How to Clean an Air Conditioner
Posted on June 10th, 2009 by Paul
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A dirty air conditioner not only looks shabby, it also won’t do your health any favors. As dust pile up on the unit’s grills and filters, it can cause respiratory diseases, especially if you inhale much of the particles. The buildup of dirt may also damage the condenser, once they block the coils. A cleaning routine should be applied, before your air conditioner starts blowing unhealthy streams of cold air.
Prepare a Cleaning Solution
A cleaning solution is necessary to remove dirt from the air conditioner’s components and to kill bacteria. Instead of purchasing all-purpose cleaners, which may emit harmful fumes, you can create a natural solution that is just as potent as its chemical-based counterparts. Its ingredients are readily found in your kitchen.
Materials Used:
- vinegar
- water
- mixing bowl
- container
Procedure:
- Pour three parts water and one part vinegar into the mixing bowl.
- Mix the ingredients thoroughly.
- Pour the solution in a container, preferably one that has a lid.
Upon preparing the solution, you’re ready to clean the air conditioner’s various parts.
Cleaning the Grills
Open the grills of the air conditioner, revealing the filter and its engine. Soak a section of a clean cloth in the cleaning solution then wipe the each of the grills. Make sure the clumps of dirt are removed before you proceed from one grill to another. You can use a cotton swab or a toothbrush to remove dirt from areas that are hard to reach.
Cleaning the Filter
The air filter ensures that the air emitted by the unit is clean, unless it is covered with layers of dirt. To clean, you must, first, remove it from the grill. Dip a toothbrush into the cleaning solution then scrub away the filter’s frames until they are free from dirt. Soak the filter in the cleaning solution for 30 minutes to kill germs. Once done, rinse it then return it to its placeholder. Remember, the air filter should be changed at least once in two months.
Cleaning the Condenser
The condenser processes the cold air produced by the air conditioner, so naturally, it should always remain clean. Dip a cloth in the cleaning solution then scrub the condenser and the coils. Once done, use a toothbrush to remove the dirt stuck in-between the coils. Finally, use a vacuum cleaner suck out dirt from the areas that can’t be reached by the toothbrush.
The air conditioner should be cleaned once or twice every month. The process may be a bit tedious, but you’re assured of receiving cool, clean air from your unit after.
Ask a question
on July 1st, 2010 at 12:13 pm
For smells, check and clean the drain pan and drain line. Use hot water and a little white vinegar in the drain. CAUTION: Do NOT scrub the FINS in the ac system! These are aluminim and bend easily. Bent/crushed fins reduce efficiency. You can use a brush and scrub IN LINE with the fins, never across them. There are foaming/spray ac coil cleaners at home improvement and hardware stores.
on May 6th, 2010 at 3:49 am
When I switch on my Split Air conditioner (The Internal Unit) is emanating cockroach small. But there are no cockroaches. It has not been used for quite some time.When I swict on the unit I ged bad odor. how to get rid of the odor. Kindly help me out
on June 11th, 2009 at 8:07 pm
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