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Window Air Conditioners aren’t fun to set up. They’re big, bulky, and need to be sat on a pretty thin window frame. Removing them isn’t exactly an attractive proposition. All of that said – they do need cleaned! A dirty air conditioner is only going to cause you problems. Dust problems, air quality problems, energy bill problems… you’ll have 99 problems and that window ac will be most of them. So can we clean a window air conditioner without the hassle of removing them? You bet. In short: How To Clean A Mounted Window Air Conditioner:
At least, that’s the short version! If you’re not in a rush, there’s plenty of more detail that’s worth taking note of. Read on for the full guide. Benefits of a Clean Window Air ConditionerBefore doing any 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 up, and their generally efficiency drops as a result. But don’t worry. It’s totally natural. All your window air conditioner needs is a little bit of love and care to really shine. Just like us humans! Having a clean air conditioner isn’t just satisfying. It also means that:
Ready to begin? Then let’s get started! Setting UpHere’s a quick list of things you should prepare. Just like with cooking a meal, it’s easier to have everything in one place rather than running around as you work!
Try to detach whatever you can – including the frame fins. Cleaning Your Window Air ConditionerLet’s get started with a full deep clean. Since you’ve taken the time to look this up on the internet, I imagine that AC is pretty dirty! We’ll cover monthly check-ups later. So, is it possible to clean a window air conditioner without removing it? Yes, it’s possible. It won’t be quite as good (or straightforward) as dismantling it completely. But it’s more than possible – and can still give you a huge boost in performance and air quality. Step by step. Let’s do this together.
And there we have it. 10 simple steps to clean success. Step 10 is especially important, of course. Monthly Check-UpsFor a monthly check up, it’s super simple. Once you’ve got a clean window air conditioner, it only needs a check once a month or so. All you need to do is give the filter a clean, empty out the condensation tray, and have a quick inspection of the AC. If at all looks good from the outside, then great! If you suspect you smell mold or spot anything out of the ordinary, just take the case off and have a look. It’ll only take a minute. Follow up with any spot-cleaning that’s necessary. Hey, presto! All good. Rather see this process in video format? Here’s a great one by Becky’s Homestead. She does take this outside, but you can still use the same process (maybe just without the hose!)
Window Air Conditioner Best PracticesNow that you’ve got a squeaky clean window air conditioner, let’s make sure it stays at it’s best. Follow these quick tips to make sure you get the most out of your unit.
Window AC Cleaning FAQ’sIs A Dirty Window Air Conditioner Bad?Yes! A dirty window air conditioner can hurt you in a lot of ways. It 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. 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 down is absolutely fine and even encouraged. See our cleaning notes for more detail. How Often Should I Clean A Window Air Conditioner?The most important time to clean a window air conditioner is when you take it out of the cupboard for summer. That’s when the dust, grime, and mold might have built up. Once it’s had a spring clean, a quick check-up every month or two (depending on how much you’re using it) is more than enough. ConclusionWindow air conditioners can be a gamechanger for the summer. But no-one wants smelly, dusty air. Nor a hot, overworked air conditioner. I hope this quick guide has helped give you guidance on keeping that baby clean, happy, and running well. If we’ve helped you out, please consider checking out some of our other articles! The best way to support or thank us is by spending more time on the website. Thank you so much for reading, and I hope you have a great day. Best wishes, -Craig How do you clean mold out of a window air conditioner?Fill a plastic bucket with a few gallons of hot water and about 1/2 cup of household bleach. Saturate a scrubbing sponge in the bleach solution and use it to wipe the inside surfaces of the AC unit, removing all traces of visible mold. The bleach will kill residual mold spores.
How do you clean a window air conditioner inside?Spray down the interior cabinet and exterior housing with hydrogen peroxide, and use a cloth or rag to wipe down everything that you can reach. You can use the same spray cleaning solution on the evaporator and condenser coils, or you can use an AC coil cleaner spray cleaner.
Can I spray my window AC unit with water?The good news is that you absolutely can spray water on your air conditioner if it needs a cleaning, and nothing bad will happen. Spraying water on your AC's condenser also helps it run more efficiently. In fact, your condenser needs a regular spritzing in order to keep doing a good job.
Is it OK to hose down a window air conditioner?You should absolutely hose down your air conditioner if you have the means to do so. After all, the condenser's main job is to pull in air and cool it off, so when it “pulls,” it also drags anything loose with it, including pollen, grass clippings, and dirt.
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