The Best AC Coil Cleaners – 2020 Guide

The air conditioner is one of the top modern developments around the globe. With a rise in temperatures all over the world, it has become a staple in many homes with many people choosing this as their preferred method of regulating the temperature in the summer when the raised temperature becomes intolerable.
Unfortunately, the air conditioner does have some maintenance that goes along with it and you will need to keep it in the best possible condition to have it working smoothly and effectively for you. While there are many parts of an air conditioner, the AC coils are essential to the cooling process and need to be cleaned and maintained effectively in a while.

Best AC Coil Cleaners Comparison Chart

(OUR TOP PICK)

Nu-Calgon 4291-08 Nu-Brite

• One gallon only
•  alkaline based 
• Biodegradable chemicals

ComStar 90-100 Coil King Alkaline External Condenser Coil Cleaner

• No rinse wash
• 18 ounce aerosol only
• Heavy duty detergent, high performance

Nu-Calgon 4171-75 Evap Foam No Rinse Evaporator Coil Cleaner

• No-rinse wash
• 18-ounce aerosol only
• Heavy-duty detergent, high performance

(BEST BUDGET OPTION)

AC-Safe Foam Coil Cleaner

• Scrubbing cap given
• Eco-friendly, biodegradable
• Lemon fragrance, good smell.

CRC Foaming Coil Cleaner

• Low odor, less smelly
• No rinsing and washing
• Industrial strength

Best Air Conditioner Coil Cleaners on the Market Today

The top in your budget AC coil cleaners can be something of a tough prospect to find. With so many different cleaners on the market, you might get lost in your search for the right one if you go out surveying. Fortunately, we have done some research to help you find the ideal coil cleaners to make your life a bit easier. Here are the top coil cleaners on the market.

1.Nu-Calgon 4291-08 Nu-Brite

The Nu-Calgon 4291-08 Nu-Brite is first on our list and this is an alkaline-based product and has no acid. It also creates a foam that will melt away all of the dirt and grime and leave your coils looking fresh and spotless to work perfectly. With a 4:1 mixing process, the bottle should last you a couple of cleaning processes and this does add up to you saving money because no technician is needed.
Using this will require a plastic sprayer and you will need to wash down the coils thoroughly after applying it. The product is corrosive and this does mean that when it is used for too long, you might have some troubles and your coils will start corroding. It is also versatile and can be used for cleaning radiators. For the price, this is a real bargain and a good deal.
Pros

• Alkaline-based, no acid 
• Really affordable and cheap
• Easy to use and apply 
• Foamy reaction to dirt, quick clean

Cons

• Corrosive, harm the product

2.ComStar 90-100 Coil King Alkaline External Condenser Coil Cleaner

The ComStar 90-100 Coil King Coil Cleaner is another alkaline-based cleaner just like previous ones. While it does not foam up as much as others do, it has the ability to remove virtually any dirt and grime on your coils quickly. It can be used for metal air filters and does not corrode the materials as easily and quickly. This coil cleaner also claims to strengthen the metal, making it a little more durable and giving a longer life.
The coil cleaner can be found in multiple different amounts and prices and it is generally diluted by 3-10 parts of water. This will depend on the amount of dirt on your coils and the concentration needed for thoroughly cleaning the coils you own. It is also worth noting that this product is really affordable and this does make it a great investment for cleaning your coils. 
Pros

• Alkaline-based, no acid 
• Really affordable and cheap
• Strong cleaning action, in less time.
• foaming action

Cons

• Removes coating on metal, causes corrosion

3.Nu-Calgon 4171-75 Evap Foam No Rinse Evaporator Coil Cleaner

The Nu-Calgon 4171-75 Evap Foam No Rinse Evaporator Coil Cleaner is a heavy-duty detergent that will quickly start foaming once it comes into contact with dirt and grime. It is easy to apply and the sprayer can make this non-hazardous, easy and safe to use. The foam will evaporate immediately once it has done the job. While many companies claim this is sufficient, there are also many HVAC professionals who do feel that it still needs to be rinsed off because not all does evaporate.
This detergent also includes a fresh lemon scent that will be working perfectly with your AC unit with a good smell. This enables you to have a fresh smell whenever guests are invited to your home. This detergent spray is actually quite affordable, but you might not get as much use out of it as with something that can be diluted with water to spray the room.
Pros

• Non-corrosive, metal will be undamaged
• Reasonable price
• Extremely easy to apply on coil
• Great cleaning properties with foam forming
• No need to rinse as foam evaporates quickly

Cons

• Not great at removing pet hairs from the coil

4.AC-Safe Foam Coil Cleaner

The AC-Safe Foam Coil Cleaner is another detergent-based cleaner that is effective at removing stubborn stains and grime. It can easily be applied with the help of the sprayer can and the company claims you don’t need to worry about rinsing it down as it is non-corrosive so metal is safe. The product is also scented and this removes bad scents that you need to deal with from if the coils have been left for prolonged periods, and gives a good smell even after a longer period.
While this formula does not require you to scrub or brush the coils, it is certainly helpful to do so and this does make life somewhat easier for you. It is really affordable and does an excellent job of removing pet hairs. This product is highly recommended if you need something quick and comes in your budget.
Pros

• Easy to use, feasible.
• Really affordable and cheap
• No rinsing needed, evaporates away
• Removes all odors and pet hairs efficiently

Cons

• Needs to be used quite often when there’s stubborn grime and dirt

5.CRC Foaming Coil Cleaner

Lastly, we have the CRC Foaming Coil Cleaner. Much like the previous 2; it is also a detergent that is available for use in an aerosol can. This formula does not require any rinsing and can be applied with real ease as well. It will remove any odors you need to deal with and clean all your coils in a matter of minutes without brushing.
What we like about this detergent is the fact that no harmful chemicals are used that could damage the ozone. This does make it as close to a green product as you could possibly find and also friendly for anyone in the home. It is reasonably priced and can be used on all metal blades and coils for a thorough clean.
Pros

• Easy to apply, feasible
• Removes odors and gives a fresh sense
• No washing needed
• Reasonable price
• No harmful chemicals present in the solvent

Cons

• Foaming is rather inconsistent