[Car Knowledge] Analysis of Methods for Purifying Car Air
A Comprehensive Guide to Clean Car Air (Hong Kong Edition) – My Personal Experience
Hello everyone, I'm your car owner editor 👨💻. Driving in a densely populated city like Hong Kong should be a peaceful experience, but air pollution inside cars, especially in summer when the air conditioning is on and you're stuck in traffic, can cause dizziness, dry throats, and even nasal allergies and tracheal discomfort. I've taken the elderly and children for a few drives, only to find they felt unwell as soon as they entered a tunnel. I've discovered the importance of fresh air in the car!
This time, I'll provide a super-detailed, down-to-earth explanation of how to make Hong Kong's train air truly clean and healthy . Combining professional advice with my own personal experience, I guarantee you'll be incredibly knowledgeable after reading this!
1. Why does the air quality in cars in Hong Kong tend to deteriorate?
Local characteristics issues
- There are many traffic jams and tunnels : Red Tunnel, East Tunnel, West Tunnel, Lion Tunnel... Every time there is a traffic jam, exhaust gas enters the carriage.
- Humid and rainy : It rains frequently in summer, and the car is humid and prone to mold.
- High temperature and strong sunlight : plastic and leather can easily release VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
- Parking outdoors : There are many parking spaces on the street, and car exhaust, dust, and pollen can enter the car at any time.
- The air conditioner is constantly on circulation : Long-term internal circulation will cause carbon dioxide to accumulate, making people drowsy.
2. Common sources of in-car air pollution
- External pollution : exhaust gas, PM2.5, pollen, and dust.
- Interior pollution : smoke, food, hair, pet odors.
- Volatile substances in the car : new car smell (plastic, leather), air freshener.
- Moisture and mold : Water accumulates in carpets and under seats, producing mold spores.
3. A comprehensive breakdown of in-car air purification methods
(1) Basic skills: Keep the carriage clean and ventilated
1. Open windows frequently for ventilation
- Open the windows for 1-2 minutes to ventilate before driving every day , and open them a little even when it rains.
- This must be done after a long period of traffic jam/parking to effectively reduce the accumulation of VOC and carbon dioxide.
- My experience : Every time I drive out of the parking lot, I always open the window to ventilate the air. It really makes me feel much more refreshed.
2. Avoid smoking or eating strong-smelling food in the car
- The smell of cigarette smoke is the hardest to remove , as cigarette tar will stick to air ducts, seats, and ceilings.
- Food residues tend to accumulate odors , especially those from butter, curry, and barbecued food.
3. Vacuum and wipe the car regularly
- Focus on cleaning carpets, seat gaps, and air-conditioning vents .
- Editor's tip : Vacuum once a week, especially after traveling with children or pets.
(2) Improvement: Deep treatment of air conditioning system
4. Regularly replace the Cabin Air Filter
- The environment in Hong Kong is very dusty , so it is recommended to replace it every 6-12 months.
- HEPA-grade filters are more effective and can block PM2.5 and pollen.
- Editor’s experience : Once, there was a musty smell when the air conditioner was turned on. After taking it apart, I found that the dust screen was covered with dust. Replacing it with a new one solved the problem.
5. Clean the air duct and condenser
- Dust and water accumulation in air-conditioning ducts can easily cause mold and can be cleaned with special detergents.
- Water accumulated in the condenser will breed bacteria and mold . It is recommended to have the garage professionally disinfected once a year.
- The editor recommends : If the air conditioner is turned on for a while and there is a strange smell, you should check it. Leaving it on for too long will affect your health.
6. Avoid a long-term "internal circulation" model
- Switch to external circulation in time , turn it on every 20-30 minutes, to replenish fresh air.
- Long-term internal circulation will lead to insufficient oxygen and increased CO2.
(3) Upgraded equipment: Car air purifier/disinfector
7. Choose an effective car air purifier
- HEPA filter : can filter PM2.5, dust and pollen.
- Activated carbon filter : absorbs odors and VOCs.
- Negative ions/photocatalysts : kill bacteria and decompose harmful gases (but choose a reputable brand).
- Editor's Trial : After installing the HEPA + activated carbon air freshener, the blocked tunnel feels noticeably better, which is especially helpful for people with nasal allergies.
8. Use UV light/ozone disinfection (be careful)
- Ultraviolet light disinfection : Some high-end air conditioners are equipped with it to kill bacteria.
- Ozone machine : can remove musty and smoke odors, but it must be used when no one is around, and windows must be opened for ventilation after use.
- Editor's tip : Excessive use of ozone can irritate the respiratory tract, so please avoid using it while riding in a car.
(4) Natural deodorization/mildew prevention methods
9. Place activated carbon bag/bamboo charcoal bag
- It is naturally odor-absorbing and moisture-resistant , making it suitable for long-term placement under seats and in storage boxes.
- Expose to the sun once a month and reuse.
- Editor’s Note : Bamboo charcoal bags are particularly effective against smoke and dampness, and are superior to commercially available chemical deodorizers.
10. Fruit leather/natural sachets
- Orange peels, tea bags, and coffee grounds can all absorb odors naturally, but they should be replaced regularly to prevent mold.
- It is recommended to pack it in a sealed bag , which is safe and convenient.
(5) Thorough disinfection and deep maintenance
11. Regularly perform professional deep disinfection of carriages
- Hong Kong has professional door-to-door/garage disinfection services , including fogging disinfection, ozone disinfection, and steam cleaning.
- Especially suitable for families with children/pets/elderly people .
- The editor tried it himself : I did fog disinfection during the epidemic, and I felt much more at ease, especially when changing seasons.
(6) Handling of special situations
12. Children/elderly/people with allergic rhinitis
- More attention should be paid to the filter type . HEPA + activated carbon is recommended.
- Avoid using air fresheners with strong odors , such as chemical aromatherapy and strong deodorizing sprays, as they can easily induce allergies.
- Open windows frequently to ventilate the air , especially when the carriage is crowded.
13. Moisture/mold problems
- Moisture-absorbing bags/anti-mildew beads : essential during the rainy season, as the car is prone to mildew due to high humidity.
- Dry carpets and cushions regularly , especially after the floor has been wet.
4. Avoid wrong refreshing methods!
- Over-reliance on aromatherapy/fresheners : They only mask odors but fail to solve the underlying problem, and the chemical ingredients can easily induce allergies.
- Disinfection with high-concentration alcohol spray : It can easily damage interior materials and inhaling large amounts of alcohol vapor is also not good.
- Failure to replace the dust filter for a long time will turn the air conditioner into a breeding ground for bacteria.
5. My personal recommendation: "Car Air Purification Routine"
- Open windows for ventilation for 1-2 minutes every day .
- Vacuum clean every week .
- Replace the dust filter every six months .
- Check the air conditioner every month for any odor .
- Turn on the air purifier when stuck in traffic for a long time or when entering a tunnel .
- During the rainy season, regularly change the moisture-absorbing bags and dry the carpets .
- If there is any unpleasant or musty smell, you must thoroughly investigate the source and do not just use aromatherapy to cover it up .
6. Editor’s summary: “Healthy air starts with the details!”
With so many tunnels, so many cars, and so much humidity in Hong Kong, keeping your car's air fresh isn't just a matter of luck! Cleaning, changing filters, using the right tools, choosing the right air purifier, and maintaining good habits are key to truly staying healthy!
The editor recommends everyone: It is better to clean more diligently and breathe good air with your family. Healthy travel is the most important thing .
Do you have any special car freshening tips? Or any strange odor experiences? Leave a comment and share with us! 🚗💨🌬️
