How To Clean Your Own Vents

When you have a home with forced air that comes through vents, it is important to keep the vents clean. Keeping the vents clean will help keep the air in your home clean. That is why you need to know how to clean your own vents.  

Turn Off the Power 

You don't want to clean your vents when the heating or cooling system is on. You are going to want to turn the power off to your heating and air conditioning system. You may be able to turn your system off using the thermostat. Or you may need to go and turn off the circuit breaker that controls your HVAC system. Either way, make sure the system is off. You don't want to be blasted with air when you are cleaning your vents.  

Take Off the Air Duct Covers

In order to clean your HVAC system, you will need to remove each individual air duct cover before you clean that particular vent.  

If your vents are located on the floor, generally you just have to lift up on the cover to remove. If your vents are located on the wall or ceiling, you will need a screw driver to remove the screws holding each vent cover in place. You also need a little container to put the screws in so you don't lose them while you are cleaning the vents. 

Clean the Air Duct Covers

Before you clean the vents, you are going to want to clean the covers. Use a damp soft cloth to wipe off both sides of the air duct covers or use a cleaning wipe. If the air duct covers are really dirty, you can soak them in the sink or tub with a little dish soap in order to clean them up.  

Clean the Top of the Vents

After you remove the cover, it is time to clean the edge of the ducts and to reach down as far as you can inside of the vents. You can use a soft damp cloth to clean the sides of the vents; the damp cloth will help pick up the dust inside the vents. Clean the cloth off as you work. You don't really need to use soap, but if you feel it is necessary, basic dish soap is all you need.  

Vacuum What You Can

Now it is time to clean the vents. Use a vacuum cleaner with a long hose to clean the vents. Take the vacuum cleaner and run it gently on all sides of the vents. Push the vacuum cleaner as deep as you can into the vents without using force. You want to try to clean up and remove as much dirt as you can, as deep as you can. Don't force the vacuum cleaner, though; you don't want to damage the inside of your vents.  

If you don't have the time or the tools to clean your own vents, you can always hire an air quality service to come in and clean your vents for you. They will be able to clean the entirety of your vents; not just what you can reach with a vacuum cleaner. They will clean your vents and help ensure that you have clean air to breathe.


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