How To Clean A Window Air Conditioner Styrofoam Without Molds? 6 Easy Steps!

Do you want to know how to clean a window air conditioner Styrofoam? Well, it’s easy, but you should execute safety precautions in case there are molds. So this procedure would take about six steps and three additional procedures.

Some of you might be new owners of these window AC units, and you’re not aware that you need to clean the Styrofoam.

So, why is it necessary? The molds that will grow because of undrained water might be toxic to you and your home.

But don’t worry because you’ll be able to prevent them from growing by following the steps on how to clean them.

Let’s get started!

 

Steps To Clean A Window Air Conditioner Styrofoam (No Molds)

Styrofoam comes with your purchase, and it functions to fill in the gaps. Without it, outdoor air will enter the room and add to the moisture the air conditioner absorbs. It would result in more water in the drain pan. Plus, it will be harder to cool the room.

Instead of cleaning the Styrofoam, note that you have the option to replace it with something new.

So, here are the instructions on how to clean a window air conditioner Styrofoam.

 

Step #1. Unplug your AC

Turn off your AC and switch off the breaker. Then, unplug the main cable from the outlet.

This step is a safety precaution to prevent any electric shocks and accidents. And also to save energy since we’re not going to use it for a few hours.

 

Step #2. Remove the Styrofoam

You can find Styrofoam on the sides of the AC unit. And you can directly pop them back out.

However, you should do it carefully because you might disrupt the placement of the unit, and it might fall.

Also, this material is fragile, that you can break it easily.

Be aware of stranded water, so you should prepare a container before doing this step. And to avoid spilling it onto the bed or your floor.

 

Note: Don’t clean the Styrofoam without removing

We suggest that you pop it out before cleaning. Some would prefer cleaning it while it’s attached to the sides of your air conditioner.

That is not an option. You won’t be able to clean all sides, and you might not see growing mold.

And there might be undrained water and stranded debris that could cause leakage and more molds.

 

Step #3. Clean

To avoid leaking, soak the towel in soapy water and wring it out.

Using this damp cloth, wipe all sides of the Styrofoam to remove dirt and dust particles.

If it’s too filthy, make sure to dip the cloth in soapy water to discharge the dirt. This step will provide you a cleaner material every time you wipe.

And to avoid transferring the dirt onto each Styrofoam. On the other hand, you can use a cleanser instead of soapy water.

 

Step #4. Soak

Dirt can also penetrate the Styrofoam, so this step is for deeper cleaning. In a container with water, pour one cup of your preferred cleaner or detergent. Make sure that our container can fit two Styrofoam.

Submerge the Styrofoam into the water and let them soak for a couple of minutes. Please don’t leave them there because they will float. But you can place something heavy on top of them.

You can do this step as often as you want if you are not contented with the first few minutes of soaking.

 

Step #5. Let them dry

Once you’ve pulled them out of the water, wipe them using a soft, clean cloth. You can place them somewhere to dry, but don’t blow-dry them. They might melt.

 

Step #6. Put them back in

Like how you pop them out, it’s also easy to put them back in. If it’s harder to push, then something might be blocking it. Check their surroundings and place them back slowly.

 

Steps To Clean A Window Air Conditioner Styrofoam (With Molds)

The steps would be easy if there were no signs of molds. However, if you have not checked the Styrofoam for a long time, it could be toxic and smelly.

Stranded leaves and undrained water would contribute to the growth of molds. So, then following are the steps on how to clean the Styrofoam with molds.

 

Step #1. Observe

Check all sides and edges of your Styrofoam if there are any black dots or a disturbing smell.

There’s a high chance for mold growth because the placement of the Styrofoam is an ideal habitat for them.

 

Step #2. Prepare cleaning mixture

Prepare your dish soap, bleach, and lots of water. In addition, a brush and some safety gear, such as goggles and gloves, would be beneficial.

In a container, pour 3 gallons of water and add five drops of your dish soap. And add half a cup of your preferred bleach.

It’s dangerous, so be careful in handling it. Or can also use undiluted vinegar instead of bleach. It’s safer.

 

Step #3. Clean

Soak your Styrofoam and let the chemicals penetrate it for 1-2 minutes. Use your brush to scrub the moldy parts. There might be more mold build-up in your Styrofoam, so you can do this as many times as you want.

If there’s more than you expect, you should soak it for a couple of minutes and replace them with new and clean ones. It would be better for your AC and your home.

 

Conclusion

And that is how to clean a window air conditioner Styrofoam. If you know that your unit has the presence of molds, call in a professional immediately.

It’s not safe to use it while some toxic organisms are growing in there. Protect yourself, your family, and your home.