LS Aircon Servicing Singapore

clean a portable aircon

How to Clean Portable Aircon: Easy Tips for AC Maintenance

This article contains some useful tips to clean a portable aircon in Singapore. Portable air conditioners are popular in Singapore, and offer flexibility and easy mobility to keep cool in a room. However, like all cooling systems, they require regular maintenance to operate efficiently.

Cleaning your portable aircon improves performance, prolongs life, and ensures a comfortable indoor environment. This step-by-step guide will help you keep your portable aircon in the best condition with the least effort.

Importance of portable Aircon Cleaning

In Singapore’s warm and humid climate, portable air conditioners can quickly build dust and other pollutants if you do not clean them regularly. Cleaning a portable aircon unit is crucial in many aspects.  Primarily, it ensures the air it circulates is fresh and safe to breathe. 

LS Aircon Servicing Singapore provides the best set of guidelines to clean a portable AC most efficiently. Moreover, you can hire them for aircon gas top-up, general services, and aircon relocation. Here is how you have to clean a portable air conditioner in the most effective way possible.

How to Clean a Portable Aircon?

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies and Prepare the Area

You should always begin with the collection of the right tools and materials. First, ensure you have all the cleaning materials you’ll need. You need a soft, damp cloth, a soft brush (such as an old toothbrush), mild detergent, a vacuum with a brush attachment, and, if possible, a can of compressed air.

For safety, ensure you turn off the unit and unplug it from the supply lines before cleaning. It’s better to use an old cloth or paper to catch the dust or any other residual drips during cleaning.

how to clean a portable aircon

Step 2: Clean the Exterior

When you are done with the early preparation, wipe down the exterior of the aircon to remove any dust and smudges. If you counter stubborn stains, mix a little mild detergent with water and use this solution to clean the spots. Avoid harsh chemicals because they may damage the unit’s surface.

Step 3: Remove and Clean the Air Filter

One of the most critical parts to clean a portable air conditioner regularly is the air filter because it blocks the pollutants that come along the outside air.  Most portable air conditioners have an easy-to-access filter behind the cover of the indoor unit. 

Carefully remove it, then vacuum it to remove loose dust. Moreover, you can also use soapy water to clean the aircon filters. Let the filter air-dry completely before jumping on to the next step.

Step 4: Empty and Clean the Water Tank

Most portable air conditioners have a water tank that collects condensation. If you haven’t emptied and cleaned it for a long time, this tank can become a breeding haven for mould and bacteria. This can result in bad smells and reduced efficiency. 

Remove the tank, pour out the water, and wash it with soapy water. For stubborn areas, use a brush to scrub and clean. It is essential to let the tank dry completely before placing it into the unit.

Step 5: Clean the Coils

Over time, the evaporator and condenser coils inside your portable aircon may build up dust and debris. Therefore, to clean a portable aircon, clean these coils. Depending on the aircon model, find the coils from the back panel. 

Moreover, you can carefully use a vacuum to remove the dust from these coils. This cleaning can improve the airflow and ensure that the aircon cools your space efficiently. 

cleaning a portable aircon 

Step 6: Reassemble and Test the Aircon

When you clean the different parts, reassemble the removed components. Plug in the unit, turn it on, and check if the air is fresh and cool. If everything is working well, your portable aircon is now ready for a refreshed start.

Expert’s Suggestions

It is essential to regularly clean a portable aircon in Singapore’s harsh weather conditions. Regular cleaning is essential to keep your portable air conditioner functioning at its best. By following these easy steps, you’ll ensure optimal performance and an extended lifespan for your portable aircon. Moreover, regular cleaning and maintenance can keep the system up to the mark and efficient. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, like any other mechanical system, cleaning and maintenance of portable aircon systems is a necessity.
Yes, use a soft brush to clean the inside components of the aircon. However, ensure that the aircon is not connected to the electrical supply.
You can drain your portable aircon once a day or a week or take a bit longer than this.