Allergy sufferers breathe easy – tips for a fresh vehicle interior

30. Mar 2020 | Technology + Products

Spring is only just beginning, but for allergy sufferers, nose spray and eye drops are already an everyday companion. We hardly need to mention that allergies are a problem, especially when driving a car. But what is the remedy for constant sneezing and eye-rubbing on the road? We show how to carry out a spring clean inside your vehicle and how you can significantly reduce the symptoms of hay fever. But A/C disinfection is not just suitable for allergy sufferers, as all vehicle occupants should be able to breathe easily in the vehicle

Structure of cabin filters

Anyone who has suffered with hay fever will know how stressful a runny nose and itchy eyes can be. But while driving in particular, the problem is not just stressful, but dangerous too. To remedy this problem, it’s important to understand first of all how the air flowing into the interior is filtered. The air taken in is drawn through the filter located in front of the air conditioning system. The cabin filter (also known as the pollen filter) consists of three layers.

Layer 1:

In the first layer, micro-particles are filtered by static charging of the micro fibre fleece. We could also say that a "rough pre-filtering" takes place here.

Layer 2:

In the second layer, also known as a protective layer, it’s not just filter dust and fine tyre abrasion that are filtered. Pollen, that is wreaking havoc once again at this time of year, can not get past this layer either.

Layer 3:

The third layer is the "activated carbon layer". Gases such as sulphur oxide, ozone and nitrogen oxide – or exhaust gases for short – are filtered in this layer. This is thanks to the open-pored surface and the large inner surface of activated carbon. Gases flow through the highly porous structure (similar to a sponge), are trapped there and cannot enter the vehicle interior.

Biofunctional cabin filter

The biofunctional filters are new to our Jakoparts range. The biofunctional and thus the fourth layer installed here is particularly beneficial for allergy sufferers. Because this is where allergens are bound. Fine dust is also almost completely stopped. In addition, mould and bacteria are prevented from penetrating the filter.

A/C disinfection with AirClean

Disinfecting the A/C system is an essential part of a real spring clean. Our AirClean is the most suitable solution for this. The environmentally friendly device is suitable for vehicle types from passenger cars and trucks, through to mobile homes. The only thing to bear in mind here is the relevant filling quantity of the spray bottle, which varies depending on the vehicle size and the strength of the odour. AirClean is connected to a compressor using the hose supplied and then hung in the vehicle window. Shortly afterwards, you will see how a fine mist spreads out in the vehicle interior. The circulating air mode blows the mist through the ventilation system, thus disinfecting the air conditioning system and the entire interior of the vehicle.

You can find a complete step-by-step guide on our highlights page.

The AnoKath A/C disinfection spray used is a strong oxidising agent made from water and salt. This highly effective A/C disinfection spray reliably reduces germs, viruses and bacteria. The A/C disinfection with AnoKath is purely mineral based and is therefore completely non-hazardous for people, animals, the environment and health.

Tips for a durable cabin filter

To ensure that the biofunctional cabin filter has a particularly long service life, there are a few aspects to bear in mind relating to care:

  • The A/C system should also be switched on in winter. If it does not run all the time, the necessity becomes clear at the latest when the windows start to steam up on the inside. Switching on the A/C system occasionally reduces excess moisture and prevents the spread of germs on the condenser.
  • It is also important to switch off the A/C system before the end of the journey where possible. The fan should continue to run to prevent fungi from forming due to residual moisture in the system.
  • We recommend replacing the cabin filter annually. Allergy sufferers, sensitive persons or frequent drivers in particular should plan for an annual replacement in the event of high pollen levels.