To clean the inside of an AC unit, especially the indoor part such as a split AC, follow these expert steps:
Preparation
- Turn off and unplug the AC unit to ensure safety before cleaning
- If the AC was recently used, run it on fan mode for 30-40 minutes to dry out moisture inside
Cleaning the Air Filters
- Remove the front panel of the indoor unit by releasing the latches or tabs
- Take out the air filters carefully.
- Use a vacuum cleaner or a soft brush to remove dust from the filters.
- Wash the filters gently with a mixture of water and vinegar (1:1 ratio) or a mild detergent solution. Avoid hot water above 40°C to prevent damage
- Rinse thoroughly with running water.
- Let the filters air dry completely in a shaded area before reinstalling (this may take several hours)
Cleaning the Coils and Cooling Fins
- Remove the access panel to expose the evaporator coils inside the indoor unit
- Use a soft brush or a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove dust and debris from the coils and fins carefully
- Apply a no-rinse coil cleaner spray, which foams up and helps remove dirt. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes as per product instructions
- Lightly brush off any remaining dirt.
- Rinse coils gently using a spray bottle with water (avoid hosing down to prevent damage)
- Use an air blower to blow dust off the cooling fins without touching them to avoid bending
- Straighten any bent fins carefully with a fin comb or a similar tool to maintain airflow efficiency
Cleaning the Drain Line and Pan
- Flush the drain line with a pressurized flush kit or water to clear clogs
- Clean the drain pan by spraying with a mild cleaning solution or vinegar mixture and wiping it down
Final Steps
- Reassemble all parts carefully.
- Turn on the AC and run it on maximum cooling for 15-20 minutes to flush out any residual dirty water
- Keep a cloth or bucket handy to catch dirty water during this process.
Using these steps will help maintain your AC unit's efficiency and improve air quality inside your home
