[Tim Gray]

The aluminum fins can be straighten with a device called a fin comb ( they come in set of different sizes). The smell can be cured by a product called coil cleaner, you take the air conditioner outside and take the case off. Get some coil cleaner from your parts store, the acid base cleaner works the best mix 4 parts water to 1 part cleaner in a spray bottle. Spray the coils with the solution, you made see some foaming or smoking coming from the coils this is normal. Leave it sit for a couple of minutes, than squirk the coils out with a garden hose.

[jwsmustang]

Where can you get the coil cleaner from? I dont see it on this site.

[Kiknads]

We regularly clean window air conditioner units with bleach/degreaser and a garden hose, just stay away from computerized boards if there is any, and shake any loose water off before you plug it in

[Gracie]

Originally Posted by HomeGirl

This may seem like a silly question, but I have an AC unit that has been in storage a while. With the unseasonably warm weather I decided to bring it out early.

It seems no matter how hard I try; the darned thing gets its (aluminum?) 'vents' bent. You know, the waffling in the outdoor part of the machine? Is that a problem, or is it just aggravating? I've tried to straighten them out with a butter knife...*blush* Should I bother?

Also, though I kept it dry and up off the floor while in storage, it still smells musty. Suggestions?

Thanks!

HG

TFor the Mildew--I am very careful about storage for this reason. I did buy one at a garageg sale that smelled musty and I got a spray car a/c deodorizer and it seemed to work.

They say you can hose out the back, but must cover up any electrical parts. I have never tried this. But a solution of baking soda and water in a sprayer might help. TIn car parts stores, they sell spray car air conditioner cleaners you can get to spray into it from the front and it circulates. Get one that says it will kill mildew. You could run it outside for awhile and see if the odor is removed.

I know about the bent vents in the back. Newer models are very thin aluminum. I did the same thing. I guess you just have to straighten them out the best you can. I used a wire hair (lifter) comb that has 4 prongs and balls on the ends. Some a/c's come with a grid coverings. I won't buy one without it from now on.

Hope this helps
Gracie

[bjbh5359]

A few years ago, my favorite air conditioner repair guy ridded my car's AC of its musty funk with a mildewcide/fungicide product called something like Swept or Schwept.
It is used by auto AC repairpeople, but it may also be fine for window-mounted AC units. Try asking for it at an auto parts/supplies place (especially one the pros use) and car dealerships. Good luck!

[SINCE1972]

Turn the a/c on and get a bottle of Lysol and spray half of the can into the front while it is running. That will do it.
since 1972
burke