Portable Air Conditioner - Cleaning & Maintenance

Keeping your air conditioner clean will help the unit working efficiently and effectively. Your Owner's Manual will highlight the best ways to clean and maintain your portable air conditioner. The below are some basic cleaning guidelines:
 
To clean the Exterior:
The exterior should be cleaned when it gets dusty or dirty.
  1. Unplug the unit.
  2. Use soft cloth dampened with water to clean the cabinet.
    • Do not use a liquid or spray cleaner to clean the air conditioner.
    • Do not use chemicals, abrasives, ammonia, chlorine bleach, concentrated detergents, solvents or scouring pads. 
  3. Dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.
  4. Plug the unit back in. 
 
To clean the Air Filter:
The air filters should be cleaned at least once a week for your unit to operate at optimum efficiency. Some models have 2 filters that you remove and clean. 
  1. Unplug the unit.
  2. Remove the filter. The filter or filters are usually on the rear on side of the unit. 
    • Filter Panel in Rear: Remove by pulling up on the upper filter panel.
    • Filters on Side:  Pull on the tabs to slide out the filters from the back of the air conditioner. The secondary filters are accessible once the main filters are removed.
  3. Wash with cool water or vacuum the dust from the air filters.
    • If washed, gently shake the filter to remove the excess water and dust particles trapped in the filter.
  4. Reinstall the filter(s).
  5. Plug the unit back in.
 
This is the most common set of instructions for removing and cleaning the filter. If they do not apply to your model, consult your air conditioner's Owner's Manual.  If you need a new filter: Order a Replacement Filter Online
 
 
To drain the Storage Tank:
The Water Full indicator comes on when the internal water tank has filled with condensed water. You can manually drain the excess water. 
  1. Unplug the unit.
  2. Place a shallow 1 quart or larger pan below the lower drain located on the back (near the bottom) of the air conditioner.
  3. Remove the cap and the rubber plug and drain the water tank.
    • Be careful not to lose the drain cap or rubber plug! 
  4. Re-insert the drain plug and screw the cap snugly into place.
  5. Plug in or reconnect power. 
You can also attach a garden hose to one of the drain ports for continuous cleaning