How to Clean Mold in Split AC Units

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Things You'll Need

  • Vacuum cleaner

  • Mild detergent

  • Brush attachment

  • Damp cloth

Mold and mildew in your house can be a health hazard.

Mold can cause many illnesses, from respiratory problems to infections and immune system difficulties. Mold can grow almost anywhere, and when it gets inside your heating or air-conditioning system, it will spread throughout the house. Your home will smell and feel damp on the sunniest day. Split air-conditioning units may make the house more comfortable because everyone can set the temperature as they see fit, but that just creates more area for the mold to gather and grow. This is an easy cleaning job that will not take much time, but it might save your home and health.

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Step 1

Lift the front of the unit to expose the filters. Carefully pull the filters down and out of the unit. If they are disposable filters, throw them out, perform Step 4, and then put in new filters. If they're not disposable, proceed with Step 2.

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Step 2

Clean the surface dust and mold off the filters using a vacuum cleaner. Don't breathe in the dust as the vacuum cleans because there will be moldy spores in it. Wear a mask if you want.

Step 3

Dissolve a spoon of mild detergent in a bath of warm water. Set the vacuumed filters into the water and make sure they are completely submerged. Go back to the air-conditioning unit while the filters soak.

Step 4

Vacuum the inside of the unit with a brush attachment and wipe down any exposed workings with a damp cloth. The damp cloth will prevent mold from spreading and the vacuum will suck the dirt directly into the bag or vacuum filter.

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Step 5

Remove the air-conditioner filters from the water and rinse them under cold running water. Let the excess water drain off. Allow the filters to air dry.

Step 6

Push the filters back into the unit. Make sure they snap into place, then close the front of the unit.

Tip

Clean your filters twice a month to prevent mold from developing at all.

Warning

Never run a split air-conditioner without filters installed.

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