How Do I Clean My Window Ac Unit

by Nick Evans | Last Updated: October 15, 2021

Are you looking to clean your window air conditioner without removing it? Nosotros have you lot covered!

Installing a window air-conditioning unit of measurement is a chore. They're heavy, and yous don't want to remove them unless you have to.

In this article, nosotros'll talk over and reply:

How to clean a window air conditioner without removing information technology in 12 simple steps
The easiest way to clean a window air conditioner
Is it okay to spray water on a window air conditioner?
Tin yous clean a window air conditioner with a hose?
How to clean the sludge off your window air conditioner
Can you spray Lysol on a window air conditioner?

How to Make clean a Window Air Conditioner Without Removing it 12 Pace Guide

You lot'll Demand:

Screwdriver

Several cleaning cloths (or a soft and difficult-bristled brush)
Soap and h2o (or detergent and h2o)
Faucet, hose, or tub for a deeper clean
Bleach (if your unit is growing mold)
New filter (if yours is disposable)

Step 1: Unplug Your Air Conditioner

Before doing maintenance on any appliance, you need to unplug information technology. This is especially important when taking the apparatus apart, as I'll walk you through below, and when using liquids to clean.

You risk electrocution if you skip this step, and then it'due south crucial!

Step 2: Remove the Forepart Panel

Sometimes you tin pull the front panel off of the machine without tools, but some are attached with screws.

Check for screws and employ a screwdriver to remove them if needed. Set them aside somewhere that they can't whorl from—screws are piece of cake to lose!

Once the panel has been removed, you should take access to the filter inside of your unit.

Step 3: Clean or Supercede the Filter

Cleaning or changing your filter regularly will meliorate the air quality in your abode. This should be washed at least once every three months.

If your filter is disposable, you can simply buy a replacement. Refer to your manual for the size and model number of the filter then that you don't buy the incorrect i by error.

If you don't accept your manual, you can find information technology online or check for a model number on the old filter.

One time yous've bought the new filter, remove the quondam filter and supervene upon it with the new filter.

For reusable filters, remove them from the unit and make clean them using dish soap and h2o. Scrub with a soft cleaning brush or sponge as needed.

Running h2o will piece of work best for this, such as your laundry room sink or the hose outside. If you can't use running water, soaking the filter in a tub of soapy h2o is the next best thing.

Footstep iv: Clean the Inside of the Machine

First, utilise a vacuum hose and pet zipper (the i with the brush bristles at the end) to pick upwardly the bulk of the dust and debris within of the unit.

If you come across whatsoever other removable parts, such equally a drain pan, remove these and clean them separately using soap and water.

Then, utilize a wet cloth to wipe downwards the within of the auto. Use bleach if in that location is mold build-upwardly. This will impale mold and as well helps to tackle difficult stains.

Always follow safety precautions when using bleach. Dilute bleach with water, ventilate the surface area, and brand sure you're however removing all mold from the surface. Wearable gloves and eye protection when cleaning with bleach.

Lastly, don't use any products that include ammonia on your air conditioner, equally this volition create toxic fumes when mixed with bleach.

If your cloth becomes besides dirty at any point you tin run it under running h2o, dunk it in a tub of water to clean it, or utilise a new cloth if needed.

Remember to clean and sanitize your vacuum attachment once you're finished cleaning with it equally well.

Pace 5: Wipe the Unit Dry and Air Dry out Your Filter

Use a textile to wipe your air conditioner dry, and set the filter upright and so that it can air dry. Don't reassemble the unit until all parts have stale completely, or mold may grow inside of the A.C.

Step 6: Replace the Filter and Console

Once everything is completely dry out, replace the filter and whatsoever other removable parts. Then, reattach the front panel.

You're halfway there!

Step 7: Remove the Back Covering

Next, remove the roofing on the dorsum of your air conditioner. Like the front, this may have screws that yous'll need to unscrew and set aside.

Step 8: Clean the Condenser Coils

This should allow you to make clean the condenser coils and whatsoever other part that was unreachable from the front.

Use soap and h2o for a light make clean, or detergent and h2o for something a scrap heavier. Bleach tin be used to kill and remove mold if needed.

Footstep nine: Let the Coils Dry out

Permit the coils and anything else you've wiped down to dry out completely before reassembling.

Pace 10: Supersede the Back Cover

Once information technology'southward all clean and dry, put the unit of measurement back together by replacing the back embrace.

Footstep 11: Clean the Outside of the Appliance

Lastly, clean the outside of your air conditioner. You don't have to worry near the part that'due south outside the house unless you desire to.

Wipe the entire exterior of the appliance with a wet cloth, using soapy h2o as needed to remove any built-up dust or debris.

Don't forget to clean between the slats where the air blows out, as lots of dust tends to accumulate there.

Disinfect the control panel using your bleach mix or your preferred disinfectant.

Footstep 12: Plug in and Run the Ac

Now you're finished! Plug your air conditioner back in, turn it on, and breathe in that fresh, clean air.

What is the Easiest Way to Clean a Window Air Conditioner?

The easiest way to make clean an air conditioner is using a wet rag and vacuum to remove all dust, lint, and debris from the motorcar.

Nosotros've outlined how to practice so above. This volition go on your window air conditioner clean and mold free, which improves the air quality in your home.

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Is information technology okay to Spray Water on your Window Air Conditioner?

You tin can spray water on your window air conditioner so long every bit it is unplugged. Air conditioners create atmospheric precipitation as they run, then water won't damage the appliance.

Always ensure your air conditioner dries completely, and never spray into the machine without taking it apart—moisture may get trapped, promoting mold growth.

Can you Clean a Window Air Conditioner with a Hose?

Information technology's possible to clean your window air conditioner with a hose, but hither are some things to go on in mind first:

E'er unplug any appliance earlier cleaning, especially when introducing large amounts of water to the interior.
It's best to accept apart the appliance and spray the parts down separately.
Don't spray the water into your home, or you'll have a mess on your hands!
A hose won't clean your unit every bit effectively equally a good scrubbing with dish soap and water, so it's all-time used on lightly dirty machines or to remove the first layer of debris earlier going in with a brush or cloth.
Always allow the air conditioner and all parts to dry completely before reassembling so that mold doesn't grow within of the unit of measurement.

How practise I Make clean the Sludge out of my Window Air Conditioner?

Sludge in your window air conditioner tin accept 3 culprits:

Mold
Soot
Dust, clay, and debris

Mold is all-time cleaned with bleach, which kills it and stops it from spreading. You can create your own mixture of bleach and water, or purchase a cleaner that contains bleach from the store.

Soot can come from candles or fireplaces. Clean it off using lather and water.

Dust, dirt, and droppings is typically the easiest to clean and tin exist wiped away with a moisture textile. Use soapy water for more stubborn spots.

Can I Spray Lysol in my Window Air Conditioner?

You lot tin spray Lysol on your window air conditioner, and you lot might prefer to practise so over soap and water due to its disinfecting backdrop.

Lysol likewise makes a mold and mildew remover that'south great for cleaning air conditioners!