I researched more on the net and it appears the most knowledgable people say you don't need to turn off the A/C first. They make your point that the A/C engages later. I knew that, but I really thought the issue was bearings and belt stresses but there were other opinions, wild ideas to support the turn it off side.
you need to turn it off to:
let air blow moisture out of the system so you don't get mold,
save the evaporator (no explanation),
let the A/C lines depressurize,
and save the planet by using less gas by having the A/C off 2 minutes because the car won't be uncomfortable by the time you stop.

Tom and Ray of CarTalk say you don't need to turn it off.

and nobody mentioned bearings and belts.

 

I may have missed it, but anybody know the best place to get replacement filters other than the dealership?

 

here something for u guys... something called dwd2.
it supposedly kills all that junk in the a/c using a foaming liquid.

cl thread here...
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/aut...l-from-ac.html

filters.. these are the cheapest oem ones i found so far..
didnt check how much with shipping though...

http://www.factorylexusparts.com/ser...BIN-AIR/Detail

http://www.irontoad.com/Merchant2/me...Code=2001ls430

 

Thanks for the link sir.

 

I tried the lysol but it only help a little bit. Going to try and run the heat on full blast for 15 minutes. My cabin air is still clean, no mold.

 

JBLover, I always get my OEM filters from eBay. They are genuine Toyota, even come in the original Toyota boxes. They run for about $13 with shipping already included. Can't really go wrong. Much cheaper than the $30 Autozone wanted. Haha.