How To Clean Window Unit Air Conditioner

Download Article

Cleaning your window air conditioner regularly is vital to keeping information technology in expert working order. Remove and rinse the filter monthly during the cooling flavour. When it'south non in use, store the unit indoors and embrace it with a sheet of plastic or tarp. Before you lot install it at the start of warmer weather, disassemble information technology and give it a thorough seasonal cleaning. Comb its aluminum fins, blow the coils with compressed air, and vacuum and wipe downward the interior tray. If your unit of measurement is especially dirty, deep clean it with a coil cleaner or oxygenated household cleaner.

1

Expect and scent for signs of mildew. If a mildew smell is noticeable when you lot commencement turn the A/C on, this method may help.
2
Fill a spray canteen with hydrogen peroxide. The 3% solution sold in stores volition work.
- Do non utilise alcohol, as this is flammable and could get-go a burn down.
- Do not use bleach, as those fumes are toxic and bleach could damage the unit.
- While safer than bleach or alcohol, hydrogen peroxide should all the same be clearly labelled and kept out of the accomplish of children.
Advertizement
3
Turn the unit of measurement off. Spray the intake surface area and outflow area on the front end of the unit.
- Avoid getting spray in eyes or inhaling information technology. One time it settles on surfaces, the fumes are no longer a concern.
- Rinse easily later on spraying.
4
Permit it to dry out. Then turn the unit back on.
- Spraying when the unit is turned off for the night is ideal, as that allows plenty of time to dry before morning.
5
Exercise a deeper clean if needed. If this method isn't sufficient, remove the filter, with the unit off, and spray further inside the unit of measurement.
- Place a drip tray underneath the unit to grab any drips, which might otherwise bleach carpet, fabric, or wood.
- A turkey basting tray is one possible option.
half dozen

Avoid turning the unit on and off ofttimes. Before the condensate evaporates, that's the ideal breeding period for microbes. While the unit of measurement is on, the temperature extremes and continuous menstruation of condensate washing former h2o outside (you may see it dripping) prevents the build-upward of microbes.

Ad

i
Remove the unit's front panel to access the filter. Plow the unit off and disconnect the power cord earlier removing the front end panel. Your air conditioner'due south front end console is secured with screws or tabs. Remove the console, locate the filter, and pull it out of its slot.^[1]
- Depending on your model, you'll either pull the filter up or slide it down out of its slot. Check your manual for specific information about how to remove your front console and filter.^[2]
2
Run water through the filter. Rinse the filter nether running warm water. Use a vacuum hose zipper to clean the filter if it's caked with dirt or grime.^[iii]
- It's best to make clean your filter at least in one case a month. Clean information technology more often if you live in a dusty surroundings or have pets.^[4]
- Replace your air filter at least every 3 months.^[5]
3
Let the filter dry and so put in back in place. Shake off excess h2o and pat the filter with a dry towel. Let information technology sit out until information technology's completely dry out. When information technology's dry, put the filter back into its slot and supplant the unit's front panel.^[6]
- Never run an air conditioner with a wet filter or without a filter.
4
Replace a worn filter. If your filter is worn or torn, you should replace it. If the filter is designed specifically for your unit, place your model number and order a new i online or from your unit of measurement's manufacturer.^[7]
- If your unit of measurement has a universal cream filter, you tin purchase a cut-to-fit air conditioner filter online or at your local home improvement store.^[8]
Advertising

1
Remove the unit'south casing. Make sure the unit is off and that power is disconnected. Remove the front panel and fins that adhere the unit to the window. Remove all the screws that attach the exterior casing to the unit's interior. Carefully slide the casing away from the interior, and make certain you lot don't snag the casing on whatsoever of the parts inside.^[nine]
- The screws are small, so be sure to keep them in a safe place, like an envelope or small can.
2
Comb the aluminum fins. Use a fin comb or soft bristle castor to comb abroad dust and droppings from the aluminum fins. You can observe inexpensive combs specially made for window unit fins online or at a abode improvement store.^[ten]
- Wearing work gloves when you clean the fins will preclude you from getting cutting.
3
Blow the coils and fan with condensed air. Buy a canister of condensed air online or at your dwelling improvement store. Spray into the fins and effectually the coils at the front and back of the unit. Blow abroad grit around the fan and motor at the center of the unit.^[11]
- You can too utilize a small brush to wipe abroad debris from the coils.^[12]
4
Vacuum and wipe down the tray. Use a shop vac or vacuum hose attachment to remove droppings from the tray, or the base of operations of the unit'southward interior. Spray it downwardly with a household cleaner, scrub it, and so wipe information technology with a damp cloth.^[xiii]
- Mitt dry out the tray with a clean towel then permit it air dry out for a few hours before reassembling the unit.
5
Shop your air conditioner inside during cooler weather. When it's not in utilise, you should store your window unit indoors. Remove it from the window and go along it in your attic or basement. Encompass it with a plastic sheet or tarp to keep dust and debris from accumulating.^[14]
- If you can't remove the air conditioner from the window, cover the exterior portion of the unit with a tarp or cover designed for air conditioners.
Advertisement

1
Take the unit outside and remove its case. Place the unit on a tabular array outside within reach of a hose. Have off the front panel and side fins that attach to the window. Remove the screws that adhere the casing to the unit of measurement, shop them in a prophylactic place, and advisedly slide off the casing.^[15]
- Choose a warm, sunny twenty-four hour period to deep make clean your air conditioner outside.
2
Spray the casing and interior with cleaning solution. Use an air conditioner coil cleaner or an oxygenated household cleaner. You can also mix warm water with a few drops of dish detergent. Spray the front end panel, example, and window fins with the cleaner.^[16] And so spray the interior coils, fan, aluminum fins, and interior base of operations.^[17]
- Let the parts soak for almost 10 minutes.
3

Scrub the unit and case and spray again if necessary. Utilize a soft bristle brush to gently scrub all the parts you sprayed with cleaning solution. If you encounter stubborn grime, such as around the fan blades, spray the areas again and let them soak for another few minutes. And so give them another scrub with your soft bristled brush.^[eighteen]
iv
Apply a hose to rinse the case, coils, and tray. Set your hose on low pressure, as high pressure could damage the coils or aluminum fins. Spray down the exterior panel, casing, and window fins. So hose downward the coils, fan, and aluminum fins. Tilt the unit of measurement to spray and bleed the interior base.^[19]
- Avoid getting the control console moisture when you hose down the unit.
5

Let your unit dry out before reassembling it. Leave your unit outside to dry in the sun for a few hours. You tin towel dry as much excess h2o every bit possible to brand the process go faster. Expect until the unit of measurement is completely dry out before yous reassemble it.^[twenty]

Advertizing

Add together New Question

Question

What is the all-time way to clean a window air conditioner?

Victor Belavus is an Ac Specialist and the Owner of 212 HVAC, an air condition repair and installation company based in Brooklyn, New York. In addition to HVAC and air conditioning units, Victor also specializes in furnace repair and air duct cleaning. He has over 10 years of experience working with HVAC systems.

Air Workout Specialist

Expert Answer
Question

Should I use industrial foaming curl cleaner on my window AC?

Victor Belavus is an Air-conditioning Specialist and the Possessor of 212 HVAC, an air condition repair and installation company based in Brooklyn, New York. In improver to HVAC and ac units, Victor also specializes in furnace repair and air duct cleaning. He has over x years of experience working with HVAC systems.

Air Conditioning Specialist

Expert Reply

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to become a bulletin when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Well-nigh This Article

Article Summary 10

To clean your window air conditioner on a monthly basis, first remove the front panel of your unit and take out the filter. Then, run warm water through the filter to make clean it. Finally, pat the filter dry with a towel and let information technology dry completely before yous put it back in your unit. At least one time every flavour you should also remove the air conditioner'due south casing and use condensed air to blow dust and dirt from your unit of measurement's coils and fan. Additionally, vacuum debris from the within tray and scrub information technology out with a household cleaner before you put the casing back on. To acquire how to remove your air conditioner's casing to do a deep cleaning, keep reading!

Did this summary assist you?

Thanks to all authors for creating a folio that has been read 256,542 times.