3 Must-Do's Before Turning On Your AC: Unclean Units Are Filthier Than Toilets

Ladies, temperatures are climbing and I already hear my neighbor’s AC running.

But wait! Before hitting that remote, there are three things you MUST do. Otherwise you’re not blowing cool air—you’re circulating a year’s worth of dust and bacteria.

I got lazy last year and skipped cleaning. Ran the AC one night, woke up with a sore throat. Cost me 200+ yuan at the hospital—enough for 10 professional AC cleanings. Don’t ask how I know.

Step 1: Clean the Filter (10 minutes)

Easiest and most essential. Open the front panel, pull out the filter—you’ll be shocked at the dust buildup.

Last time I cleaned mine, the dust was thick enough to write in. Rinse with water, add some dish soap, dry, reinstall. Ten minutes for noticeably better air quality.

Step 2: Check the Outdoor Unit (5 minutes)

Most people only care about the indoor unit, but the outdoor one matters too. Check your balcony—any debris blocking it? Leaves or plastic bags caught in the fins?

Poor outdoor unit ventilation means poor cooling and higher electricity bills. Bad math all around.

Step 3: Deep Clean (Once a year recommended)

This takes more effort. You can buy AC cleaner spray and DIY, or hire a professional.

There’s something called an ‘evaporator’ inside—that’s where bacteria and mold really party. Data shows ACs uncleaned for 3 years harbor 60x more bacteria than toilets.

60 times! Can you believe it?

I didn’t either until I saw a technician open one up—some things you can’t unsee. Now I get professional deep cleans annually.

Complete these three steps, and your AC is finally ‘ready for summer.’

Some might say: ‘Too much trouble, just turn it on!’

Sure, you can. But think—a whole winter unused, how much dust, mites, and mold accumulated? Turn it on and it all blows into your room, into your lungs.

Worth the effort? Absolutely.

Final money-saving tip: AC cleaner spray costs 20-30 yuan online—much cheaper than professionals. Follow instructions and results are similar.

But if your AC hasn’t been cleaned in 3+ years, splurge on a professional deep clean first.

Summer’s coming—hope everyone gets cool, CLEAN air!