Air ducts collect a lot of dust, dirt, dander and other allergens every year. This can seriously pollute the indoor air quality with bacteria, fungi and mold. When the heating or cooling system turns on, the contaminated air gets circulated throughout the house again. Dirty air ducts also cause strain on HVAC systems requiring them to overwork and subsequently break down sooner. Air ducts can be cleaned with just a few steps.
The tools required for cleaning air ducts are a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment, a stiff bristle brush, a screwdriver, warm water and dish detergent and a cloth or paper towels. If there is mold growing in the ducts, it is recommended to have some vinegar and mold remover in the event that the soapy water in not enough to remove the mold. The vinegar should be tried first, and the mold remover used only if the vinegar doesn't work. Start by turning off the power that is connected to the heating and air conditioning system.
The air duct covers or grills should be removed from the walls and brushed to thoroughly clean the grates. Soap and water can also be used. Any furniture, carpets, tables, lamps or pictures should be covered or moved out of the way. If the vent or grill is near the ceiling, a ladder or step-stool will be needed.
Use the vacuum cleaner to clean inside the ducts as far as possible. A second person may be required to hold the vacuum cleaner while the first person focuses on cleaning the duct.
After vacuuming, the duct should be wiped with the cloth and warm, soapy water as far as the arm can reach. If any mold is seen inside the duct, some vinegar can be used to clean it and if that doesn't work, a mold remover should be used. When the duct is cleaned, it should be wiped with the paper towels and left to dry completely.
When it is completely dry, the cleaned vent cover can be replaced. It is recommended to do one duct at a time. That means moving on to the next duct only when the vent cover has been replaced on the previous.
Cleaning air ducts is considered a difficult job and can only be done around the end of the duct by the vent. For a thorough cleaning, it is recommended that a professional plumber be called.
The tools required for cleaning air ducts are a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment, a stiff bristle brush, a screwdriver, warm water and dish detergent and a cloth or paper towels. If there is mold growing in the ducts, it is recommended to have some vinegar and mold remover in the event that the soapy water in not enough to remove the mold. The vinegar should be tried first, and the mold remover used only if the vinegar doesn't work. Start by turning off the power that is connected to the heating and air conditioning system.
The air duct covers or grills should be removed from the walls and brushed to thoroughly clean the grates. Soap and water can also be used. Any furniture, carpets, tables, lamps or pictures should be covered or moved out of the way. If the vent or grill is near the ceiling, a ladder or step-stool will be needed.
Use the vacuum cleaner to clean inside the ducts as far as possible. A second person may be required to hold the vacuum cleaner while the first person focuses on cleaning the duct.
After vacuuming, the duct should be wiped with the cloth and warm, soapy water as far as the arm can reach. If any mold is seen inside the duct, some vinegar can be used to clean it and if that doesn't work, a mold remover should be used. When the duct is cleaned, it should be wiped with the paper towels and left to dry completely.
When it is completely dry, the cleaned vent cover can be replaced. It is recommended to do one duct at a time. That means moving on to the next duct only when the vent cover has been replaced on the previous.
Cleaning air ducts is considered a difficult job and can only be done around the end of the duct by the vent. For a thorough cleaning, it is recommended that a professional plumber be called.
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