Housekeeping House Cleaning Cleaning Tips How to Clean a Window AC Unit to Keep It Running All Summer Long Remove dust, debris, and mildew from your air conditioner in just a few simple steps. By Samantha Hunter Samantha Hunter Instagram Samantha is a lifestyle expert with over two decades of industry-leading experience. Her work focuses on lifestyle, covering everything from cooking and lifestyle tips to wellness and financing. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on April 25, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email Project Overview Working Time: 3 hours Total Time: 1 hour Skill Level: Beginner Throughout the warm summer months, your air conditioning keeps you and your loved ones cool and comfortable. But if it's been a while since you cleaned your window air conditioner, it's time to give your AC a little TLC. Read on to learn how to clean a window AC unit so it operates efficiently and uses less energy. Cleaning your AC also prevents unwanted mold and mildew, which can have adverse health effects, from forming and growing inside your unit. With a few common household materials and this easy step-by-step guide, you can care for your window AC and make sure it's ready and able to keep you cool during the hottest months of the year and beyond. The 7 Best Window Air Conditioners of 2023 for Cooling Every Room in Your House What You'll Need Equipment / Tools Screwdriver (optional) Hand vacuum or vacuum with hand attachment Bristle brush Toothbrush Can of compressed air Cleaning rag or cloth Spray bottle Materials Bucket of warm water Soap or detergent Hydrogen peroxide (3%) Instructions How to Clean a Window AC Unit Don't let dust and debris build up in your window air conditioner. Follow our step-by-step instructions for cleaning an AC unit to keep it performing its best. Courtesy of Walmart Clean the Air Filter Before you clean a window AC unit, ensure it's unplugged from the power source. Next, locate and remove the filter. Some window units have filters that simply pull out; others might first require the removal of the front cover with a screwdriver. Look at the manufacturer's manual for your model to determine the best method for removing your AC unit's filter. After removing the filter, use a hand vacuum to extract as much dust and debris as possible. Next, grab a bucket with soapy water and a bristle brush and wash the filter in the sudsy water, gently brushing it as needed until clean. Air-dry the filter entirely before re-installing it. Clean Air-Conditioner Coils and Fins Locate the evaporator coils and fins in your unit, which convert hot air into cool air, and clean them using a toothbrush or soft-bristle brush. Be gentle and carefully handle the coils and fins so as not to bend or damage them. Spray the coils and fins with compressed air to remove any remaining dirt and dust. The 10 Best Portable Air Conditioners To Help You Keep Your Cool Clean the Exterior and Grill Clean the window AC unit's grill with a damp cloth or rag. If the grime is substantial, remove it according to the manufacturer's instructions and submerge it in warm soapy water, using a brush or rag to clean between the grill's gaps. Dry the grill completely before reinstalling it. Next, wipe down the top and sides of the window AC unit with a damp cloth. If your AC has a drain or drip tray, clean those as well by emptying them and wiping them clean. Let dry completely before returning to the AC unit. Prevent Mildew and Reassemble Using hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle, treat the exterior areas of the air conditioner where air flows through to protect against mold and mildew. Allow enough time for all parts to dry completely before putting them back in place. Now, all that's left to do is kick back, relax, and enjoy your clean AC unit as it blows fresh, cool air into your home. How Often Should I Clean My Window AC Unit? While several components of your window AC unit require attention regularly, the filter is the most critical piece that needs routine cleaning. It's recommended that you wash the removable filter once a month. Depending on how frequently you operate your AC, your window AC filter might need to be replaced. Many units have a light that indicates when it is time to replace the filter, so you'll know exactly when to swap it out for a new one. When your window AC unit is not in use, you can choose to remove and store it or invest in a window cover for off-season protection. Both options will lessen the dirt and debris that makes its way into and onto the unit.