How to clean your air cooler - pads, tank, and body
Regular cleaning prevents the musty smell that can develop in air coolers, and keeps the cooling pads working efficiently. Clean the water tank weekly and the pads once a month.
Always switch the cooler off and unplug it from the wall before cleaning. Never clean electrical components with water.
Cleaning the water tank (weekly)
Drain all the water
Use the drain plug at the bottom of the tank (or tilt the cooler if there is no plug). Empty all the water out.
Wipe the inside of the tank
Use a soft cloth dampened with a diluted vinegar solution (1 part white vinegar, 4 parts water) to wipe the inside of the tank. This removes mineral deposits and prevents algae.
Rinse thoroughly
Rinse the tank with clean water two or three times until there is no vinegar smell. Refill with fresh water.
Cleaning the cooling pads (monthly)
Remove the side panels
Most Elegant coolers have clip-on side panels that you can gently pull off to access the cooling pads. Check your model's manual if you're unsure.
Take out the pads
The pads are the thick honeycomb panels. Lift them out carefully.
Note which way the pads were facing before removing them so you can put them back the right way.
Rinse the pads under running water
Hold each pad under a tap or use a gentle shower spray. Do not scrub - the honeycomb structure is delicate. Let the water run through until it comes out clear.
Let them dry completely
Leave the pads in the sun or a well-ventilated area for at least 2 hours before refitting. Fitting wet pads is fine but fitting pads with mould or heavy deposits is not.
Refit the pads and panels
Slide the pads back in the correct orientation and snap the panels back on.
At the end of the summer season, drain all water, clean the pads, and store the cooler in a dry place with the tank empty. This prevents mould from forming during storage.
Elegant Galaxy