How to Clean AC Filters

Clean your air conditioner filter regularly and breathe easier in your home.

Air conditioner filters need cleaning regularly because they fill with dust, pollen, odors, smog and pet hair that can cause problems with allergies. If the filter gets regular cleanings, the air quality in the home is better, and people, who suffer with allergies, breathe easier. Cleaning an air filter for a portable air conditioner, or a central heating and air unit is simple, and anyone is capable of completing the task.

Things You'll Need

• Liquid detergent
• Sink or bowl
• Rag or soft brush
• Screwdriver
• Vinegar
• Vacuum
• Tub or large container

Instructions

Window Units

1. Lift the cover off of the front of the air conditioner. Each air conditioner is slightly different, but you usually just pull the cover up and off.

2. Pull off the foam or mesh air conditioning filter. Gently, pull off any thick covering of pet hair or other debris.

3. Fill a sink or bowl with 1/4 cup liquid detergent, and four cups of warm water. Place the air conditioning filter in the mixture. Squish and squeeze the soapy water through the foam filter, or scrub the mesh filter with a rag or soft brush until clean. Empty the sink, and rinse the filter until the water runs clear.

4. Dry the filter thoroughly. Put it back in the air conditioner, and replace the front cover.

Central Heating and Air Units

1. Remove the screws or unhook the latch on the return for the air conditioner, and open or remove the cover, following the manufacturer's instructions. Each unit is slightly different.

2. Pull out the filter. If it is paper, you can't clean it. Get a reusable filter for the unit, and cut it to fit. If it is reusable, remove any debris or pet hair from the filter using the vacuum.

3. Fill the tub or a large container with a mixture of 50 percent vinegar and 50 percent water. Push the filter down into the vinegar mixture, and let it sit for two hours. Gently, scrub off any dirt using a soft scrub brush.

4. Drain the water, and refill it with another batch of the vinegar mixture. Rinse the filter by lifting it up and down in the water, and pulling it from side to side. Drain the water again. If the filter still looks dirty repeat the scrubbing and rinsing.

5. Empty the tub and sit the filter up against the side, so any excess moisture drains out. Dry it thoroughly, before putting it back in the return on the air conditioner. Close or replace the door. Put the screws back in or lock the latch.

References

• Home Improvement: How to Clean Air Conditioning Filters
• The Nest: How to Clean an Air Conditioner Filter
• Split Air Conditioning: How to Clean the Air Conditioning Filter?
• Portable-Airconditioner: Cleaning & Replacing the AC Filter