How to Clean & Maintain a Window Air Conditioner

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Here's the best way to clean and sanitize your AC for cool, fresh air

Co-authored by Victor Belavus and Raven Minyard, BA

Last Updated: September 18, 2024 Fact Checked

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• Cleaning a Window AC
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• When to Clean Window ACs
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• Maintaining Your Window AC
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• FAQs
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• Video
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• Expert Q&A
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• Tips
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• Warnings

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Cleaning your window air conditioner regularly is vital to keeping it in good working order. In addition to cleaning your filter monthly, it’s recommended to clean the interior and coils of your AC unit every year. We interviewed air conditioning technician Victor Belavus to teach you everything you need to know to clean a window air conditioner. Plus, learn how often you should clean your unit, how to maintain it, and answers to other questions about cleaning window ACs.

Cleaning a Window AC Unit: Quick Overview

Turn off and unplug your AC. Remove the front cover and clean it with soapy water. Remove the filter, then vacuum it and rinse it with clean water. Vacuum and wipe down the AC’s interior. Let everything dry completely before reassembling the unit.

Steps

Section 1 of 4:

How to Clean a Window Air Conditioner

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1. 1
   Turn off and unplug the unit. Make sure your air conditioner is disconnected from all power sources. Never attempt to clean an air conditioner that is turned on or plugged in, as this could cause you to be electrocuted. If necessary, shut off the circuit breaker to the AC on your home’s electrical panel.
2. 2
   Remove the face panel. The front cover, or face panel, is the plastic or metal grate secured to the front of your AC unit. It’s typically secured with screws, clips, and/or tabs, so refer to your owner’s manual to remove it properly. Removing the cover allows you to easily access the filter and coils.

   • On some models, the filter is housed inside the face panel. If this is the case, refer to your owner’s manual for instructions on how to remove the filter before cleaning the face panel.
   • Put on some cleaning gloves, safety goggles, and a face mask, especially if you have dust allergies.
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3. 3
   Spray the face panel with a cleaning solution. Fill a spray bottle with mild dish soap and water, or 3% hydrogen peroxide for a stronger cleaning solution. Spray down the face panel and wipe it clean with a soft cloth. Set it aside to dry while you clean the rest of the unit.

   • Alternatively, take the face panel outside and spray it down with a hose.
   • Do not use alcohol, as this is flammable and could start a fire.
   • Do not use bleach, as those fumes are toxic and bleach could damage the unit.
   • While safer than bleach or alcohol, hydrogen peroxide should still be clearly labeled and kept out of the reach of children.
4. 4
   Remove and clean the filter. Consult your owner’s manual to determine how to remove the filter. If it’s particularly dirty, try vacuuming it to remove large pieces of dust and debris. Then, wipe it with a soft, damp cloth and rinse it with fresh water. Set it aside to dry, flipping it halfway through the drying process so it dries evenly.

   • The filter must be completely dry before you reinstall it in your air conditioner.
   • Feel free to take the filter outside and rinse it with a hose.
   • Some filters cannot be reused and should instead be replaced. Refer to your owner’s manual to see if this is the case for you.
   • In general, filters should be cleaned once a month and replaced every 3 months.
5. 5
   Vacuum and clean the AC’s coils and interior. Use a soft brush or fin comb to brush any dirt and debris off of the air conditioner’s evaporator coils. Gently vacuum the AC’s interior with a brush attachment, then spray the coils with your cleaning solution. Wipe them with a clean cloth and let them dry completely before reassembling the unit.

   • Place a drip tray underneath the unit to catch any drips, which might otherwise bleach carpet, fabric, or wood.
   • When vacuuming, be sure to clean the entire interior, including the drain pan at the bottom of the unit, the fan and blower in the middle, the evaporator in the front, and the condenser in the back.
   • Belavus says, “Make sure to clean [the] drain pan after coil cleaning. It’s connected to your drain line, and it can easily clog, causing leaks and water damage.”
6. 6
   Clean the outside of the unit if you can reach it. If you can easily access the back of your air conditioner (the part outside the window), clean the exterior and the condenser coils with a soft brush. Remove any leaves or debris and wipe the unit down. If it isn’t safe to do this, like if you’re not on the first floor, skip this step.

   • Consider using an AC coil spray cleaner or condensed air on the condenser coils. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to apply it correctly.
   • At this time, examine the unit’s condenser fins (the thin metal slats on the AC’s exterior) to see if any are bent. If they are, carefully insert a fin comb or knife between the bent fins and run it parallel with the fins until they’re straight. This is optional.
   • Belavus says to clean condenser coils, “Mix warm water and a simple detergent in a spray bottle, hand sprayer, or garden sprayer. Apply the water and detergent solution to the [condenser] coils. Give the solution 10-15 minutes to soak in and loosen debris. Then, spray the coil with water to loosen any dirt that’s caked on.
7. 7
   Reassemble the dry pieces. Once every part of the AC unit is completely dry, reassemble it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Plug the unit back in, turn it on, and enjoy your fresh, cool air.
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Section 2 of 4:

How Often to Clean a Window AC Unit

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1. 1
   Clean your air conditioner at least once a year. The Department of Energy recommends thoroughly cleaning your air conditioning unit yearly, preferably before you begin using it for the season. However, the frequency at which you should clean it depends on a number of factors, like how often you use it, your environment, and the air quality. If you use your AC frequently or live in a dusty area, you may need to clean it more often.
2. 2
   Clean the filter monthly and replace it every 3 months. Rinse and clean your air conditioner’s filter once a month to keep it working properly. Dirty or clogged filters can significantly reduce the unit’s efficiency. If the filter is particularly dirty, replace it with a clean one, and replace filters in general every 3 months. The frequency at which AC filters need to be cleaned or replaced depends on how often they’re used and the air quality in your home.

   • Clean your filter more often if you live in a dusty environment or have pets.
   • If your filter is worn or torn, replace it. If the filter is designed specifically for your unit, identify your model number and order a new one online or from your unit’s manufacturer.
   • If your unit has a universal AC filter, purchase a cut-to-fit air conditioner filter online or at your local home improvement store.
   • Belavus recommends “using replaceable filters for your air conditioner” and says, “if you have a washable filter, vacuum it first to remove all big particles. [Then], mix 30 g of citric acid with 1 liter of water and submerge [the] filter for 15 minutes. [Then] wash with water.”
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Section 3 of 4:

How to Maintain Your Window AC

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1. 1
   Dust the unit weekly and wipe it with a damp cloth monthly. It isn’t necessary to deep clean your window air conditioner monthly, but quickly cleaning its exterior can help maintain it and keep it running smoothly. Dust it once a week to remove any debris that may have accumulated on the front of the unit, and wipe it down about once a month to remove more stubborn debris.

   • Remember to clean your filter each month as well, and replace it every 3 months.
2. 2
   Use an air purifier. Dust and debris in the air gets trapped in the air conditioner, and a great way to combat this is to use an air purifier in the same room as the AC unit. Using an air purifier regularly will cut down on a lot of the dust and allergens that would otherwise cause you to need to clean your AC more often.
3. 3
   Make sure the unit is unobstructed. If something is directly in front of or behind your air conditioner, it can obstruct the airflow and decrease the unit’s efficiency. Regularly inspect your air conditioner to make sure nothing is blocking it, including things like foliage, bushes, or furniture.

   • Window air conditioners may also run more efficiently if they’re installed in a shady location.
4. 4
   Store your air conditioner inside during cooler weather. When it's not in use, store your window unit indoors so it isn’t exposed to the elements. Remove it from the window and keep it in your attic, basement, or somewhere else out of the way. Cover it with a plastic sheet or tarp to keep dust and debris from accumulating.

   • If you can't remove the air conditioner from the window, cover the exterior portion of the unit with a tarp or air conditioner cover.
   • Belavus doesn’t recommend AC owners “doing extensive maintenance themselves. Most important for any household owner is to replace filters regularly (at least every 3 months), and inspect outdoor condensers for any debris. I would also recommend covering your AC condenser for the winter to protect it from snow.”
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Section 4 of 4:

Cleaning a Window Air Conditioner FAQs

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1. 1
   Do you have to remove a window AC unit to clean it? In general, no, most window AC units are designed to be cleaned in place. It should be sufficient to take off the face panel and clean the inside of your unit while it’s still in the window. Just be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to make sure you clean it properly.

   • If you really want to deep clean your unit, take it out of the window and place it outside. Remove the casing according to your owner’s manual. Clean the unit’s pieces as you normally would, then use a low-pressure hose to rinse the case, coils, and tray. Let it dry completely before reassembling.
2. 2
   Is it safe to spray an air conditioner with water? It’s safe to spray the exterior air conditioners with water. Spraying down the condenser coils and the exterior of your AC can actually help the unit run more efficiently. If you’re cleaning the interior of the unit, lightly mist it with a spray bottle or use a damp cloth instead. Make sure to turn the unit off and unplug it first.
3. 3
   How do you remove mold from a window air conditioner? Put on rubber gloves, goggles, and an N-95 mask, and remove the AC from the window according to your owner’s manual. Disassemble the unit, and vacuum as much dirt and debris from the interior as possible. Spray a mold cleaner, like 3% hydrogen peroxide on the mold, and scrub until it’s completely removed. Rinse the parts with clean water and let everything dry completely before reassembling.

   • If possible, replace the filter instead of just cleaning it. If you have to reuse the old filter, spray it with your mold cleaner and let it soak in warm water and dish soap for 15 minutes before scrubbing it with a scrub brush.
   • It may be better to throw out a moldy window unit and get a new one.
   • Belavus says, “Molds require a wet environment to thrive, and [an] air conditioner, especially with dirty ductwork, is a perfect spot for it. Have your AC units inspected before every cooling season [to prevent mold].”
4. 4
   Why should you clean a window AC unit? Dirt and debris can get inside air conditioners and block their airflow, which in turn makes them less effective at cooling your home. Cleaning your unit at least once a year will help extend its lifetime and reduce the need for repairs. It can also lower the cost of your electricity bill.

   • Cleaning your unit regularly will also decrease the chances of your air conditioner growing mold and will provide you with cleaner air.
5. 5
   Should I hire a professional to clean my AC? Generally, it isn’t necessary to hire a professional to clean a window air conditioner. However, if you’re unable to clean the unit yourself for whatever reason, or if you suspect it needs more maintenance than a simple cleaning, a professional air conditioner technician can have it clean in no time. Plus, they’ll be able to spot any potential problems your air conditioner might have.
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Expert Q&A

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• Question

  What is the best way to clean a window air conditioner?

  

  Victor Belavus
  Air Conditioning Specialist

  Victor Belavus is an Air Conditioning Specialist and the Owner of 212 HVAC, an air condition repair and installation company based in Brooklyn, New York. In addition to HVAC and air conditioning units, Victor also specializes in furnace repair and air duct cleaning. He has over 10 years of experience working with HVAC systems.

  

  Victor Belavus

  Air Conditioning Specialist

  Expert Answer

  It's important to clean the drain pan after you clean the coil, because the tray is connected to your drain line. It can easily clog, causing leaks and water damage.

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• Question

  Should I use industrial foaming coil cleaner on my window AC?

  

  Victor Belavus
  Air Conditioning Specialist

  Victor Belavus is an Air Conditioning Specialist and the Owner of 212 HVAC, an air condition repair and installation company based in Brooklyn, New York. In addition to HVAC and air conditioning units, Victor also specializes in furnace repair and air duct cleaning. He has over 10 years of experience working with HVAC systems.

  

  Victor Belavus

  Air Conditioning Specialist

  Expert Answer

  Read the label carefully if you're using a professional solution for coil cleaning. They sometimes differ for indoor and outdoor use.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

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Tips

• Always wash your hands after cleaning an AC unit.
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• Air conditioner screws are small, so be sure to keep them in a safe place, like an envelope or small can, while you’re cleaning.
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Warnings

• Never run an air conditioner with a wet filter or without a filter.
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