How to clean your Samsung air conditioner

Last Update date : Jan 19. 2021

Periodically you will need to clean your Samsung air conditioner. Cleaning is not as intimidating as it sounds. With our quick and easy guide to cleaning the air conditioner, you’ll be back to enjoying lovely, cool air in no time. 

If you have a window type air conditioner, you can find more about 'How to clean your Samsung window type air conditioner' with Samsung Support.

The cleaning period may differ depending on the usage and environmental conditions. Please refer to the chart below for an indication of how often cleaning needs to be performed under normal conditions.

 

Guides

TASK

How often

By whom

Run the Auto clean function.

As needed

Owner

Clean the filter.

Once every two weeks

Owner

Clean the WindFree panel.

At least once a month

Owner

Clean the exterior of the indoor unit.

As needed

Owner

Clean the exterior of the outdoor unit.

At least once a year

Owner

Replace the remote control batteries.

As needed

Owner

Apply corrosion inhibitor on outdoor unit. (Only if installed near salt water such as an ocean)

At least once a year

Qualified technician

Clean inside the indoor or outdoor unit.

Once a year

Qualified technician

Inspect the units, electrical connections, refrigerant tubes, and protections.

Once a year

Qualified technician

Auto-clean function

The auto-clean function automatically cleans and dries the inside of the air conditioner indoor unit. In order to keep the air conditioner in optimum condition and to maintain the purity of the air in your home, it is important to regularly clean the indoor unit, filters, and external exchanger. 

 

Displayed Cl code in the indoor unit

ac-cl-code
  • If Auto-Clean function is turned on, Cl will be displayed in the indoor unit.
  • When operation is off, auto-clean runs for 10 min. (in a few models for 15-30 min.)
  • The indoor unit display shows the cleaning progress (from 1 to 99%). 
  • After auto clean, the air conditioner will turn off automatically.

 

There is a page dedicated on How can I use the auto-clean function of my air conditioner and other components.

1 Turn off the air conditioner and wait until the fan stops.
2 Disconnect the power supply.
3 Use a soft brush or tepid damp cloth to clean the exterior.

WARNING! 

  • Do not clean the appliance by spraying water directly onto it. Water entering the unit may result in electric shock or fire that could cause death, serious injury, or property damage.
  • Do not use an alkaline detergent to clean the indoor unit display.
  • Do not use sulphuric acid, hydrochloric acid, or organic solvents such as paint thinner, kerosene, acetone, benzene, or alcohol to clean the unit surfaces.
1 Turn off the air conditioner and wait until the fan stops.
2 Disconnect the power supply.
3 Spray water on the heat exchanger to remove dust and other debris.

 CAUTION!

 • Do not use sulphuric acid, hydrochloric acid, or organic solvents such as paint thinner, kerosene, acetone, benzene, or alcohol to clean the unit surfaces.

• If you need to inspect or clean the inside of the heat exchanger on the outdoor unit, contact a local service center for help.

Clean the air filter every two weeks or when the CF (filter-cleaning reminder) appears on the indoor unit display. The time between cleanings may vary, depending on the usage and environmental conditions.

Cleaning the filter
1 Slide the filter off of the unit.
2 Use a soft brush or vacuum cleaner to remove any dust or debris on the filter.
3 Soak the filter in a solution of water and mild detergent for 30 minutes.
4 Rinse the filter and let it air dry in a well-ventilated area that is out of direct sunlight.
5 Reinstall the filter.
6 Reset the filter-cleaning reminder:

CAUTION!

• Take care not to damage the filter during cleaning.

• Do not scrub the air filter with a hard-bristle brush or another cleaning utensil.

• Do not expose the air filter to direct sunlight when drying it.

Slide a new Tri-care filter in the direction of arrow 2. Replace Tri-care filters once every three years. The replacement cycle may differ depending on the environment and usage time.

CAUTION!

  •  Do not clean the Tri-care filter with water. Failing to do so may result in damage to the filter. 
  • To replace a Tri-care filter, purchase a new one at a service center.
  • To use the Tri-care filter for a long time in an environment where fish cooking and smoking cause odour, ventilate the place by opening a window.

Clean the WindFree panel at least once a month. 

1 Hold and pull both side of the WindFree panel until it comes free from the air conditioner.
2 Use a soft brush or vacuum cleaner to remove any dust.
3 Align the projections of the WindFree panel with the grooves at the top, middle, and bottom of the front panel.
4 After inserting panel, press the top 4 and the bottom 3 places by hand so that there is no gap to the panel.

CAUTION!

If you attach the WindFree panel without the airflow blade being open, it may become obstructed and the panel may not open properly.

Thank you for your feedback!