There are more and more houses and apartments with air conditioners in Poland. It is understandable. No other solution guarantees such comfort during the summer when we are tired of the hot temperature. However, the purchase and regular use of air conditioning are not enough. It is also significant to clean the appliance regularly. The cleanliness of the device has a real influence on health and saves money. Unclean air conditioning means dirty air and the risk of the device’s failure. Let’s find out how to effectively clean the air conditioner to enjoy its full functionality and breathe clean air.
When does the air conditioner need cleaning?
It is worth checking the device regularly, cleaning it from dust, and sometimes doing a more solid inspection from time to time. If you see your air conditioner is working less well than usual (for example, it takes much longer to cool the air in the room), you have to check the device. It may need to be thoroughly inspected and cleaned. We have prepared a detailed step-by-step guide on cleaning indoor and outdoor units of your air conditioner quickly and efficiently. After such refreshments, the equipment will work efficiently, and the residents will not be exposed to mold or dust.
Help from a professional company
If you do not have time or are unsure if you can clean the air conditioner comprehensively, get help from a professional company. Companies offer the inspection, maintenance, and cleaning of air conditioners. Experts know what to do. They know how not to damage the air conditioner and effectively remove dirt or harmful microorganisms from it. If you have been using air conditioning for some time and have never cleaned your device before, you can be sure that it is dirty inside. In this case, the help of professionals is very desirable. If you decide to clean the device yourself, you handle it for sure. With our instructions, it will be easier than you think.
Clean the air conditioner with dedicated detergents
You have most of the helpful accessories at home. But if you do not have such equipment, consider buying them. They will also be best for disinfecting other devices or furniture.
- COIL CLEANER
You should not clean the evaporator coils and the condenser coils with water. For cleaning them, use appropriate chemicals. It will make sure that you do not damage the air conditioner. You can buy them in specialized stores or on the Internet. Detergents effectively remove dirt and grease. These chemicals must be safe in contact with metal and every easily corrosive material. Otherwise, you will be exposed to additional costs resulting from damaged equipment.
- DEGREASER
The degreaser makes it easy to remove accumulated dirt inside the device. Thanks to a degreaser, you will quickly and effectively remove persistent dirt and prevent the mold’s growth. If you are looking for the best degreaser that will be efficient, choose Fortador Gold Degreaser. It will ensure safety and effectiveness.
- HYDROGEN PEROXIDE
You can dilute hydrogen peroxide with water in a spray bottle. Such a solution is used for disinfection and will be helpful in the final stages of cleaning the air conditioner. It is worth spraying it on the air inlet and outlet. Thanks to this, you will stop the mold’s growth and keep the air in the room clean.
- COMB FOR CLEANING THE FINS OF THE AIR CONDITIONER
A special fins comb for cleaning the fins will make it easier for you to clean the device in hard-to-reach places, such as the spaces between the fins. It is best to choose a fins comb with different spacing, it is also suitable for cleaning coils.
- STEAM VACUUM CLEANER
Steam cleaning is one of the most effective ways to clean air conditioners and other appliances. It is also the safest method that guarantees thorough cleaning and disinfection without the risk of damaging any part (even in the case of delicate and hard-to-reach elements).
The Fortador PRO steam cleaner will help you remove dirt with ease. The device includes various attachments which allow you to reach any place. The option to adjust the steam settings gives you the choice of the best solution for all stages of the air conditioner cleaning process.
If you are looking for smaller equipment for domestic purposes rather than industrial ones, choose the Fortador Volt Mini. It is a portable and relatively light device, powerful enough to effectively clean and disinfect a portable or stationary air conditioner and many other devices.
- ADDITIONAL ACCESSORIES
You will also need microfiber cloths, sponges, and soft brushes to clean the air conditioner. Most of us have them at home.
Cleaning the air conditioner [13 steps]
If you do not have cleaning air conditioners experience, reserve two hours. That’s enough to clean the device effectively and calmly. It is worth learning about the construction of the air conditioner to facilitate the cleaning and disinfection of individual elements. Remember to turn off the power before proceeding. Safety above all!
- Step 1. Preparation for cleaning
Before cleaning the device, put on comfortable clothes that may get dirty. Also, wear rubber gloves to protect your hands. When you properly prepare and turn off the power, you can proceed to the next steps.
- Step 2. Opening of the air conditioner
To get to the device you may have to remove some screws that hold the cover. You may need to remove the tape that protects access to the air conditioner.
- Step 3. Protecting the environment against dirt
To avoid staining the walls and items around the air conditioner, protect them with foil or put a plastic cover behind the device. Although it is not obligatory, it is not worth skipping this step. Thanks to this, you will avoid the need to clean the wall.
- Step 4. Using the degreaser
If you have opened the air conditioner and secured items next to the device, you can start the cleaning. Spray all equipment with a degreaser (only avoid contact with the degreaser with the coils) and wait a while.
- Step 5. Removal of pollutions
With a steam cleaner (for example) set to the wet steam mode, remove any dirt loosened by the degreaser. Be careful with the coils. They should not have contact with water.
- Step 6. Using compressed air or vacuum cleaner
Use compressed air or a vacuum cleaner to remove dust from the coils. When cleaning these items, pollen, pet hair, and dust will be blown out of the air conditioner. You have to be especially careful if you are allergic. Get a protective mask to block the dirt.
- Step 7. Applying the coil cleaner
Blowing the dirt out of the evaporator coils and condenser coils will be more effortless now. Use dedicated detergents and spray all the elements with them. Remember, the warm air in the device remain the detergents active after restarting the air conditioner.
- Step 8. Cleaning the fins of the air conditioner
At this step, a fins comb will help you to clean the air conditioner’s fins and hard-to-reach places. However, be careful and do not bend them too much because you may damage them!
- Step 9. Cleaning the water tank
Mix hot water with soap and a little bleach. Pour the mixture into a bowl where condensation accumulates to disinfect it. Another way is to purchase special cleaning tablets. This way, you will clean the tank of algae and mold.
- Step 10. Cleaning a clogged drain pan
It is possible that rinsing out the cleaning agent used in the previous step is not easy. If the hole is clogged, you have to grab the drain where the pipe ends and insert the vacuum cleaner into the hole at the end of the drain pipe. Then turn on the device and wait for the vacuum cleaner to draw in the dirt that clogs the outlet.
- Step 11. Sanitizing the air conditioner
If you want to remove mold and fungus effectively and sanitize the air conditioner, use a steam cleaner. It will keep the air blown clean and healthy.
- Step 12. Filter replacement
Finally, when the air conditioner is clean and disinfected, replace the air filters with new ones.
- Step 13. Final touches
Once you have completed all the previous steps, leave the air conditioner on for a while and let it dry. Use the damp cloth to wipe any dust from the outside of the unit and turn the power on again. Do the same for the outdoor or window unit. Ready! Your air conditioner is clean. 🙂
