Clean The Inside Of Your Air Conditioner With Hydrogen Peroxide For Peak Performance

It's easy to take your air conditioner for granted in the height of summer — until it stops working. A dirty AC won't be able to cool your space as efficiently and may start to grow mold, so cleaning the inside of your appliance is a key part of regular maintenance. One handy cleaning tool and mold-killer may already be in your pantry: 3% hydrogen peroxide.

To keep your AC in top shape and prevent mold or other issues, clean the filter at least every two months and deep clean the interior before and after the warmest season (when you use your AC the most). Before you start cleaning, remember to turn off the unit and unplug it. If the AC is moist inside, run it on fan mode for 30-40 minutes to dry it out beforehand as well. Then gather all your fans and water bottles — it can take a few hours before the unit is fully clean, dry, and ready to run again, so you may need something else to keep you cool in the meantime.

Your manual will instruct you on opening up your AC unit to reach the inside for cleaning. Several interior components need to be cleaned, including the air filter, the coils, the fins, and the drip tray. Use a vacuum to suck out larger debris from each component. An air blower is helpful for dislodging dust, and you can use a soft brush or cloth to clean the AC coils and fins.

Some parts require special attention — be careful when navigating around the fins, as they can bend easily and may have sharp edges. Scrub with dish soap to clean the air conditioning filter, and rinse with cool water. Don't forget to allow it to fully air dry before putting it back in the unit. As for the drip tray, a damp cloth can help remove debris before you rinse with soap and hot water. You can also take this opportunity to clean and unclog your AC drain line.

Hydrogen peroxide comes in handy for the final step. As an antifungal cleaner, 3% hydrogen peroxide helps kill and prevent mold on solid surfaces like your AC interior. Spray all components, including the coils and fins — you can spray the exterior vents and panels as well — and allow them to dry before running the unit again. Hydrogen peroxide isn't the only product that can prevent mold in your AC. Some people use bleach or isopropyl alcohol, but others say these could damage the AC interior. Other alternatives include vinegar, commercial mold-killers, and air conditioner cleaners.