Cleaning Your Window AC Unit Yourself in 7 Steps

If your window AC unit is not cooling well or giving off a musty smell, it could be one of three things: a clogged filter, dirty coils, or mold growth. Fortunately, cleaning your window AC unit yourself is easy. 

You can clean your air conditioner without removing it, using just a few tools and supplies.

In this article, we explain how to clean your window AC unit in seven steps, with pro tips for keeping it clean.

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How to clean a window air conditioner unit

Cleaning your window air conditioner unit means removing dust, debris, and mold. To clean a window air conditioner unit, you’ll need to unplug it from the wall or cut the circuit breaker,  remove the filter, and then clean each of these parts: front grill, condenser, evaporator coils, drip tray, and fan. 

In a minute, we’ll go over detailed steps for cleaning every part of your AC unit. But first, here are simple instructions to clean the two parts of your air conditioner that tend to get the dirtiest: the filter and the coils:

How to clean the AC filter 

To clean the AC filter on a window unit, simply remove the filter and wash it with soapy water. Let the filter air dry, then replace it in the unit. Always turn your AC off before cleaning the filter or any other parts. 

How to clean the AC coils

To clean your AC coils, use a soft brush or a vacuum to remove dust and grime. Take extra care, because AC coils are easily damaged. 

Supplies you’ll need to deep clean the entire AC unit

• Protective eyewear
• Face mask
• Latex gloves
• Water
• White vinegar
• Soft cloth
• Scrub brush
• Screwdriver
• A vacuum cleaner with attachments

How to clean a window AC unit without removing

Before you start cleaning your window AC unit, turn off the power supply. Next, remove and wash the filter and drip tray with warm soapy water. Then clean the front grill, fan blades, condenser, and evaporator coils with a vacuum cleaner. Finally, rinse the soapy parts and dry them before reinstalling.

Step 1: Turn off the power

Before you start cleaning your window AC unit, make sure to turn off the power supply. You can do this by unplugging the unit or turning off the circuit breaker that powers the unit.

Step 2: Remove the filter

The filter is usually located at the front of the AC unit and can be easily removed by pulling it out. Wash the filter with warm soapy water and rinse it thoroughly. Allow the filter to dry completely before reinstalling it.

Step 3: Clean the front grill

Clean the front grill of the AC unit with a soft-bristled brush or a vacuum cleaner. Ensure you remove any dirt and dust that may have accumulated on the grill.

Step 4: Clean the condenser and evaporator coils

Next, clean the condenser and evaporator coils with a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner. Be gentle when cleaning the coils to avoid damaging them.

If you can’t find the condenser coils, check the back of the AC unit. In contrast, the evaporator coils are located inside the AC unit and can be accessed by removing the unit's front cover. 

Step 5: Clean the drip tray

Wash the tray with warm soapy water and rinse it thoroughly before reinstalling it.

Step 6: Clean the fan blades

Clean the fan blades with a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner. Ensure they are clean by removing dirt, dust, and debris.

Step 7: Reinstall the front cover and filter

Once you’ve cleaned all the components of your window AC unit, ensure no moisture is left, then reinstall the front cover and filter. Finally, turn on the power supply to your window AC unit and test it to ensure it works properly.

How to clean mold out of window AC unit

When you clean mold out of a window AC unit, wear a mask, eyewear, and gloves. Spray a mixture of equal parts vinegar and warm water on the coils, fan blades, and other moldy surfaces inside the unit. Let sit for an hour, then scrub thoroughly with a soft-bristled brush. Rinse with water and dry with a towel.

Here are detailed, step-by-step instructions:

Safety first

Wear your safety equipment (mask, eyewear, and gloves). After that, switch off the air conditioner and remove the plug from the power supply. To clean the unit, remove it and place it outside or on the floor.

Remove the filter

The filter can be removed by simply pulling it out of the front of the air conditioner. If it has a moldy surface, replace the filter with a new one.

Spray a mold cleaner

Combine equal parts of vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle and spray on the coils, fan blades, and any other moldy surfaces inside the AC unit. Let the solution sit on these surfaces for up to an hour before moving on to the next step.

As a natural acid, vinegar efficiently kills molds, inhibits future growth, and eliminates its stains from any surface. 

Meanwhile, besides cleaning mold from window AC units, white vinegar can be used for a wide range of household cleaning tasks. 

Also use vinegar to:

• Unclog kitchen and bathroom drains 
• Clean window sills 
• Clean window tracks

Scrub thoroughly

Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the area thoroughly. Continue until there is no longer any mold.

Rinse with clean water

Next, rinse the surfaces with clean water to remove any residual debris and cleaning solution. You can clean the air conditioner's interior with a spray bottle or a hose.

Dry with a fresh towel

Dry the AC unit's interior thoroughly with a fresh towel. Make sure to remove all residual water.

Clean the drip tray

Wash the tray with warm soapy water and rinse it thoroughly before reinstalling it. You can easily remove the drip tray located at the bottom of the AC unit.

Once you have cleaned all the components of your window AC unit, reinstall the filter and turn on the power supply to your window AC unit to test if it’s working correctly.

Tips for keeping your window AC unit clean

Follow these pro tips to maintain your window AC unit and keep it clean longer. 

• Change filter regularly: Accumulated dust, dirt, and debris keeps the filter from working well. 
• Clean coils: Regularly clean the coils to prevent dust and debris from collecting. 
• Keep unit level: If your AC isn’t level, condensation can build up and leak into your home. 
• Use an AC cover: If you store your AC unit during the off-season, use a cover to protect it from dust and debris.

Window AC unit cleaning FAQ

Quick questions to your most frequently asked questions about cleaning a window AC unit.

How do I clean the filter on my window AC unit?

To clean the filter on your window AC unit, remove the filter and use a hand-held vacuum or vacuum attachments to clean away as much dust and debris as possible. Soak the filter for an hour in a solution of equal parts vinegar and water. Brush the filter gently, then rinse. Air dry completely before reinstalling.

How do I clean the coils on my window AC unit?

Follow these steps to clean the coils on your window AC unit:

1. Use a soft-bristled brush to gently clean the coils and fins. 
2. Spray a can of condensed air inside the unit to remove any remaining debris on the coils.
3. If you notice any bent fins, gently move them back into place.

Can I clean my window AC unit without removing it?

Yes, you can clean your window AC without removing it. Start by turning off the AC unit. Remove the filter and clean it, then clean the front grill. Next, carefully vacuum the condenser and evaporator coils, then wipe down the drip tray and fan blades. Finally, reinstall the front cover and filter.

What is the best way to clean a window AC unit?

Turn off the power to your air conditioner before removing the front panel and filter. First, use a vacuum to remove as much dirt as possible. Then, wash your filter with warm, soapy water and set it out to dry. Next, mix equal parts of vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle and use it to clean the air conditioner.

Can I clean the mold out of my window AC unit?

Yes, you can clean mold out of a window AC unit. Follow these steps:

1. Spray a 1:1 mixture of vinegar and water on the coils, fan blades, and other moldy surfaces. 
2. Let it sit for an hour.
3. Scrub with a soft-bristled brush.
4. Rinse with clean water and towel dry.

How to keep your whole house clean in all weather

Whether it’s time to fire up the window AC unit or turn on the radiators, a clean house is a healthier and happier house, all year round. 

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