Cleaning AC Drain Line Before proceeding with the clean-up, a major question arises: What is a better cleaning agent for your AC drain line- bleach or vinegar? 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.
All right, so in summary, don't use bleach; use vinegar. That helps with any mildew growth—keeps you running clean. It's not going to actually clean your A/C drain, but it can prevent some backups.
Add ¼ cup of distilled vinegar to the drain line through the opening where the cap was removed. 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.
Pouring bleach into the drain when the unit is not operating can leave residual bleach, which will damage the drain pan and line. Using vinegar for preventative maintenance throughout the year will keep your drain clean and clear and will not damage your line.
Let Sit for Half an Hour
Once the vinegar has sat for about 30 minutes, flush the pipe with water. If the drain line doesn't flush fully, you can repeat the process until all blockages are removed.
It will kill any bacteria or mold present in your drain line, just like vinegar will. Pour one cup of bleach down your drain line every month to help keep it free from clogs. One cup of bleach is the cheapest and easiest way to unclog the drain line in your AC.
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.
Because of this acid, vinegar, especially when combined with baking soda or hydrogen peroxide, is an effective mold and bacteria killer. While not as strong as bleach, according to some estimates it can destroy over 80% of bacteria.
Vinegar is both safe and beneficial to pour down your drain. It acts as a natural cleaning solution and can remove blockages and harmful bacteria that cause foul odors.
Using Bleach in Your AC Drain
Be sure to use a minimum of 2 cups once or twice per year. Be advised, however, that some newer units no longer recommend bleach or vinegar due to oxidation/degradation concerns. In these cases, boiling water is recommended.
Several factors can contribute to a clogged AC drain line: Algae Growth: Warm, moist environments are ideal for algae growth. Over time, algae can accumulate and block the AC drain line. Debris Buildup: Dirt, dust, and other debris can accumulate in the AC drain line, reducing its capacity.
You should pour a flushing solution such as a mixture of vinegar, baking soda, and warm water to clean your drain line as often as once a month. The solution would make the AC drain lines inhabitable for most organisms.
Effects on Metal and PVC Pipes
While harmless for most metal and PVC pipes, prolonged exposure to the acidic nature of vinegar might corrode certain metals, like copper. PVC pipes, on the other hand, can withstand these substances without damage.
It will eradicate mold colonies from your air conditioning system without adversely affecting its performance, structure, or lifespan. Simply mix one cup of white vinegar with a gallon of warm water and spray the solution on the mold.
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.
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.
3. Pour the solution into the drain line: Carefully pour the vinegar-water mixture into the AC drain line. Allow it to sit for about 30 minutes, giving the vinegar enough time to break down any buildup.
Water and Dish Soap
Use a mixture of both to clean your AC drain line. The dish soap will help to break down the dirt and debris, while the water will flush it away. To use this method, mix a quart of water and a teaspoon of dish soap. Next, pour the mixture into the drain line and allow it to sit for several hours.
Vinegar is better at killing mold because it can work on both porous and nonporous surfaces. It also terminates molds at their roots so the mold won't return and is also safer than bleach. You can even combine it with baking soda to make it more effective.
Vinegar has a very low pH level which means it's very acidic, so it can corrode some surfaces over time. For example, using vinegar on natural stone like granite or marble can dull and scratch the surface and it can corrode surfaces like unsealed grout, window seals, and fridge and dishwasher gaskets.
If you prefer weekly maintenance, natural solutions such as vinegar, lemon and baking soda can do the trick, though if you wait for months without upkeep, bleach can be quite an effective way to restoring your bathtub and bathroom to a more liveable state.
It's commonly located near the condensate pan or at the base of the unit. Mix the Vinegar-Water Solution. In a container, mix equal parts of white vinegar and water. If your drain line is particularly dirty, you can use a higher concentration of vinegar.
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.
While bleach does kill bacteria and fungi, we do NOT recommend using it to clean out your A/C drain. Your evaporator coil right by your drain is made of aluminum, which corrodes when bleach comes into contact with it.