Things You'll Need
Screwdriver
Vinegar
Scraper
Rag
Evaporative coolers must be cleaned periodically to prevent the buildup of many mineral deposits. These cooling units, also known as swamp coolers, cool air by blowing it through water-soaked pads. As the water evaporates into the air, it leaves behind mineral deposits that can interfere with the unit's efficiency. The coolers should be cleaned in the spring and checked every month or so during the summer. Cleaning the units is especially important when you are shutting the unit down for the winter. If you wait until next year to clean it, the deposits will have hardened and be more difficult to remove.
Step 1
Unplug the unit and turn off the water supply.
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Step 2
Remove the cooler's access panel using a screwdriver. The access panel on a window-mounted unit is usually on the side, while the access panel on a roof-mounted unit usually is on the top.
Step 3
Drain the water from the unit by unscrewing the drain plug.
Step 4
Examine the evaporative cooler pads for mineral-deposit buildup. If the pads have a heavy mineral buildup, replace them. Clogged pads reduce the efficiency of your cooler. For pads with only a little mineral buildup, turn them around and upside down so the air flows through the opposite side.
Step 5
Remove mineral deposits from the water tray with a scraper. Clean any mineral deposits you see on any moving parts. Coat any stubborn or hard-to-reach deposits with vinegar. Wipe the deposits away with a rag after letting the vinegar work for about 30 minutes.
Step 6
Wipe the inside and outside of the unit dry. If you are shutting the unit down for the winter, coat the water tray with a rust-preventing product.
Tip
You can extend the life of many synthetic cooler pads by soaking them in a cleaning solution approved for cooler pads. But do not let too many mineral deposits accumulate of the pad or it will be beyond cleaning.
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