RAPID COLD CUSTOMER CARE

How to Clean Your
Air Conditioner Filter

Don't worry — it's easier than it looks. Choose your air conditioner type below and we'll walk you through it one simple step at a time.

✓ No technical experience required

First, which one looks like yours?

You don't need to know the model number. Just choose the type that looks most like the air conditioner in your home.

!

Before touching anything

Please turn your air conditioner OFF. If you need a ladder, make sure it is stable and someone is nearby. If the filter is too high, difficult to reach or you're not comfortable doing it yourself, please stop and contact us.

1

Wall-Mounted Split System

This is the easiest type to clean. In most wall-mounted systems, the filters sit directly behind the front cover.

STEP 1

Turn the air conditioner off

Use your remote control and switch the air conditioner off. Wait until the indoor fan has completely stopped.

Important: Don't try to remove the filters while the air conditioner is running.
Turn off the air conditioner before cleaning the filter
How to lift the front cover of a split system
STEP 2

Gently lift the front cover

Stand in front of the indoor unit.

Place your fingers underneath the lower edge of the front panel, usually near the left and right sides.

Gently lift the panel upwards. It should open without much force.

Tip: If it feels stuck, don't force it. Different models open slightly differently.
Putting the split system air filter back into place
STEP 3

Find the mesh filters

Once the cover is open, you should see one or two large mesh screens.

These are your air filters.

Gently lift the bottom of each filter slightly and slide it towards you.

Take a quick photo with your phone before removing them. Then you'll know exactly which way they go back in.
Vacuuming dust from an air conditioning filter
STEP 4

Remove the loose dust

Take the filter outside if possible.

Use a vacuum cleaner on a low setting to gently remove dust, fluff and pet hair.

For lightly dusty filters, this may be all you need.

Cleaning dirty air conditioning filters
STEP 5

Very dirty? Give it a gentle rinse

If your filter is a washable mesh filter, rinse it gently using cool or lukewarm water.

You normally don't need strong cleaning chemicals.

Never use:
Boiling water, bleach, strong chemicals or a high-pressure hose.
Let the air conditioner filter dry completely
STEP 6

Let it dry completely

Shake off excess water and leave the filter somewhere shaded with good airflow.

Wait until it is completely dry.

Important: Never put a wet filter back into the air conditioner.
Reinstalling the clean split system air filter
STEP 7

Put it back in

Slide the clean, dry filters back into the same tracks they came from.

Make sure they sit flat and aren't bent.

Gently close the front panel.

Done! ✓

Before you turn it back on...

✓
Filters are completely dry.
✓
Filters are sitting flat in their original position.
✓
The front cover is properly closed.
2

Ducted Air Conditioning

Don't clean every ceiling vent. The filter is normally located behind the large return-air grille.

Ducted air conditioning return air grille
STEP 1

Find the large return-air grille

Look at your ceiling.

You'll probably see several smaller air vents throughout your home. Leave those alone.

You're looking for the much larger grille, usually located in a hallway or central area of the home.

Easy way to tell: The large grille is where air is pulled back into your air conditioning system. Your filter is usually located directly behind it.
Turn off the ducted air conditioner at the wall controller
STEP 2

Turn the system off

Before opening the return-air grille, turn your ducted air conditioner OFF at the wall controller.

Wait until the system has completely stopped before touching the filter or grille.

Important: Never remove or clean the filter while the air conditioning system is running.
STEP 3

Carefully open the return-air grille

Look for the clips or catches along the edge of the large return-air grille.

Release them gently while supporting the grille with your other hand. The grille should slowly swing down.

Tip: Keep one hand supporting the grille as you open it. Don't let it drop suddenly.
Safety first: If the grille is too high or you can't reach it safely, please don't attempt this yourself.
Carefully opening a ducted air conditioning return-air grille
Cleaning ducted air conditioning filter
STEP 4

Vacuum and rinse your filter with water

If it is a washable mesh-style filter, vacuum the dust first and gently rinse it if required.

Let it dry completely before reinstalling.

STOP: If your filter looks like thick paper, cardboard or pleated fabric, it may be disposable. Do not wash it.
VIDEO GUIDE

Watch: How to clean your ducted air conditioning filter

Prefer to follow along? Watch our simple step-by-step video showing you how to remove, clean and reinstall your ducted air conditioning filter.

A clean filter helps maintain good airflow and keeps your system working efficiently — especially before summer.

Not sure if your filter is washable?
If your filter looks like thick paper, cardboard or pleated fabric, do not wash it. Check the manufacturer's instructions or contact us first.

Important: Never run your ducted air conditioner without the filter installed.
!

Wait — Is Your Filter Disposable?

Not every air conditioning filter should be washed. This is important.

Air conditioning filters that should not be washed

Does it look like this?

Disposable filters often look thicker than washable mesh filters and may have pleated paper or fabric material inside a frame.

DO NOT WASH IT

Water can damage this type of filter. It should be replaced with the correct size and specification instead.

Not sure? Take a photo of the filter and contact Rapid Cold before cleaning it.

How often should I check my filter?

Normal household

Have a quick look every few months and clean it when you can see a noticeable build-up of dust.

Pets or lots of dust

Check more frequently. Pet hair and dust can build up surprisingly quickly.

Heavy summer / winter use

Check before and during periods when your air conditioner is being used frequently.

Cleaning the filter isn't the same as servicing your air conditioner.

Your filter is only one part of the system. A professional service checks the parts you can't easily see or clean yourself.

Please contact us if you notice:

  • Weak airflow
  • Unusual smells
  • Water leaking
  • Strange noises
  • Fault codes
  • Visible mould inside the unit
  • The system isn't heating or cooling properly
Filter clean or professional service?

Cleaning your filter is great regular maintenance, but it doesn't replace a professional air conditioning service.

If your system is dirty inside, has poor airflow, smells unusual or isn't performing properly, it's time to have it professionally checked.

Book a Professional Service
NEED HELP?

Not sure what filter you have?

Take a clear photo of your air conditioner and filter and send it to our team. We'll help point you in the right direction.

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