How To Clean Your Swamp Cooler

Evaporative coolers are really simple machines and can last for a good number of years. Maintaining and cleaning them is important to ensure a long life of reliable, refreshing cooling, but with these large machines this can sometimes be an intimidating process.

Basically, there are three parts that needs to be cleaned: the outside, the water tank, and the media pads. This is a simple step-by-step guide on how to clean your swamp cooler.

#1 Prep Cooler

Make sure the cooler is turned off and unplugged. Disconnect from any continuing water source (garden hose). Move to an area where you can drain the water and clean.

#2 Drain Cooler

Remove the bottom drain plug, tilt the cooler to ensure all water is drained. Lock the casters on your cooler.

#3 Dust Outside

Quickly dust down the exterior of the cooler and remove obvious debris.

#4 Clean the Tank

Replace the drain plug, then fill the tank with the solution and allow it to sit for up to an hour.

#5 Clean Exterior

If the outside of the cooler is very dirty, clean it now using a brush and soapy water or household cleaner, then rinse well.

#6 Clean Air Filters

Remove any air filters and rinse with water.

#7 Remove the Media Pads

1. Remove the back panel of the swamp cooler to access the media pads.
2. Be careful not to chip or damage them. Some models may have the pads secured with a clip and bolt which will need to be removed prior to removing the pads.

#8 Clean Out Tank

1. Drain the vinegar solution, then use a brush or sponge to scrub the inside of the tank.
2. Rinse well with clean water and wipe out the inside of the tank.

#9 Clean/Replace Media Pads

1. If the media pads show signs of mineral build-up from hard water or have collected debris they can be cleaned. If you have hard water that is causing problems, you can use a pre-packaged solution to prevent mineral build-up, such as Portacool Mineral Treatment.
2. To remove debris, you can vacuum them using a shop vac or residential model with an attachment.
3. Wash the pads using a garden hose with a nozzle, not harder than medium pressure. You may lightly scrub them with a soft brush if needed.
4. Rinse with clear water and lay flat to drain slightly.
5. If the media pads are damaged, or you are unable to clean them, they need to be replaced. If you have the new pads, simply install them. NOTE: Do not use a pressure washer as this can damage the pads.

#10 Re-assemble the Evaporative Cooler

1. Re-insert the clean filters
2. Install the back panel of the cooler.

Your evaporative cooler is now clean and ready for use or for storage. If you’re preparing to store your swamp cooler for the winter, be sure to run the fan for 15 minutes to thoroughly dry the media pads before covering and storing. For additional tips on storage, take a look at this blog post on How to Winterize your Evaporative Cooler.