How to Clean the Mold From an Air Conditioner

Mold in your home can compromise the air quality and trigger allergies and respiratory issues. Indoor mold can also create eye and skin irritation. If you don't take care of mold as it appears, it can grow and develop into a major infestation. Mold can accrue in all kinds of places, including the air conditioner. When you turn it on, a moldy air conditioner will push those allergens into your air. With some basic tools and supplies, you can easily rid your air conditioner of mold.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Towels
• White vinegar
• Vacuum with hose attachment
• Scrub brush
• Spray-on degreaser
• 3 in 1 multi-purpose oil
• Rubber gloves
• Face mask

Instructions

1. Unplug the air conditioner or turn of the electricity to the unit.

2. Wipe down the entire exterior with a towel dampened with white vinegar. For severe mold buildup on the exterior, fill a spray bottle with vinegar and spray the air conditioner. Allow the vinegar to soak in for at least 30 minutes.

3. Remove the front vent cover from the air conditioner. Unscrew or snap-off the vent cover. Clean under the vent cover and between the slots with a towel dampened with vinegar. Spray and soak if necessary.

4. Inspect the filter. Replace disposable filters or clean a dirty or moldy reusable filter. Soak reusable filters in hot, soapy water. Use dish detergent and allow the filter to soak for at least 15 minutes. After soaking, let the filter air-dry.

5. Unscrew and remove the inner cover plate. This will reveal the "insides" of the air conditioner.

6. Vacuum loose debris and dust in the air conditioner with a hose attachment. Take care when vacuuming to not bump or hit any delicate parts that you might bend or damage easily.

7. Wipe down any mold buildup on the inner walls, ceiling and floor of the air conditioner with a towel dampened with vinegar.

8. Remove the rubber plugs from the fan motor if it has oil holes. Insert 2 to 5 drops of fresh oil into each hole. Soak the plugs for a few minutes in vinegar if they have any mold on them.

9. Dust the evaporator grating with a dry scrub brush. Be careful to not bend thin metal slats. Spray the evaporator with a spray on degreaser. Allow the degreaser to sit for 15 minutes.

10. Dust the condenser coil with a dry scrub brush. Spray the condenser coil with a spray on degreaser. Allow the degreaser to sit for 15 minutes.

11. Slowly pour warm water over evaporator and coil to rinse them. Avoid letting water get onto the motor or other electrical parts. Allow the water to drain sufficiently from the unit.

12. Wipe the fan blades with a vinegar-dampened towel. Avoid bending the blades.

13. Allow the air conditioner to dry completely before reassembling and returning power.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid directly touching or breathing in mold by wearing rubber gloves and a face mask.

References

• allergy-details.com: Air Conditioner Cleaning Procedure
• care2.com: Vinegar Kills Bacteria, Mold and Germs
• epa.gov: A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home