report back in a few days.
I haven't used either but am thinking about getting one. Few questions, Which one works better? Are there any dangers/downsides to using the original Klima cleaner? Seems like you just stick the tube down the vent and let it rip. I notice I have a bad smell once and a while if I haven't used the AC in a while. Its obviously winter, so I don't notice it much. Only noticed it in the summer if I hadn't used it in a while.
Thanks for the review! :thumb: I would like to add that the aerosol pressure is not meant to be forceful because you want the product to be pulled into the HVAC air return (the air intake) located beneath the glove box area. From there the product is pulled into the system, goes to the evaporator and blown out the vents which will eventually recirculate throughout the system again. So the can should be placed almost underneath the glove box. Yes, you will most likely have to wipe down the surface after use but it's mainly alcohol and water - completely harmless to the surface. The can should be completely empty after approximately 5 minutes but you want to leave the entire process to work for about 10 minutes (long after the can is completely empty). @Peacemaker, Klima-Cleaner (original) is more effective because it physically cleans the evaporator. But if you are either 1) unsure/uncomfortable about applying it to your air conditioner system or 2) in some way limited from applying it (ex. some cars have a screen behind the air conditioner vents, such as Infiniti's that prevent the tube from being inserted), then we suggest going with Klima ETU. As GDAL stated, it is really strong stuff. Not only does it help eliminate odor causing bacteria and mold in the evaporator system but throughout the entire cabin area (trunk area if you fold the rear seats down). Thanks again for the review!
Yeah, this is a must do for me then. I have a 2011 VW GTI, is there a screen or anything behind the vents I need to worry about? Does it matter which vent I use?
Michael ... I was under the impression (from my previous application experience with Dakota odor bombs) that the can needed to be pressurized more in order to be effective. After the application, I immediately knew that this was a better product (eliminating odors rather than masking) without the need of a highly pressurized can. Your explanation makes a lot of sense.
The directions state to use the center vents only. Look into them and see if there is anything like a screen there. I doubt that there will be one. Have used dozens of cans of this product on many, many, vehicles including all my own, and it absolutely works to clean the entire A/C system of any old, moldy, gunk down there with no masking. Just clean, pure, air from that point forward. If you get the newer version that you put on the floor closest to the A/C intake vent, then pay attention to that fact that you have to have the car running with the A/C on, so it will pull the product into it as explained by Michael of Einszett above, and then it has to remain running for 10 minutes after the can is empty.. If you are set up to do this and not have to worry about someone wanting to steal your running car, then this is always better.. Einszett products have been a major part of my Detailing supplies for years. All of them work very well for my needs. And no, I do not work for them. Dan F
Yes, there shouldn't be any screens. If you take a flashlight and look in, you can double check. But they've never had screens in VW's as far as I know. Like Dan said, center vents. If you are really comfortable taking things apart, you can apply it using the professional method: How to apply einszett Klima-Cleaner - Professional Application. By far the more direct method but it does require skill and we are not responsible if you end up with extra screws I should elaborate more on Dakota odor bombs. Dakota works by encapsulating odors from sources such as nicotine, urine, vomit, spilled milk, etc. For this reason, it has to produce a very fine, forceful mist. What it doesn't do, unlike Klima ETU, is kill fungus, mold, mildew and bacteria that produce odors. And Klima ETU doesn't encapsulate odors. Customers that have used odor bombs are able to eliminate bad sources of odor such as those mentioned above. But if you're looking to eliminate odors from inside the HVAC system, you'll need to use Klima ETU. For those with allergies to mold, mildew and fungus, ETU, like Klima-Cleaner original, will help significantly. Now if you have nicotine residue, pollen, mold, fungus, bacteria build up inside the evaporator area, you'll need Klima-Cleaner original to physically clean the system. Does this make more sense?
Am I to assume that you use this stuff with the HVAC set on recirc? I don't have the first idea where the HVAC in my '94 Mercedes draws in air in the cabin, but I know that on fresh air mode, it pulls from under the cowling by the firewall, engine side. The cabin filters live right under the wiper arm.
