How to Clean a Kenmore Window Unit AC
Air conditioners not only cool a room, but also lower humidity by removing excess moisture from the air and filter out particles such as dust, dirt and pollen. As air recirculation and treatment can result in the build-up of debris on and in an air conditioner, regular maintenance is necessary to keep an air conditioner working properly. A Kenmore brand window-unit air conditioner isn't any different from other brands in this regards. You must wash the filter and front of your unit thoroughly at least once a month when the unit's in use and the outside areas at least once a year. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Screwdriver
- Vacuum
- Sink
- Tub (optional)
- Water
- Mild detergent
- Lint-free microfiber cloths
- Non-abrasive scrubbing pad
- Rubbing alcohol
Instructions
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1
Turn off and unplug your Kenmore window-unit air conditioner.
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2
Insert your fingers in the slots near the top corners of the air-intake grille at the front of the unit and pull the grille toward you to lower it and access the air filter. Lift out the filter and set it aside.
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3
Lift up on the air-intake grille or unscrew its hinges---if applicable to your specific model---to remove it from the unit and then unscrew and remove the cabinet front.
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4
Connect a crevice-head attachment to the nozzle on your vacuum's hose and vacuum the front and back of the filter, air-intake grille and cabinet front, the front of the unit, the side-curtain wing and the area around the air conditioner to remove dust, dirt and other debris.
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5
Fill a sink or tub with warm water, add enough mild detergent to make the water soapy and then place the parts in the soapy water and soak for 30 minutes.
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6
Wipe the side curtains, the control panel, the front cabinet frame and remote control (if applicable) with a slightly soapy, damp cloth while you wait for the parts to soak. Rinse with a non-soapy, damp cloth and wipe dry.
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7
Wash the filter, grille and cabinet front with a lint-free microfiber cloth and rinse completely under warm running water to remove all detergent residues. Wipe away any excess water and set the parts aside to air-dry.
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8
Reattach the cabinet front and air-intake grille and insert the filter after the parts have completely dried.
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9
Vacuum the outside areas of the unit including the sides, top and bottom exterior surfaces of the cabinet and the window at least once a year---twice a year or more if used year-round---to remove dust, dirt, leaves, twigs or other debris. In addition, wash the cabinet's side exterior surfaces with a slightly soapy, damp cloth, rinse with a non-soapy cloth and wipe dry.
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Tips & Warnings
To remove tough stains from the grille or cabinet front, scrub gently with a non-abrasive scrubbing pad.
To remove an adhesive stain, apply rubbing alcohol to a cloth and blot at the stain until the adhesive transfers to the cloth.
Once a year, hire a professional air-conditioning technician to clean the interior of the unit.
Vacuum the filter every two weeks, as particle build-up can also result in frost build-up on the cooling coils. The unit not only works harder and less efficiently as a result, but the motor can also overheat.
Never clean the unit with harsh or abrasive cleaners or solvents.
Always remove excess water from your cloth when cleaning attached surfaces ,as water that gets into the interior of the unit and electrical parts can cause permanent damage to the unit.
