Before Turning on the AC This Summer, If You Skip This Step, the Whole Family Suffers
My mom called me a few days ago, and the first thing she said was: “Baby girl, have you turned on the AC at your place?”
I said: Not yet, it’s not hot these past two days.
My mom followed up with: “That’s right—remember to clean the filter before turning it on!”
At that time, I didn’t think much of it. I figured the filter was replaced just last year, shouldn’t be that dirty, right?
Then on the weekend, I casually took a look after disassembling it—
I almost died on the spot.
The filter was covered in dust, with some black spots I don’t even want to identify. The blades at the air vent outlet also had a thick layer.
Just How Dirty Can the Inside of an AC Get?
I looked up some data, and there are a few pretty scary numbers:
According to the Disease Control Center: The total bacterial count per square centimeter inside an AC can reach as high as 60 times that of a toilet.
You didn’t misread that—60 times a toilet.
Think about you standing in front of a bacterial spraying station every day, blowing air…
I suddenly understood why my mom was so nervous.
Cleaning Steps (Super Simple)
Actually, cleaning an AC isn’t as complicated as you might think. A few simple steps:
Step 1: Cut Power
This is most important—safety first.
Step 2: Remove the Filter
The filter for most ACs is at the air inlet—just pull it out gently. No need to read the manual, just feel for it with your hands, the position is pretty obvious.
Step 3: Rinse with Clean Water
Take it to the bathroom and rinse the filter with a showerhead. If there’s a lot of dust, first vacuum it, then rinse.
Step 4: Air Dry
The filter must be completely dry before you put it back—otherwise it’s pointless.
Step 5: Wipe the Blades
Use a wet towel to wipe down the outlet blades. If you have antibacterial spray, you can spray some on.
Total time: no more than 30 minutes.
Should You Call Professionals?
If your AC hasn’t been cleaned in over 3 years, or has never been cleaned, my suggestion is:
This year, call a professional to clean it once.
Because components like the internal evaporator—you as a regular person can’t disassemble and clean those. Professional technicians use high-temperature steam for deep cleaning, sterilization and disinfection.
After that, clean the filter yourself once a year is sufficient.
I booked a technician to come next week, charging about 120-150 yuan/unit. I think it’s pretty good value.
Small Reminders
- Ventilate before turning on AC: Let room air circulate first
- Don’t set temperature too low: Around 26 degrees is most comfortable and energy-efficient
- Open windows every 2-3 hours to exchange air: Running AC in a sealed space easily causes oxygen deficiency
My mom said: If you don’t listen, I’ll take care of your AC from now on.
Me: …Fine.