How to Pressure Wash & Clean Window Unit Air Conditioners

Switch off the window AC before cleaning the unit.

Start the pressure washer.

Hold the pressure washer wand with both hands. Place one hand on the trigger handle and the other about midway along the wand. This helps you control the water blasting through the nozzle and avoid making potentially damaging mistakes.

Guide the wand tip up and down along the steel condenser coils on the back of the window air conditioner. Work from one side to the other and back again, if necessary. The coils are clean when the water drips clear from the bottom of the AC unit.

Pressure-wash the top and underside of the air conditioner to remove mold and grime. Avoid the expanding curtains on the left and right sides of the AC unit. The flexible, corrugated curtains cannot withstand the force of a pressure washer and will likely cave in or collapse. Clean these parts with paper towels dampened with ammonia.