Why Hydrocell is a smarter way to clean split systems

A “quick rinse” on a split system can get messy fast—water everywhere, tricky access, and a lot of time spent cleaning up instead of moving on to the next job. Hydrocell portable pressure washers are built for exactly those real-world HVAC jobs where you need control, mobility and coil-safe rinsing, not brute force.

For commercial buildings, HVAC can account for a large share of total energy use, so keeping coils and components clean isn’t just about looks—it helps systems run closer to design efficiency and reduces unnecessary strain on equipment. Regular coil cleaning also helps maintain cooling capacity and reduce energy waste over time.

Hydrocell lets you do that cleaning more safely, more neatly and more repeatably.

Key Hydrocell benefits for HVAC work

Portable and hose-free

Hydrocell units are made for sites where you can’t run a garden hose through a client’s lounge room or across a foyer. The onboard tank and compact footprint work well in:

• Apartments and townhouses
• Small offices and shops
• Tight plant rooms and rooftops

Coil-friendly pressure and spray control

Good cleaning isn’t about blasting coils. When you pair Hydrocell with the right nozzle and spray pattern, you can rinse away loosened dirt and coil cleaner without:

• Folding sensitive fins
• Driving water into fan motors or electronics
• Soaking walls, floors and joinery

Professional presentation on every job

Using a portable pressure washer with a proper Hydrobag or wall-mounted cleaning bag makes the whole service look and feel more premium. Less splash, less mess, and a clearer story to tell your customer about what you’ve actually done.

What’s in the Hydrocell collection?

This Hydrocell collection brings together everything you need to build a full split system cleaning setup—from complete kits through to spare parts.

All-in-one Hydrocell A/C Cleaning Kits

Bundled packages with a 17 L Hydrocell pressure washer, Hydrobag cleaning cover and coil cleaner. They are ideal if you want a ready-to-run solution for residential and light commercial splits.

Popular options include:

• Hydrocell A/C Cleaning Kit | 17 L Pressure Washer, Hydrobag & Coil Cleaner
• Hydrocell A/C Cleaning Kit (17 L Maxi Pressure Washer with Spray Gun, Hydrobag, Coil Cleaner)
• Hydrocell Aircon Cleaning Kit – Battery-Powered Split System Cleaning Solution

Battery and 12 V portable pressure washers

Models such as the Hydrocell Tradie Tough Portable Pressure Washer with 17 L Tank (GFS-CT1) and the Hydrocell Hydro15 15 L Portable Pressure Washer (GFS-A1) are designed for balconies, car parks and sites where power and taps aren’t conveniently located.

Hydrobag and split system cleaning covers

Heavy-duty Hydrocell cleaning bags and wall-mounted AC cleaning bags are designed to catch wastewater and coil cleaner run-off. They help keep indoor areas dry and avoid water stains or damage.

Coil cleaners matched to aircon use

Hydrocell coil cleaners are designed specifically for air conditioning coils and drain pans, and work well as part of a “pre-spray, dwell, rinse” workflow to maintain efficiency and indoor air quality.

Accessories & spare parts

Extend the life and reach of your Hydrocell gear with genuine hoses, wands, nozzles, connectors, chargers and powerpacks from our Hydrocell Accessories & Spare Parts collection.

How to build your Hydrocell split system cleaning setup

If you’re starting from scratch, most tradies and maintenance teams follow a simple three-part approach:

1. Choose your Hydrocell pressure washer
   Pick your tank size (for example 15 L or 17 L) and power type (12 V, lithium battery, or mains-compatible). Consider how many systems you’ll clean per visit and how easy it is to refill on site.
2. Add a mess-controlled cleaning cover
   For wall splits, pair your Hydrocell with a Hydrobag or wall-mounted cleaning bag from our air conditioner cleaning bags collection. This helps contain all run-off so you’re not relying on drop sheets alone.
3. Match coil cleaner and accessories to your jobs
   Select coil-safe chemistry from our cleaning chemicals range, then add extra hoses, wands and nozzles from Hydrocell accessories to reach awkward units, balconies and plant rooms.

If you prefer an “out-of-the-box” solution, our air conditioner cleaning kits bundle Hydrocell gear with bags and cleaners so you can get going quickly.

A simple Hydrocell cleaning workflow (high-level)

Always follow the manufacturer instructions for both equipment and chemicals, and ensure any work on refrigerant lines or sealed systems is performed by a licensed ARCtick technician.

1. Prep the area
   Isolate power where appropriate, fit the Hydrobag or AC cleaning bag securely under the indoor head, and protect nearby electrical devices and furnishings.
2. Pre-spray
   Apply a coil-safe cleaner to coils and the drain pan (following label directions) and allow adequate dwell time.
3. Rinse with Hydrocell
   Use a wide fan pattern and moderate distance to rinse coils and drain pan, taking care around electronics, fan motors and sensors.
4. Check drainage & tidy up
   Confirm the condensate is draining properly, then empty the Hydrobag or cleaning bag in line with site and environmental requirements.

Australian energy and sustainability agencies highlight that regular cleaning and maintenance can reduce HVAC energy use and improve comfort, especially when combined with good system sizing and operation.

When is Hydrocell a good fit?

Hydrocell gear is particularly useful if you:

• Run regular split system maintenance programs across apartments, schools, offices or shops
• Need a portable solution for strata or facilities management where access is tricky
• Want to offer premium cleaning and present well in front of clients and tenants
• Are a homeowner wanting a safer, more controlled way to rinse coils and trays (while leaving any refrigerant work to licensed professionals)

For a broader view of AC maintenance consumables, you can also browse our Cleaning & Preventive Maintenance collection .

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a Hydrocell pressure washer on indoor split systems?

Yes—Hydrocell units in this collection are commonly used by HVAC technicians for split system cleaning when set up correctly with a fan spray, appropriate distance and a proper cleaning bag or Hydrobag. Always follow product instructions, avoid close-range jets on fins or electronics, and use coil-safe cleaning chemicals designed for air conditioning systems. If you’re unsure about any part of the process, a licensed air conditioning technician can walk you through a safe workflow.

How often should I clean a split system with Hydrocell?

Frequency depends on how dusty the environment is, how often the system runs and the manufacturer’s recommendations. For many residential systems, technicians will at least inspect and clean coils and drains annually, while commercial sites may need more frequent maintenance as part of an energy efficiency strategy.

What else do I need besides the Hydrocell washer itself?

Most tradies and facilities teams will also use:

• A Hydrobag or AC cleaning bag to capture run-off
• Coil cleaner from our cleaning chemicals collection
• Extension hoses, wands or nozzles from Hydrocell accessories
• PPE appropriate to the site and products in use (gloves, eyewear and similar)

Do I need an ARCtick licence to use Hydrocell?

You don’t need an ARCtick licence to simply rinse accessible coils and drain pans. However, any work that involves handling refrigerant or sealed RAC components must be done by someone holding the appropriate Refrigerant Handling Licence under Australian law. When in doubt, partner with a licensed technician—you can look for “the tick” from the Australian Refrigeration Council as a quick way to check licensing.

Are Hydrocell kits suitable for homeowners?

Many Hydrocell products are purchased by homeowners, but there are still safety and compliance considerations. Homeowners can generally clean accessible surfaces and use coil cleaners that are labelled for DIY use. Any work involving refrigerant, sealed components or electrical modifications should be left to a licensed technician. If you’re not sure which Hydrocell kit suits your situation, reach out to the HVAC Shop team for advice before you buy.