Today, we’re going to go through the procedure on how to clean mold from air conditioner. It would only take about blank steps, but it would be best to follow safety precautions when dealing with molds.
These measures would include wearing proper equipment while cleaning, and we should not touch these organisms with our bare hands. Our AC units are considered one of the ideal habitats for molds to occur and grow.
That is because moisture and other substrates are available in adequate quantities. And it would help them survive. But this situation is dangerous, especially if they are in our AC unit. So, this article will help you out. Continue reading!
Steps In Removing Molds From Your AC Unit
Once you’ve suspect molds growing in your AC, you should take action immediately. The spores can spread through the air coming from your unit. And they would land on other potential habitats, which could result in their increased population.
Plus, it could cause serious health problems, such as asthma and skin diseases, when they’re inhaled. So, without further ado, let’s prevent those from happening by learning how to clean mold from air conditioner.
Step #1. Unplug your unit
To begin, power off your air conditioner through the thermostat or remote control. And switch off the breaker. Unplug the cable from the outlet. This step is to avoid any electrical accidents and shocks. And we also might isolate your unit to keep the molds from spreading.
Step #2. Prepare your workspace
You should clean your unit somewhere outside. Or a place that could prevent these organisms from being blown by the wind. It would be easy for portable ACs, but you should ask help remove built-in air conditioners such as ductless and window AC units.
That is because they are more challenging to relocate. Pick a room or spot that your family doesn’t often visit hourly. Other than this, you should gather the materials needed for the entire procedure. Here’s what we’ve listed so far:
- Container or bucket
- Evaporator coil cleaner
- Bleach
- Dish soap
- Vacuum with small brush attachments
- Garden hose
- Sponge or cloth
- Screwdriver (optional)
And don’t forget to wear gloves, protective eyewear, and proper clothing.
Step #3. Remove and soak the filter
After snapping out the front cover, the first thing you’re going to see is the filter. You might not recognize it at first if it’s covered in filth and dirt particles. In a container with soapy water, add a few drops of bleach. Then, soak the filter/s, wholly submerged, into the water. Let it stay like that until you’ve finished cleaning the entire system.
Step #4. Vacuum
Only use the nozzle first to suck off dust and debris in your unit. The nozzle will help you get into the narrow edges and corners. And also those spots that are hard to reach.
After that, you can insert your brush attachment and go through the coils. Let the brush run through the condenser gently while following its parallel route. Avoid bending the fins.
Step #5. Disperse your coil cleaner
Coils are hollow, and moisture build-up can be observed all the time. As a result, it’s an ideal habitat for molds. Most coil cleaners can remove and dissolve molds efficiently. So, you should not skip this step.
Distribute your cleaner evenly to your condenser and the coils. You may also do this step onto your whole unit, especially on the edges. Don’t rinse after application. Instead, leave it for a couple of minutes, allowing the chemicals to dwell in your unit.
Step #6. Rinse
Use your garden hose to rinse the coil cleaner. The water pressure should be low to avoid damaging your AC components. Be aware of the wire placements and your thermostat, and you should avoid spraying them with water. Water and electricity would not go well together.
Step #7. Wipe a bleach solution onto your unit
Bleach is the most common product to use in removing molds. So, in a small bucket with warm water, add half a cup of bleach. Mix it evenly. Let your sponge or cloth saturate into the bleach solution and use it to wipe away growing mold in your AC. Using the cloth would be best to reach into narrow edges.
Step #8. Rinse your filter
So, you’ve let your unit for a while to dry. At this moment, we should go back to your soaking filter. Remove your filter(s) from the soapy water. Rinse it well with your garden hose to remove all of the soap and chemicals. Also, don’t use high pressure because you might tear off the screen. This process will also help in removing excess dirt and extra debris.
Step #9. Air dry
Leave your unit in a refreshing spot to dry. For example, you can place it on your balcony but make sure that it won’t fall into the ground or become dirty because of the wind. It would take about 24 hours for this step, so be patient. Don’t forget about your filter since they also need time to dry.
Step #10. Reinstall
When they have already dried completely, it’s now time to put them back in place. Reinstall them just like how you installed them when you first purchased them.
Wrapping Up
And that is how to clean mold from air conditioner. You also have the option of hiring a professional to clean and maintain your unit. The entire procedure allows you to have a better home and air quality for you and your family. So, keep safe!