How To Clean And Sanitize A Window Air Conditioner

Let's exist honest.

Window Air Conditioners aren't fun to set up.

They're big, beefy, and need to be sat on a pretty sparse window frame. Removing them isn't exactly an attractive proposition.

All of that said – they do need cleaned! A dirty air conditioner is just going to cause you issues. Dust bug, air quality bug, energy pecker problems… you'll take 99 issues and that window ac will be about of them.

So can we clean a window air conditioner without the hassle of removing them? You bet. In brusque:

How To Clean A Mounted Window Air Conditioner:

Turn information technology off. Disconnect entirely from the wall.
Remove the filter.Soak in warm soapy water.
Remove the case. Wipe down with warm soapy water. This includes whatever detachable framing.
Vacuum and wipe downwardly. Whatsoever major areas that need some serious attention.
Spray with warm soapy water.All over the interior – particularly the fins. (Water is OK, just don't use force).
Softly brush/rummage down the fins. Remove equally much dirt/crud equally possible. Don't push on them, though!
Leave everything to dry out, then reassemble.Use your user manual if yous get stuck.

At least, that'southward the curt version!

If you're not in a rush, at that place's plenty of more particular that'due south worth taking note of. Read on for the total guide.

Benefits of a Clean Window Air Conditioner

Before doing whatever kind of chore or 'adult' task, it's worth remembering why we're putting the effort in.

Like every major appliances, air conditioners degrade over time. They get dirty, their filters clog upward, and their generally efficiency drops as a result. Just don't worry. It'south totally natural.

All your window air conditioner needs is a little bit of dear and care to really smoothen. Just like us humans!

Having a clean air conditioner isn't just satisfying. It also means that:

You'll have cleaner air. With less irritants for allergies, asthma, and other respiratory issues.
Your air will smell fresher.Suddenly removing the faint musk of air conditioner mold and dust volition leave your air feeling fresher and cleaner.
It'll run quieter.A dirty machine needs to piece of work harder to give the same effect. By reducing information technology'southward workload, your air conditioner will be much more efficient. Meaning the ac should run quieter.
You'll use less free energy.As above, with a more efficient AC comes lower energy bills.
It'll last for longer. With less stress on the car, you lot'll benefit from a longer, healthier air conditioner lifespan.

Prepare to begin? Then allow's get started!

Setting Upward

Here's a quick list of things you should prepare. But like with cooking a meal, it's easier to have everything in one identify rather than running around as y'all piece of work!

A bucket or nearby sink filled with warm soapy water
A vacuum with a soft brush attachment
An actual soft brush or rummage
A spray bottle with warm h2o + 2 drops of detergent or bleach
Cloths or a small tower you tin can get muddy
Newspaper to lay down under the Air-conditioning and where you'll be working
A screwdriver
A small tray to place screws/small parts in
Your user manual (Lost it? But Google your model + 'transmission pdf')
Protective gloves (for bleach and abrupt fins)
Optional: A Fin Comb
Optional: Tin of compressed air

Air Conditioner Before Cleaning

Endeavor to disassemble whatever you can – including the frame fins.

Cleaning Your Window Air Conditioner

Let's get started with a full deep clean. Since y'all've taken the time to wait this upwards on the cyberspace, I imagine that AC is pretty dirty! We'll cover monthly check-ups afterwards.

So, is information technology possible to make clean a window air conditioner without removing it? Yes, it'southward possible. It won't exist quite equally good (or straightforward) as dismantling it completely. But information technology'due south more than possible – and can still give you a huge boost in performance and air quality.

Pace by step. Let'due south do this together.

Disconnect Totally. Take the plug out of the wall. Washed? Woohoo! Stride one complete. Great going.
Remove the Filter. This should come up out easily. If it'southward washable, peachy – get it soaking in a basin of warm soapy water. If it's dispensable? Get your replacement ready.
Remove the Example.Take out the screws and identify them somewhere piece of cake to think. Take off the front grille at to the lowest degree – as well as any other components that y'all can remove. Especially the dorsum grille, whatever removable condensation drain, and any parts of the framing you can easily get off. Again, soak all of these in warm soapy water and leave to sit down.
Vacuum & Wipe.Have your vacuum and get any obvious balls of dust and dirty out of at that place. Accept a slightly damp cloth and exercise an initial wipe over any obvious areas (i.e. early mold patches).
Spray.Using the spray canteen (+ 2 drops of detergent), spray over every interior surface you'll be able to wipe down. Specially the fins. Don't worry – air conditioners are made to handle water. They're also dehumidifiers, after all.
Wipe Exteriors. While the interior soaks in spray, nosotros can now wipe down the outside. Take each part and requite it a good going over with a towel or a cloth. Once make clean, go out out to dry.
Brush Down. Back to the interior. Take the soft brush and gently castor down the cooling fins and coils. Effort your all-time not to push these to either side. Only get upwards and down. Use a fin comb if you lot have i (don't worry if yous don't). You can likewise utilize a can of compressed air to get at any nooks and crannies.
Wipe Interiors.Lastly, give the soaked interiors a skilful wipe down with a wet cloth. Pretty much whatever surface you tin can get your hands on – particularly the fins and fan blades. Go as much as yous tin can out of there – then leave everything to dry.
Reassemble.Put each piece dorsum together in the order you took it off. Not sure? Don't worry – consult the user manual (or just requite it a shot!)
Study Up.Terminal upward – read our section on window ac all-time practices below to continue your air conditioner at it's best!

And there we have it. 10 simple steps to clean success. Pace 10 is especially important, of course.

Monthly Check-Ups

For a monthly check upwards, information technology'south super simple. Once you've got a clean window air conditioner, it only needs a cheque once a month or so. All you demand to do is requite the filter a make clean, empty out the condensation tray, and take a quick inspection of the Air conditioning. If at all looks good from the outside, and so great!

If you suspect you smell mold or spot anything out of the ordinary, only take the case off and have a await. Information technology'll just take a minute. Follow upward with any spot-cleaning that's necessary.

Hey, presto! All practiced.

Rather meet this process in video format? Hither'due south a great one by Becky'south Homestead. She does take this exterior, but you tin can still use the aforementioned process (maybe just without the hose!)

Window Air Conditioner Best Practices

Now that yous've got a squeaky make clean window air conditioner, allow'southward make sure information technology stays at it's best.

Follow these quick tips to brand sure you get the most out of your unit of measurement.

Keep the filter make clean! Monthly cleaning should be fine for this, but do more as necessary if it'due south a tough ol' season for your unit. If y'all're shopping for a new i, keep your eye out for HEPA-certified filters. They're much meliorate for anyone with allergies (and any lovers of clean air).
Keep the fins straight.During and after whatever deep cleans, proceed the cooling fins as straight as possible. These are used to cool the air, and should exist running straight upwards and down.
Keep it on!The more than you use the window air conditioner, the less chance of mold build upwardly there is. (No, I don't work for the energy company!) Basically, wet breeds mold – specially dried moisture. If the Air-conditioning is sitting on the window on a damp mean solar day, that's when mold will start to creep upward. Try to have the Ac shut away if you're non going to be using it.
Continue information technology in the shade.An air conditioner will be suffering if left in the lord's day. Where possible, try to mount it on a window that gets the well-nigh shade.
If in doubtfulness, consider a service.If your Air conditioning hasn't been performing and you can't find out why, consider hiring a professional. I quick dismantle, clean, and reassemble might be all you demand to go the AC feeling brand new over again.
Shop it well.When not in use, keep the Air conditioning in a cool , dry out space. If it's over-exposed to the elements, you're looking at accelerated onset of rust and other problems.

Window AC Cleaning FAQ'due south

Is A Dirty Window Air Conditioner Bad?

Yes! A muddied window air conditioner tin hurt yous in a lot of ways. It tin can lower the cooling efficiency of the air conditioner, and increase the wear and tear on it. The dirt and mold will lead to the foul smelling air, and the spreading of dust/dander can aggravate your allergies.

Tin can I Spray Water on my Air Conditioner?

Yes! Air conditioners are sturdy appliances, and they also deal with moisture in the air. This doesn't mean soak the unit – but spraying to wipe downwards is absolutely fine and even encouraged. See our cleaning notes for more than detail.

How Frequently Should I Clean A Window Air Conditioner?

The most important time to clean a window air conditioner is when you accept it out of the cupboard for summertime. That's when the dust, grime, and mold might take congenital upwards. In one case it's had a spring clean, a quick bank check-up every month or ii (depending on how much you're using it) is more than enough.

Conclusion

Window air conditioners can be a gamechanger for the summer.

But no-1 wants smelly, dusty air. Nor a hot, overworked air conditioner.

I promise this quick guide has helped give y'all guidance on keeping that baby clean, happy, and running well.

If we've helped you lot out, please consider checking out some of our other articles! The best way to support or thank us is past spending more fourth dimension on the website.

Give thanks yous so much for reading, and I hope y'all have a great day.

All-time wishes,

-Craig