I had the nasty smell from the vents of my '14 IS250 when I bought it used from the local dealer at 12k miles. I struggled the first year to get rid of the smell - was mildly successful with the Lysol treatments. However, once I started shutting the a/c off a minute or two before I stopped the car and running the fan wide open, the smell has been nearly non-existent so far this year - even in the hot humid days. It sounds like this is the most effective treatment based on the comments here.

 

So a few minutes before my destination, shut off the AC but keep the fan going?

 

I do that but also once in awhile, I run it at the hottest setting for 5 min while driving around or when I get home. That usually kills whatever was in there before.

 

How do you guys use recirculate and fresh air?
Also what temperature do you use AC?

 

This has worked for me.

 

I had the IS350 for 11 years and always left the AC in AUTO and recirc 100% of the time (I do this on all my cars). I never turned the AC off EVER, even on cool or cold days (I just change the temp), and never had any issues with smells. The AC removes condensensation, and I suspect people that are having issues are the ones turing AC on and off all the time.

 

Hm, interesting. I've always wondered why auto mode keeps AC on. Maybe I'll try that out