any reason not to buy an aftermarket AC filter when genuine part is 6x the price?

A gravity powered drain will not remove all the moisture, small crevices retain water by capillary action, and “dew” doesn’t drain, just clings. Couple this with dust, dark and warmth, you get mold.

 

Moisture remains ON the evaporator, in the tray and in the drain even when working perfectly.
IF.....that moisture with seed spores in it, is left to sit at a high temperature every day......and/or every night......
VOILA.....MOLD.

It does not require a "defect" with anything.
It does require a "perfect storm" of the wrong conditions.

You assumption is invalid.

 

I think the best solution would be an AC system that could be easily dropped out of the dash, and easily disassembled for cleaning. Taking the heat/vent system out of a Toyota now (and I'd suspect other brands are similar), the front of the car interior ends up looking like a bomb went off.

 

The Air Cond Bombs are $30 NZD in our parts stores, But I had a friend that services A/C's that uses a $3 can of "Glen 20" he said it is "same shit, different shovel"

The dishwasher detergent was only used to clean mine because no cabin filters were available in NZ at the time [back order from overseas]
I spent 2 days of it soaking,and 3 days drying it ,which would've been a lot less trouble to simply buy one [if I could at the time]

Regardless of what approach, the ducts need spraying anyway ,because of residual spores.

I got "Bells Palsy" from a dirty A/C 20 years ago [a Mitsubishi Pajero 4x4] . It took 6 months for this to come right.[a real P.I.T.A needing to tape 1 of my eyes shut at night to prevent dry eyes]

So I am quite vigilant about A/C and heater vent cleanliness

 

Bell's Palsy is no fun...............It put an end to all my womanising/socializing habits.
So I've been on a mad fitness craze ever since anddecided to settle down.

 

My dealer recommends cleaning that once a year, it costs like us$130, I guess most of the ppl in this forum will say I'm an idiot for paying that but I think it's ok and it includes the cabin filter change.

 

A _____ and their money.......