How to Clean a Window Air Conditioner

Your new window air conditioner is humming along, cooling your space, and delivering on everything you'd dreamed an air conditioner could be. Suddenly, the little "Clean Filter" light goes on, and now the question of how to clean a window AC is hanging over your head. As tempting as it is to ignore it and put it off for another day, cleaning dust and mildew from the unit is important for your home's air quality. What's more, it's a quicker and easier task than you think! Follow these easy steps on how to clean a window unit air conditioner, and you'll have a sparkling-clean machine in no time.

Here's what you'll need:

• - Vacuum with brush attachment
• - Mild dish soap
• - Spray bottle filled with 3% hydrogen peroxide
• - Toothbrush
• - Compressed air can (optional)

Step 1: Clean the Filter

Unplug your window air conditioner, then open up the grill and remove the filter. Use your vacuum to get rid of all the large particles of dust, then take it to the kitchen sink and wash it with warm water and mild soap. Allow it to air dry. If the AC grill is particularly dirty, you might want to give it a wash, too.

Step 2: Clean the Interior

While your filter is drying, use the toothbrush to loosen dust from the coils, fins, and front grill. If you've got a compressed air can, feel free to use that for a little extra power. Once that's done, use the vacuum to clear it all away.

Step 3: Spray Everything

Now that the dust has been busted, it's time to combat mildew. Take your hydrogen peroxide bottle and spritz the interior and exterior of your window air conditioner. Allow it to dry completely.

Step 4: Reassemble and Power It Up

Once everything is dry, put your filter back in place and let 'er rip. Don't forget to turn off the "Clean Filter" light!