How to Clean Mold and Mildew Out of a Window Air Conditioner

How do you clean mold out of a window air conditioner? And is it even that necessary? Some people might say, "Mold looks skaggy and smells gross, but that's all. It's not really a health hazard, because one swipe with a sponge and it's gone."

Well, okay, some people may be wise, witty, and charming. Some of those wise, witty, and charming people may even be relatives, but that doesn't mean they always know what they're talking about, either.

The Florida Department of Health has said, "For people that are sensitive to molds, nasal and sinus irritation or congestion, dry hacking cough, wheezing, skin rashes or burning, watery or reddened eyes may occur. People with severe allergies to molds may have more serious reactions, such as hay-fever-like symptoms or shortness of breath. People with chronic illnesses or people with immune system problems may be more likely to get infections from certain molds, viruses and bacteria. Molds can also trigger asthma attacks in persons with asthma. Headaches, memory problems, mood swings, nosebleeds and body aches and pains are sometimes reported in mold complaints, but the causes of these physical symptoms are not yet understood."

Molds occur in warm, humid environments, which is a paradox when it comes to air conditioning. The use of air conditioning is recommended in areas of high humidity, because an air conditioner helps remove moisture from the air. However, because there's moisture in and around the air conditioning unit, it's a likely breeding ground for molds. Hence, the need for preventing and combating Mr. Mold as early as possible in the life of an air conditioner.

Items You'll Need:
Old rags
Warm, soapy water for cleaning
Warm, clear water for rinsing
Assorted screwdrivers
Brush of soft-medium stiffness
HVAC mold cleaner
Fin comb tool

WARNING: Before beginning, UNPLUG THE AIR CONDITIONER!

How to Clean Mold Out of a Window Air Conditioner-Step 1: Make sure you keep the filter for your window air conditioner clean, so that mold never gets a foothold in it. It's easier to prevent mold than it is to stop it once it starts growing. If your air conditioner has a disposable filter, check it at least weekly and replace it as often as necessary to keep it clean and mold free.

For non-disposable, foam filters, remove your filter and clean it at least once a week-more often if you live in areas of high humidity, dust, or if there are smokers in the house. To clean a window air conditioner filter, remove it from the unit and wash it in warm, soapy water. A number of sources recommend using a small amount of bleach in the wash water if there is a moldy smell, but be aware that when bleach is used too often, it can degrade foam filters. If the filter is so moldy you can't get the mildew or the moldy smell out of it, purchase a new filter.

How to Clean Mold Out of a Window Air Conditioner-Step 2: Cleaning mold out of a window air conditioner requires patience and attention to detail, so if you don't have that particular virtue or don't want to spend the time, you might want to skip to the alternate option, below. Also, you might wish to wear a mask that protects against dust and mold while cleaning the air conditioner, and work on it outdoors so that you don't spread spores through the house. Be sure to remove your clothing immediately after, take a shower, and wash your clothes to prevent reintroducing the spores indoors.

After cleaning the filter, as mentioned above, take the grille off the front of the air conditioner. Unscrew the metal cover and remove it. Clean the front fins with a soft-medium stiffness brush, removing dust and dirt, being careful not to bend the fins or to puncture them. Clean in the same direction the fins run, and not across them. At this point, straighten any bent fins using a handy gadget called a fin comb tool. This is important not only so the unit functions properly when turned back on, but also for the next step in cleaning.

After straightening the fins, spray an HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) mold cleaner on them, following instructions on the can. Let sit for 15-20 minutes and then remove cleaner/dirt by pouring warm water over the fins. This part is tricky because you have to be very careful not to get water into any of the electrical connections, components, or the motor, which will short out the air conditioner.

Carefully blot off excess water and repeat the process on the fins located at the back of the air conditioner. Next, (unless the brand you're using advises against it) spray the HVAC mold cleaner onto a rag and wipe off fan blades and any other surfaces you can reach, including the inside of the cover. Then wipe off excess cleaner with a damp cloth.

If the base of the air conditioner can be removed, take it off and clean it as well. If it, clean out as much debris as possible with a rag. (Some sources say to use a vacuum cleaner, but then mold spores will be sucked into the bag, to be scattered inside the house the next time you turn the vacuum cleaner on.)

How to Clean Mold Out of a Window Air Conditioner-Step 3: Reassemble the air conditioner and let it sit for several hours until dry. Do not use it while any of the parts are still damp, including the filter! And you should never run an air conditioner without the filter in place, so don't forget to put the clean filter back in before turning it on.

How to Clean Mold Out of a Window Air Conditioner-Alternate Option: If you've tried cleaning the window air conditioner and you simply can not get the mold out-and that can happen because mold and its spores are very persistent-it might be best to give it up as a lost cause and take it in to a professional for cleaning. Either that, or buy a new air conditioner. Yes, those two options will cost more than if you do it yourself-possibly hundreds of dollars-but it's a small price to pay for your well-being, and certainly costs less than numerous trips to the doctor for mold-related health issues.

Regardless of whether you choose to clean the window air conditioner yourself or have a professional do it, you'll be glad you decided to work on getting Mr. Mold out of your life.

(Disclaimer: The author is not a licensed heating/air conditioning professional and all information in this article should be considered as suggestions only and not construed as professional advice. The author is not responsible for injury to persons who attempt to clean an air conditioner or for damage to any air conditioning unit that is cleaned with the above methods.)

Sources:
Allergies http://www.allergy-details.com/mold-allergy/how-clean-air-conditioner-and-remove-mold/
Florida Department of Health http://www.doh.state.fl.us/environment/community/indoor-air/mold.htm
How to Clean Things http://www.howtocleanthings.com/how-to-clean-mold.htm
MG Services http://www.mgservices.ca/page_air_conditioner.htm#air%20cond%20clean%20filter
Embedded links as listed above