Is it better to put bleach or vinegar in the air conditioner?

Author: Gordon Bode I  |  Last update: Thursday, April 3, 2025

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.

Should I put bleach or vinegar in my AC?

Do not use bleach or vinegar! They will corrode the evap if they come in contact with it. There are condensate tablets that address the mold.

What is best to put in an AC drain line?

Mix equal parts vinegar and water, then pour it down the drain line. Leave it for around 30 minutes, then flush with clean water. You should notice an immediate improvement in your AC's performance. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant that will also help prevent organic growth from developing in your system.

Why pour vinegar in your air conditioner?

By pouring a ¼ cup of vinegar into your AC's drain line, you will kill any mold, algae, mildew, and other forms of bacteria or fungi, preventing it from forming a buildup and causing a clog. Repeat this monthly for the best results.

Can I spray vinegar in my AC unit?

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.

Should I Use Bleach or Vinegar To Clean My AC Unit? English Air Inc.

Will bleach damage AC coils?

Evaporator coils are normally made out of copper or aluminum. So what happens if a corrosive chemical such as bleach or vinegar comes into contact with your evaporator coil? It's going to corrode! Using bleach or vinegar can be especially risky if you think your AC drain line is clogged.

How often should you put vinegar in your air conditioner?

Repeating the vinegar cleaning process once every month will keep your AC drain line in great condition. The cleaning process is exceptionally effective at removing unwanted bacteria and fungi, allowing your AC to run efficiently.

Where to put bleach in an AC unit?

Using Bleach in Your AC Drain

Simply open up the drain line clean out or T on your inside unit and pour a 50/50 warm water and bleach mixture OR warm water and vinegar solution through the line. Be sure to use a minimum of 2 cups once or twice per year.

What is the best homemade AC coil cleaner?

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.

Is it safe to put bleach in an AC drain line?

While it's often recommended that homeowners use a bleach solution to flush out a clogged drain line, this could be detrimental. Bleach contains chemicals that corrode metal. As the drain line access point is close to your unit's evaporator coil, any spillage or backflow can cause your evaporator coil to corrode.

Is bleach or vinegar better for drains?

Drain Line Material

Chlorine bleach can quickly eat away at not only the line but the glue and cement joining the line to the fittings and the condensation pan. If your drain line is PVC, stick to white distilled vinegar for clearing clogs and debris, particularly during winter.

What is the best chemical to unclog AC drain line?

Pour One Cup of Bleach Down the Drain Line

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.

Should you pour bleach in air conditioner?

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.

Why is AC not blowing cold air?

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.

How often should I clean my AC drain line?

You should flush your AC drain line once every three months to keep it clear of debris and buildup. Keeping your AC drain line clean prevents clogs, backups, mold growth, and extra wear on your AC unit.

Should I use vinegar or bleach in my air conditioner?

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.

How long to leave vinegar in AC drain line?

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.

How do I make my air conditioner white again?

After getting rid of the dirt and stains, give your aircon unit casing a good wipe down and air it until it is completely dry. Next, you can use a specialized spray to give your aircon unit casing the white coating again as you can see on some DIY cleaning videos.

Where do I pour vinegar in my AC unit?

How to Clean the AC Drain Line with Vinegar
  1. Locate the drain line. To check for any issues with your condensate drain, you first need to find it. ...
  2. Pour the vinegar into the drain line. Remove the drain line plug (the cover of the drain line) and pour in ¼ cup of distilled vinegar. ...
  3. Repeat until clear. ...
  4. Check once a month.

How to clean black mold out of an air conditioner?

Simply mix one cup of white vinegar with a gallon of warm water and spray the solution on the mold. Give the solution time to work its magic (about an hour) and brush the remnants out of your air conditioner. However, since mold is toxic, you must wear protective gear while cleaning the mold out of your AC unit.

Is hydrogen peroxide good for AC?

Hydrogen peroxide helps protect against the growth of mildew and mold in your window AC unit. Allow enough time for all unit components to dry before re-assembling the unit. Now you have a clean window AC unit, ready to cool your home again.

Will vinegar damage AC coils?

Washing the air conditioner with vinegar will remove any dust, bacteria, algae, or other particles that may cause the air conditioner to clog. Moreover, using vinegar once a month removes dirt from the coils and protects the air conditioner from many other main problems.

Is cleaning vinegar the same as white vinegar?

Cleaning vinegar and white distilled vinegar are very similar in their composition (namely, acetic acid and water), but the key difference lies in the acidity levels between the two. "Cleaning vinegar generally contains a higher acetic acid concentration than regular white vinegar," says Sokolowski.

How do I prevent mildew in my air conditioner?

Regular cleaning and maintenance: Regularly clean and maintain your air conditioner to prevent mold growth. This includes cleaning or replacing the filters, removing any debris or dust from the unit, and ensuring proper drainage.

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