How to clean your air-conditioning unit in 20 minutes

Do you have a constant mildew scent when your AC is on?

When was the last time you cleaned the vents of your AC?

This task can be performed easily in less than 30 mins for clean fresh air to be circulated in your home.

You will need the following items to complete this task:

• Spray-bottle
• Bucket
• Gloves
• Cleaning solutions – hydrogen peroxide and powder cleaning agents such as breeze, ajax
• A vacuum with a hose extension to reach the AC unit
• A washcloth
• A fine tooth comb

DO NOT USE BLEACH OR VINEGAR as it may corrode the metals in your AC unit. 

The steps to clean your AC unit are as follows:

1. Gather the list above, pay attention to the DO NOT list

If your AC is not working efficiently it is advised to contact a local technician, as it may be another issue entirely.

2) Unplug your AC 

Assess the position if it is easily accessible or needs to be removed to be cleaned.

3) Using your bucket of detergent and the cloth to wipe the exterior of the unit

You may also use the spray bottle for a more directed positioning of your cleaning agents.

4) Now the tricky part, to remove and clean the filter

This can be found on the inside of the AC unit. There are some units where this is reusable or may need to replace due to the length of time and the amount of buildup on the filter. Cleaning with a light scrubbing brush or the fine tooth comb to get rid of the dust particles and possible moldy scent.

The filter collects all the dust and protects your home from toxins and promotes the circulation of clean air.

Therefore, it is vital that keep this part of the AC as clean as possible or replace every 6 months depending on the use of the appliance.

5) After dealing with the filter, you can vacuum the inside of the AC unit, using the extension

The leftover dust and particles on the hinges

6) Let it dry thoroughly

7) Remount and plug in

If this does not aid in the cleaning of your AC unit, you can contact a local technician to assess and diagnose. 

This task may be tricky but once you have done it once, it will be easier the next time, as you will clean the AC regularly to avoid the collection of the dust or learn how to replace the filters.

Keeping your AC clean will allow you to have a cleaner and safer environment. No more foul scents, do it yourself and save money with the steps provided.