Before turning the air conditioner back on, sanitize the filters with this easy method
An air conditioner (air con) is a precious resource during the summer season, but if it is not subjected to regular cleaning and maintenance, it risks accumulating dirt and dust inside the unit. Particularly the filters are prone to this, and so they should be disassembled and cleaned properly, in order to ensure a clean air flow - and at the same time avoid wasting power (a clogged unit has to work harder). But be careful, because there are many different types - some of which must be replaced, as in the case of activated carbon filters.
Our cleaning recommendations only concern plastic mesh filters, which can be dusted and washed - and always with the utmost of care. Fortunately, many modern air conditioners come with removable and washable filters, so unless you have an older model, you should be able to do this yourself. When should you do this chore? Certainly before the summer season starts, but also during the months of use, checking the state of cleanliness every 30 days or so.
First remove the filters from the air conditioner following the disassembly instructions by the manufacturer. Pay close attention to this step because if you remove them incorrectly, you risk damaging the appliance.
Start by removing the dust that has accumulated on the filters with the help of a small brush and possibly also with a soft cloth. To avoid getting dirt on the ground, place a small cloth under the filters or, better still, do this operation outdoors.
At this point, prepare a solution using hot water. You will also need at least one liter of water and Marseille soap flakes. Do not add too much soap, otherwise too much foam will form.
Dip a microfiber cloth into the water and gently clean the filters with it. In some cases - but you need to make sure by reading the air conditioner instructions carefully - it is possible to soak the filters in the water for a few hours.
All that remains is to dry the filters in the open air until all traces of humidity disappear - but avoid placing them in direct sunlight, opt for filtered light. It is very important that the filters are perfectly dry before putting them back into the air conditioner unit. And don't forget, once inserted, to reassemble the unit by closing the cover correctly. As you can see, this is a simple but also very effective method of keeping your air con air clean.
