How to clean outdoor AC compressor?

[JEDI]

my ac compressor is 20yrs old.
I cleaned the metal fins about 3 times in that time frame, all using some generic outdoor multi-surface cleaner/de-greaser.
didn't seem any cleaner.

today, I saw these:
1) http://www.homedepot.com/p/AC-Safe-Air-Conditioner-Foaming-Coil-Cleaner-AC-921/206740351

2) http://www.homedepot.com/p/Miracle-...osphoric-Acid-Cleaner-CON-CLE-QT-SG/100672861

if not these, What would you recommend?

thx

 

[NutBucket]

I'd say spray cleaner on the fins, let it sit and hit it with a pressure washer from the backside.

 

[mindless1]

Do not use phosphoric acid cleaner on it. Note it does not list use on bare metal. It's probably a bad idea to use any acid based cleaner, and no bleach either (not that you would, just sayin'...).

If it's really bad and a (moderate) pressure washer isn't enough, you could take the protective screen off and scrub between the fins with a long bristled brush while spraying with a hose from the inside, out. Better to do that after letting it sit with a cleaner on it, but if the cleaner isn't skin-safe, be careful spraying it out towards you.

 

[Red Squirrel]

Yeah I would not use acid. Also be careful with any high pressure stuff as you can bend the fins and it only makes the problems worse. I would just use a garden hose at normal pressure and not a pressure washer. Could use brush to really get in the fins depending on how serious you are.

 

[JEDI]

I'd say spray cleaner on the fins, let it sit and hit it with a pressure washer from the backside.

I don't have a pressure washer.

what about this?
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Easy-Off...y-Duty-Oven-and-Grill-Cleaner-04250/203082199

 

[Red Squirrel]

Hmm that may actually work, I would presume it's formulated to not rust metals given it's made for ovens and grills and stuff.

Though I must ask why are your AC coils that dirty anyway? mine just have leave bits and crap in them, but it's mostly all loose organic matter. Come to think of it an air compressor would probably work decent to clean it.

 

[mindless1]

No, that cleaner has sodium hydroxide in it which is very reactive with aluminum (fins). Why not use a coil cleaner product made for A/C? Example,

http://www.homedepot.com/p/14-oz-Condenser-Coil-Cleaner-WCOIL/100351663

 

[JEDI]

No, that cleaner has sodium hydroxide in it which is very reactive with aluminum (fins). Why not use a coil cleaner product made for A/C? Example,

http://www.homedepot.com/p/14-oz-Condenser-Coil-Cleaner-WCOIL/100351663

i listed something similar in my OP.
wanted to see people's opinion about it.

are they any better than, say, filling a spray bottle with tide liquid detergent and mix 1:1 with water?

 

[mindless1]

The A/C coil spray cleaners (usually) create a foam that keeps it in contact with the grime to soak for a while before it's sprayed off. The one you originally liked may work fine, I just don't have any experience using it.

Being cheap, I'd definitely try a spray bottle filled with dish detergent, not laundry detergent optimized for cloth, spray it on and hose it off and see if the results are satisfactory. Most often the key in getting fins clean is just keeping the grime wet long enough that it loosens up and then the directed spray from a hose nozzle.

 

[JEDI]

Being cheap, I'd definitely try a spray bottle filled with dish detergent, not laundry detergent optimized for cloth

why?

 

[mindless1]

^ Laundry detergent is low suds while real A/C coil cleaner is very high suds, and dish detergent in between, to fill up the nooks and crannies and soak the grime loose by more of it staying in place instead of running off.

I have to wonder why this topic is still active, are you putting off doing the work?

 

[JEDI]

I have to wonder why this topic is still active, are you putting off doing the work?

of course :embarrassed:
but I did order the coil cleaner in my op.

next step: pick it up.. lol

 

[PointBreak]

Hiring someone is probably the best bet because they know how to do it without damaging the machine.

 

[mindless1]

^ I suppose but it's hard to do damage with a cleaner designed for the purpose and a garden hose/nozzle.

 

[Greenman]

You're way over thinking this. Hit it with a regular garden hose nozzle, when all the big chunks are gone, it's good to go.