Cleaning Moldy Coils And Drip Pans: A Step-By-Step Guide

If you have mold in your air conditioner, it's important to clean it to avoid health complications such as coughing, throat irritation, nasal congestion, and sneezing. Mold spores can also exacerbate asthma and allergies. To clean mold from air conditioner coils, you will need to turn off the air conditioner and disconnect the power. Remove any debris, such as fallen leaves and twigs, from the surrounding area. Look for standing water, excess moisture, and any signs of a refrigerant leak. Next, remove the grill or panel that provides access to the condenser coil. This may be secured with screws or fasteners. If there is a fan attached to the grill, disconnect the wires and set it aside. Clean the coils with a disinfectant cleaning spray or foam cleaner, following the instructions on the label. Allow the cleaner to set, then wipe it off with a clean rag. Reinstall the access panel cover and turn the air conditioner back on. Additionally, clean the drip pan with a solution of bleach and water to kill bacteria and fungus.

Characteristics of Cleaning Coils and Drip Pan of Mold

Turn off the power and locate the coils and drip pan

Before you begin cleaning, it is important to turn off the power to your air conditioning unit. This is a crucial safety step, as it will prevent any accidents or damage to the unit.

Once the power is off, you can start by locating the coils. If your air conditioning system includes an outdoor condenser unit, you will find the condenser coil behind a large grill or panel. This grill or panel may be secured with screws or fasteners, so you will need to remove these carefully. In some cases, the fan may be attached to the grill, so you will need to disconnect the wires before gaining access to the coils.

For the indoor unit, you will need to locate the access panel, which is usually held in place with screws or fasteners. Removing this access panel will expose the evaporator coils. Unlike the outdoor unit, you should not need to disconnect a fan to reach these coils.

Now that you have located the coils in both the indoor and outdoor units, you can begin the cleaning process. It is important to put on a mask before you start cleaning to protect yourself from any floating mold spores that may be disturbed during the cleaning process.

Remember to work carefully and slowly when cleaning the coils, as they are sensitive and can be easily damaged.

Use a shop vacuum or soft brush to remove dirt from the coils

When cleaning the coils of an air conditioner, it is important to use the right tools to ensure the job is done effectively and safely. One option is to use a shop vacuum to remove the dirt covering the coils. This method is particularly useful if you have a vacuum with a hose attachment, as it allows you to reach the coils without having to detach any additional parts.

If you don't have access to a shop vacuum, a soft brush can also be used to gently brush away any dirt from the coils. It is important to work slowly and carefully to avoid causing damage to the sensitive fins and coils. This process may take longer, but it is important to be thorough and gentle to ensure the coils remain intact.

Whether you use a shop vacuum or a soft brush, the goal is to remove the layer of dirt that has accumulated on the coils. Over time, dust and debris from the air circulating through the ducts settle on the coils, creating an ideal environment for mould to grow. By regularly removing this dirt, you can help prevent mould from developing and maintain the efficiency of your air conditioning unit.

Additionally, when using either of these methods, it is important to ensure that you have turned off the power to the unit before beginning the cleaning process. This will not only ensure your safety but also prevent any damage to the unit that could be caused by accidental activation during the cleaning process.

Apply a coil cleaner and let it set

Once you have removed the access panel and used a vacuum or brush to remove the initial layer of dirt from the coils, it's time to apply a coil cleaner. This step is crucial in ensuring that all mould and bacteria are eliminated.

There are different types of coil cleaners available, typically in liquid or foam form. Liquid cleaners will need to be rinsed off with a wet rag after application, while foam cleaners do not require rinsing but will need to be wiped off. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for safe application.

Spray the coil cleaner over the coils and fins, ensuring an even coverage. Allow the cleaner to sit and drip for the time specified in the manufacturer's instructions. This dwell time is essential for the cleaner to effectively break down and loosen the mould, dirt, and grime built up on the coils.

After the cleaner has been given sufficient time to work, it's important to properly remove the residue. For liquid cleaners, use a damp rag to wipe down the coils and collect any remaining dirt or mould. With foam cleaners, simply wipe the foam away with a clean rag. It may be necessary to repeat the application of the foam cleaner until the coils are completely clean.

During this process, it is important to be cautious around the coil fins, as they are delicate and easily bent. If bending occurs, attempt to gently bend them back into position, or use a coil fin comb to reposition them.

Rinse the coils with water and allow them to dry

Rinsing the coils with water is an important step in cleaning your air conditioner coils and preventing mould growth. After applying a cleaning product, use a damp rag to rinse any residue from the coils. You can also spray the coils with water from a spray bottle. This will remove any remaining cleaning product and help to wash away dirt and mould. The water will drip through the condensate drain, so make sure this is clear of blockages first.

Allowing the coils to dry completely is essential to prevent further mould growth. Moisture promotes mould growth, so it is important to ensure that the coils are dry before replacing the access panel and turning the air conditioner back on. Use a dry, soft cloth to wipe down the coils and absorb any remaining moisture. You can also use a vacuum with a hose attachment to remove excess water. Ensure that the surrounding area is also dry, including the valves, piping and other metal components.

It is important to be gentle when cleaning the coils, as they are sensitive and can be easily damaged. Work slowly and carefully to avoid causing any damage to the coils or the air conditioning unit. After rinsing and drying the coils, you may want to apply a biocide or mould inhibitor product to prevent future mould growth.

Apply a biocide or mould inhibitor to prevent future mould growth

Once you have cleaned the mould from your air conditioner coils and drip pan, you can apply a biocide or mould inhibitor to prevent future mould growth. Biocides are toxic chemicals intended to control moulds and other microorganisms. They are similar to pesticides and have a wide range of applications, including disinfectants, preservatives, and antifoulants.

When choosing a biocide, it is important to select one that is effective against a large variety of moulds. Copper-based biocides, for example, are considered broad-spectrum biocides. Biocides can also be classified as protectants or eradicants. Protectant biocides are applied to prevent mould spores from germinating or penetrating a material, while eradicant biocides can kill mould that has already infested a material.

When applying a biocide, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and take the necessary safety precautions. Biocides can be applied using a rag, sponge, brush, or sprayer. It is also important to ensure that the biocide comes into contact with all the mould, as mould can grow deep inside substrates.

In addition to biocides, there are other products available that can help prevent mould growth. For example, fungicidal sealants can be applied to cleaned surfaces to reduce future moisture uptake and immobilize any remaining particles. These sealants are typically clear or white-pigmented paints that seal the surface and reduce the chances of future mould growth. However, it is important to note that fungicidal sealants are not a substitute for proper cleaning and should only be used as an additional measure to prevent mould growth.

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