Internal air ducts require regular cleaning to ensure best performance and maximum effectiveness. If they are dirty they can hold viruses, bacteria and other potential germs, which are harmful to health. In addition, the dust and the accumulation of dirt that flows through the air ducts circulates the dust that can potentially damage or soil furniture, electronic devices and even clothing.
Steps
Step 1. Prepare a bucket
Use a small ice cream tub or mini bucket. Fill it with hot water and dish soap. Fill a spray bottle with vinegar. Also have an anti-mold spray on hand, just in case. Get some rags, a vacuum cleaner and a flashlight. Keep all these convenient items available so you can use them with ease.
Step 2. Locate the air ducts in your home
Some houses have ventilation inlets on the walls, others have them at the base of the walls. Some may be in unusual places; check each area well in order to identify them all. Organize yourself to clean them systematically. Check that there is nothing under the duct, such as furniture, hanging pictures, carpets, decorative objects and so on; possibly move them or cover them so that they do not collect dust.
Step 3. Remove the cover of each air duct
How to do this depends on the model you have installed; some require leverage, others have screws to remove, still others simply need to be released. See the instructions in the manual if you are unsure how to proceed.
Step 4. Get on a stable surface if the duct opening is positioned at the top
It can be a ladder, a three-step ladder, a sturdy chair, anything that gives you security of stability. Make sure it lies flat and doesn't wobble under your weight.
Step 5. Use the nozzle of the vacuum cleaner to remove the dust, lint and dust that has formed along the duct
If the vacuum cleaner is heavy and the hole is at the top, get someone else to help hold the appliance so that you just have to concentrate on the nozzle and cleaning.
Step 6. Use a rag to wipe the inside walls of the duct with the mixture of hot water and detergent
Use the flashlight to check for mold; if you see any, clean with vinegar and, if this is not effective, spray the anti-mold solution, following the instructions on the package. Use a paper towel after the cleaning process is complete. Finally let it dry.
Step 7. Replace the air intake cover
Move on to the next duct until you've cleaned them all.
Advice
- It is a good idea to keep a "periodic maintenance" notebook so that you can accurately and regularly manage general cleaning work. Also include air duct cleaning as part of this schedule and mark the rooms that are affected. If, for whatever reason, you cannot clean the ducts in any specific room, next time you can start from that.
- Cleaning the air ducts should be done every three months if you want to ensure air quality.
- Vents are not found in all types of homes; wooden ones, for example, usually don't need it. In this case, you have been exempted from another charge!
