Get Your Air Conditioner Cleaning Kit Ready
How to Clean the Outdoor Unit of Your Air Conditioner
Turn Off the Power
First, ensure that the power to your air conditioner is turned off. Remove the protective cover of the outdoor unit by prying open the holding clamps.

Always turn off the power before cleaning the outdoor unit.
Then, slide the unit out from the wall. If your air conditioner’s outdoor unit is mounted on a window, remove the mounting frame and cover. Pay attention to the position of the screws so you can reassemble them in their original places.
Clean the Fins
Use a fin comb to brush away the dirt and straighten any bent fins. Simply align the comb’s serrated edges with the surface of the fins and pull them straight. Wear leather gloves to protect your hands from cuts.
Clean the Condenser Coils
The condenser coils will be covered in dirt and dust. After brushing away the initial layer of dirt with the fin comb, use a vacuum cleaner to thoroughly remove all the remaining dust and debris.
The condenser coils will be caked with dirt and dust. After using the fin comb to remove the initial layer of grime, use a vacuum cleaner to ensure that all the dust is gone.
However, to thoroughly clean the condenser coils, you’ll need to use specialized cleaning agents or soap.
Clean the Condenser Fins
Pour a specialized cleaning agent or soap over the entire surface of the condenser fins and use a hose to spray water directly onto them to create a foamy lather. Use a soft cloth or the fin comb to wipe away any remaining dirt.
Clean the Fan Motor’s Fan Blades
Use a soft cloth to wipe away any dirt or dust from the fan motor’s fan blades. If the fan motor’s bearings have plastic or rubber oil ports, open them and add a few drops of electric motor oil. Then, clean or replace the air filter and reassemble the outdoor unit.