Happy owners of the air conditioner periodically face the problem of its contamination. The most obvious is the appearance of household dust on the case, which must be periodically wiped when cleaning the house. But this is sometimes not enough. The filtration system of the split system becomes clogged with dirt over time, which reduces the efficiency of air conditioning. Some types of cleaning work can be done by yourself. Let’s consider how to clean the air conditioner at home.

Climate equipment needs periodic cleaning not only outside, but also inside. This is due to the fact that the air passing through the internal unit of the air conditioner is cleaned by special filters. Dirt settles, accumulates and clogs the air exchange. This not only spoils the equipment, but creates a favorable environment for the reproduction of bacteria that can enter the room.

How to clean the air conditioner at home

Preventive cleaning of the internal and external unit of the air conditioner is carried out 1-2 times a year in the off-season: in spring and autumn. If the equipment is under warranty, a service center specialist is called for the work. Self-cleaning is not recommended, although it can be done with the appropriate skills.

Signs of contamination

If you have noticed changes in the operation of the climate equipment, then it is time to clean the air conditioner from debris. Symptoms of pollution can be:

  • noise or crackling – constantly or when turned on;
  • loud operation of the fan;
  • gurgling when functioning;
  • the smell of mold or dampness;
  • lack of effect: the temperature in the room almost does not change;
  • water leakage from the indoor unit.

Keep in mind that the listed signs can also indicate that the air conditioner is broken. Do not rush to open the case, especially if you are not tech-savvy to determine the cause of the problem.

Step-by-step execution of works

Work on removing dirt and dust from filters, radiator, heat exchanger, fan and cleaning the external unit can be done at home without opening the case.

Specialists must be consulted in case of:

  • the presence of traces of metal corrosion on the surface of the heat exchanger;
  • severe contamination of the radiator and evaporator;
  • the presence of a greasy film on the fan of the indoor unit;
  • the need for detailed cleaning of the external unit;
  • failure of the electronic control unit.

When removing dirt and dust from the indoor unit, it is recommended to follow the sequence of work:

  1. Turn off the device from the electrical network.
  2. Open the instruction manual for your air conditioner, which shows what its internal parts look like and where they are located. There will also be recommendations for opening the device.
  3. Open the front cover.
  4. Remove coarse and fine filters. If the filter is mesh, you can clean it yourself as long as you put it away. The pocket filter is thrown away and replaced with a new one.
  5. Clean the inner surface of the air conditioner with a brush with a long pile or a vacuum cleaner. Do this carefully so as not to damage the evaporator. You can soften dried dirt with a steam cleaner.
  6. Decide on the choice of means for cleaning the internal elements of the device (see the table).
  7. Clean the filters, fan and heat exchanger with the selected substance according to the instructions (see the table).
  8. Wash the softened dirt with water from the sprayer. First, wash the rear wall of the air conditioner, then other elements.
  9. Remove the liquid from the drainage system.
  10. Wash the tub with detergent and water.
  11. Blow out the drainage channel with a stream of air from a vacuum cleaner in blowing mode or with a compressor.
  12. Reassemble the air conditioner.
  13. Connect to the network and let it work in ventilation mode until all elements are completely dry.

If, even after cleaning, an unpleasant smell comes from the air conditioner, then it should be treated with an antiseptic for disinfection. With the filters removed, turn on the equipment in recirculation mode at a lower temperature. Spray a special antiseptic in the place of air intake so that the agent gets inside with the air masses (without getting on the radiator). Turn off the air conditioner. After a while, the smell will disappear.

how to clean the air conditioner yourself

Independent cleaning of the outdoor unit is possible only if there is safe access to it. For example, you live on the first floor or in a private house, and you can reach the unit using a ladder. All other cases are dangerous and require insurance equipment that is available to specialists. You can also clean only the visible contamination of the air conditioner yourself, it is forbidden to open the case of the outdoor unit. Self-cleaning consists of the following stages:

  1. Turn off the power supply.
  2. Put the ladder in a convenient place and at a sufficient height so that it does not fall and it is convenient to work.
  3. Remove dirt from the case with a soft brush and cloth.
  4. Use a hose to clean the radiator with water (do not wet the electrical module). You can use a steam cleaner.
  5. Absorb excess water with a hygroscopic cloth, for example, a microfiber napkin.

Cleaning agents for air conditioners

The chemical industry offers substances for removing impurities from the surface of filters, heat exchangers and air conditioner fans.

Specialized means Active substance Application method

 
Alfadez quaternary ammonium compounds – 15%, polyhexamethyleneguanidine hydrochloride (PHMG) – 6%, surfactant, anti-corrosion agent distribute 3 ml of concentrate per 1 liter of water over the surface using a sprayer; leave for 30-60 minutes.
Schumann Surfactant, caustic soda, fat solvent For kitchen air conditioners. Apply a small amount to the inner surface. Leave for 10-15 minutes. Wash with water.
DOMO surfactant (atmospheric and non-ionic); antibacterial components, solvent Spray on the heat exchanger, leave for 30 minutes.

 
KORTING K19 Antiseptic for the removal of microorganisms, fungi and mold Apply liberally to rough cleaning internal parts and filters. Leave for 15 minutes.
RTU Active alkaline solution Apply to the surface, leave. You can not wash off.
Nanopyrite Active oxygen (acts like hydrogen peroxide), antimicrobial and anticorrosive components Spray on exterior surfaces. You can not wash off.
TOP House Surfactant, solvent Spray, leave for a few minutes, clean with water.

​how to clean the air conditioner with improvised means

Tools at hand

If you wish, you can prepare your own cleaning products at home. They will clean the air conditioner no less effectively, and will cost many times cheaper.

Handy tool Field of application Application method
Dishwashing detergent Cleaning coarse filters Prepare an aqueous solution: 1-2 tbsp. l per 2 l of warm water. Soak the filters, clean with a sponge.
Soapy water Removing dirt and dust from the fan Apply to the indoor fan. Close the walls. After 5-10 minutes, turn on the air conditioner.
Chlorhexidine bigluconate solution Cleaning the heat exchanger and drainage system Prepare a solution: 1 bottle of chlorhexidine and 100 ml of medical alcohol and 3-5 drops of aromatic oil. Spray on the inner surface. Pump 0.5 l of solution into the drainage channel and after 15 minutes, blow it with a vacuum cleaner.
Rosemary, tea tree or lemon oil For cleaning and disinfection Mix 500 ml of warm water with three tablespoons of liquid soap and 20-30 drops of essential oil. Use as an antiseptic.
Wild orange oil For cleaning the kitchen air conditioner Combine 0.5 l of warm water, 3-4 tbsp. l of liquid soap and 30-35 drops of oil. Clean the body and parts.
Baking soda To clean the filters Prepare a gruel of medium thickness, apply a filter to the surface, leave for 15 minutes. Wash with warm water.
Hydrogen peroxide To remove mold Combine 2 parts of hydrogen peroxide and one part of liquid soap. Apply to the surface with mold. Wash off with water after 20-30 minutes.
Table vinegar To prevent the development of microorganisms Dissolve 20 ml of vinegar in 1 liter of water. Spray on the surface of the internal elements.

Do not use ammonia, chemical solvents, bleaching solutions with chlorine when cleaning.

Conclusion

  • For normal operation, the internal and external units of the air conditioner require periodic cleaning.
  • Dust and dirt can be removed at home using special or handy tools.
  • Complex stages of cleaning should be entrusted to specialists.
How to clean the air conditioner at home