Window air conditioners are a great way to keep your home comfortable during the hottest part of the year. However, if the performance of your AC unit seems to be suffering, it most likely needs cleaning. Over time, the AC filter and other parts of the unit can become covered in dust and debris, which can hinder the unit's ability to cool.

Cleaning your window air conditioner regularly will help keep it performing at its best and keep your energy costs down. It also prevents the growth of mold, which can have adverse health effects.

Cleaning a window air conditioner is very simple. In this blog, we'll walk you through all the necessary steps you need to take to clean your window air conditioner so you can enjoy the ideal room temperature throughout the season.

Window air conditioner cleaning may sound like a lot of work, but it only requires nine simple steps explained below. Before we move on to our step-by-step guide on how to clean a window air conditioner, let's gather all the necessary materials.

Materials needed for window air conditioner cleaning

Cleaning cloth or rag

Vacuum

Mild detergent or commercial coil cleaner

Garden hose

Goggles

Communication handbook

3% hydrogen peroxide

Screwdriver

Masks

Plastic gloves

Fin comb

Spray bottles – You will need two bottles, one for the cleaning solution and one for the hydrogen peroxide solution.

New air filter – in case your existing AC filter needs to be replaced.

Once you have gathered all the material, turn off the circuit breaker and unplug the unit before continuing with cleaning the window air conditioner.

If you're afraid to take out the whole unit, don't worry! It is entirely possible to clean the window air conditioner without disassembling it. However, if you live on the second floor, or if the outside part is difficult to access, you may want to take the machine apart to clean out the back parts.

A panel is a plastic or metal cover that protects the front of a window air conditioner. It is secured with screws or clips at the bottom. Unscrew the panel with a screwdriver and remove it.

After removing the cover, spray it with a homemade window air conditioner cleaner, which is a mixture of mild detergent and warm water. You should only use mild cleaners and avoid bleach or vinegar as they can corrode metal. Let the mixture sit on the device for two to three minutes, then wipe with a microfiber cloth.

For more stubborn stains on the lid, you will need to scrub the dirt with a brush. You can also take the front grill outside and spray it with a garden hose. Doing this step weekly will help prevent dirt buildup. After washing, set aside to dry.

If your window AC unit doesn't have a removable cover (which is rare), you can use a cotton swab and a small cloth piece to insert between the gaps and clean thoroughly. You can also use a vacuum cleaner to remove a layer of dust that has accumulated on the front panel.

Since AC filters remove dust and debris from indoor air, they require regular cleaning to do their job effectively. You should clean window air conditioner filters every two weeks and replace them every three to four months, depending on how often you use the air conditioner.

In some models, the filter may be mounted inside the panel, while in others it may be behind the panel. Refer to your manual and check their exact location for removal.

Remove the air filters and check to see if they are covered in dust. Next, use a vacuum to remove debris. Then wash with warm soapy water. For more thorough cleaning, take it outside and hose it down. Let it dry before putting it back in place.

After cleaning the air conditioner filters, it's time to roll up your sleeves and clean your window air conditioner from the inside.

To remove visible debris, vacuum the inside of your window air conditioner. This includes the evaporator at the front, the fan and blower in the middle section, the drip pan at the bottom, and the condenser at the back.

AC coils play an important role in removing heat from the outside of your home. They are made of small aluminum fins. Over time, the fins can become covered in dirt and become a breeding ground for mold.

Extra care must be taken when cleaning the coils, as the fins are very fragile and can bend easily. Also, they are very sharp, so wear protective gloves when handling them. Take a soft brush and gently scrub the coils. Use a coil comb to clean the area between the coil fins.

You can also use a commercial coil cleaner or a homemade window air conditioner cleaner. For a homemade cleaner, mix a mild detergent and warm water in a spray bottle. Spray the cleaner of your choice on the coil and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Then wipe the coils with a soft cloth.

Vacuuming is another method of removing debris from the coil. Apply a vacuum along the direction of the fins and maintain a constant flow to prevent damage to the fins.

If any of the fins were bent during cleaning, take a fin comb and comb in the same direction as the fins to straighten them.

A window air conditioner unit has two fans: a blower near the evaporator and a bladed fan near the compressor. You can use the same cleaning solution that you use to clean the coils to service the fan. Pour the cleaner on a cloth, scrub the dirt off the fan, and hose down. The electrical part of the unit is sealed, so you don't have to worry about any water damage.

Like any other air conditioner, your window units also remove moisture from the air to cool your room. This moisture collects in the drain pan and drains through the drain holes.

Remove the drain pan to remove debris or dirty water. Clean it with a wet-dry vacuum cleaner or a damp cloth. If the pan cracks, you can repair the crack with a high-quality waterproof sealant. If the drip pan is rusted, it's best to replace it entirely.

You should also clean the drain holes. Once you've located the hole, tilt your device to drain excess water. You may need someone to help you do this, as window fixtures are heavy. If the hole becomes clogged, remove the lid to help pour water. Use a bottle brush or damp cloth to scrub away accumulated dirt. Then spray the drain holes thoroughly.

Finish the cleaning process by spraying the interior and exterior housing with a hydrogen peroxide solution. This solution will kill any bacteria and prevent mold or mildew from growing inside your device. Don't forget to wear gloves and safety glasses when handling hydrogen peroxide.

Allow sufficient time for the device to dry completely before reassembling. Time to enjoy the fresh and cool air!

The above briefly introduces the method of cleaning the window air conditioner. If you want to know more or you want to buy the window air conditioner, please contact us.

As a wholesale of high-quality air conditioning and refrigeration replacement parts, ComforPlanet aims to provide safe and green solutions for every user. We are equipped with a professional quality inspection system, which can fully control product quality. At the same time, we also provide thoughtful after-sales service. If you are interested in our air-conditioning refrigerants, please contact us immediately!