Turn off power to the AC unit at the thermostat and breaker
Remove leaves, dirt, and debris from around the unit
Clear at least 2 feet of space around the condenser
Remove the top grille or fan cover if needed
Use a soft brush to clean loose dirt from the fins
Vacuum the exterior and interior gently with a brush attachment
Straighten bent fins with a fin comb if necessary
Spray the fins with a garden hose from the inside out
Do not use a pressure washer
Clean the fan blades and interior surfaces with a damp cloth
Remove any debris from the base pan and drain openings
Check for visible damage, rust, or loose parts
Reassemble the cover and grille securely
Restore power to the unit
Schedule professional maintenance if the unit is heavily soiled or not cooling properly