- 1). Remove the filter. Most AC window units have access to the non-disposable filter on either the side or the top of the air intake on the front of the unit. The panel should slide out easily and there should be a small lip that you can use to access it. Pull it slowly, especially if the unit hasn't been cleaned for a while. here will most likely be a lot of dust buildup that can make a mess, or worse, disperse back into the air. Carry carefully to your large sink or tub.
- 2). Gently clean the unit, itself. There isn't much that you, as a non-professional, should do to clean the AC unit. If you open it up, you will be confronted with a labyrinth of pipes and coils. Do not touch the pipes and coils. One slight bend, and the compressor fluid will leak and your AC unit will be useless. Leave the shell on, and instead simply give the grating in front of the intake a gentle brushing with the paintbrush to get rid of excess dust.
- 3). Rinse the filter with water. First, to remove the buildup of dust, rinse the filter dust side down in a steady stream of water. Use your fingers to break loose any stubborn particles.
- 4). Clean with bleach solution. Any bottled mild bleach solution will work, but you want to kill any possible spores on the filter before reinstalling. Spray both sides of the filter two or three times, then let the solution sit on the filter for five minutes.
- 5). Rinse and dry. Once the bleach solution has had a chance to set on the AC filter, rinse thoroughly with water for several minutes. Set the filter by an open window with a steady breeze, or prop it up in front of a fan to air dry.
- 6). Reinstall the filter. Now, your clean filter is ready to reinstall and circulate healthy, dust-free air.
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