Spray the interior with hydrogen peroxide - To kill any mold or mildew spores present inside the unit, spray the fins, coils and other interior parts with a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution.
Cleaning the inside coils in not difficult, and there are many ordinary house hold detergents, and cleaners that will do a very good job. Things like Simple Green, and formula 409, and the like, all make excellent coil cleaners for inside or outside coils.
According to the United States Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OHSA), the presence of small amounts of hydrogen peroxide in the air is not harmful. OHSA lists up to 1 ppm (part per million) in indoor air as being safe for human exposure.
You could also use a homemade mix of water and mild detergent (like dish soap) instead of commercial chemical cleaners. After cleaning the coils, it's also a good time to inspect the other parts of the unit. Inspect the condensate drain pan and remove anything that doesn't belong there.
Every few months during A/C season turn Off your A/C at the thermostat and pour a couple cups of Hydrogen Peroxide into the PVC stub-up for the primary condensate line. Wait about 15 to 20 minutes before turning the A/C back On again at the thermostat to let it soak in and dissolve any gunk in the condensate line.
Step 1. Spray the interior with hydrogen peroxide - To kill any mold or mildew spores present inside the unit, spray the fins, coils and other interior parts with a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution. Step 2. Reinstall the filter and face panel - By this point, the filter, face panel and exterior should be dry.
It's recommended you use regular distilled white vinegar, as the increased acidity boosts its cleaning properties. If you find the smell of vinegar foul, you can also use peroxide or hot water and a dash of dish soap.
Yes, vinegar mixed with water is often used to perform DIY cleaning on AC coils at home. However, vinegar is usually effective only against lighter dirt build-ups. Nevertheless, you can keep your coils in good shape by mixing white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spraying the mixture onto the coils.
While Dawn dish soap is a versatile cleaning agent, it's not recommended for cleaning AC coils due to its chemical composition. Household cleaners like Dawn may not effectively remove stubborn buildup and could potentially harm the coils or other components of the system.
Regular, bi-monthly coil cleaning with Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner during warmer months will keep your AC unit in great working order for years to come. These steps can also be used to clean compressor coils in the outside cabinet of your AC.
This product should not be used to treat deep wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
Small amounts of gaseous hydrogen peroxide occur naturally in the air. Hydrogen peroxide is unstable, decomposing readily to oxygen and water with release of heat. Although nonflammable, it is a powerful oxidizing agent that can cause spontaneous combustion when it comes in contact with organic material.
Potassium or sodium hydroxide are widely used as active ingredients in coil cleaners.
Brush Off Loose Debris: Using a soft brush or a specialized furnace coil brush, gently brush away any loose dirt or debris from the coils. Be gentle to avoid bending the fins or damaging the coils. Vacuum the Coils: Attach a soft brush to your vacuum cleaner and carefully vacuum the coils.
In most cases, you can get away with cleaning your coils once a year with a seasonal tune-up. However, you should consider where your unit is located. If you're in a big city with heavy air pollution, you may want to have the coils cleaned two times a year.
First, check your filters and coils for dirt and debris that may be impeding airflow. Once you've cleaned the filters and coils, run the air conditioner with just the fan so that the ice accumulation can melt off. If the AC still doesn't blow cold air, it could be that refrigerant levels are too low.
Using a hose, spray water onto the coils to remove dirt and dust. After the waiting period is over, use your hose to rinse the coils clean. For best results, start by spraying the AC unit from the inside out, starting at the top of the unit and working your way down.
Dirty AC coils become insulated rather than able to release heat the system extracts from the air. The system will therefore struggle to cool your home. Indoor air can become more humid too, as the system won't be able to extract as much moisture, making things extremely uncomfortable in the summer.
Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to remove dust and debris from the coils gently. Apply a no-rinse coil cleaner or a mild detergent and water solution to the coils, allowing it to sit for a few minutes. If necessary, use a soft brush to gently scrub any stubborn dirt.
Spray. Next, spray a generous amount of WD-40 in the cooling fins of the A/C, going from left to right. Let the solution sit for 15-20 minutes. This cleaning agent will expertly go deep into the cooling fins, while any other cleaning solution would only clean them up from the outside.
Cleaning AC Drain Line
We recommend using vinegar instead of a bleach solution because bleach can cause corrosion if you have copper tubing in your AC's drain line. In addition, spilling bleach can ruin your carpet or clothing, whereas vinegar does not harm; it just leaves an odor.
Antimicrobial Properties: Vinegar kills mold and bacteria, eliminating foul odors that can emanate from your AC system.
Steps For Cleaning Evaporator Coils
Remove the access panel to expose the coil. If the coils are coated with dirt or lint, vacuum them with a soft brush attachment. If the coils are coated with oil or grease, clean them with a mild detergent and water solution and rinse. Be careful not to splash water on insulation.