How to Clean Your Air Ducts and Floor Vents

Is your indoor air quality getting compromised by dirty vents?

HVAC systems are commonplace in any household nowadays. These are essential in controlling the temperatures within the home, preventing discomfort during hot summer days or cold winter nights. However, this frequent use means that a lot of dust and dirt get into the air ducts.

This can have a negative impact on your health since it pumps dusty or moldy air into your home. Air duct cleaning is vital in preventing this. Read what’s below to learn how you can clean vents and ducts well.

Turn Off Your HVAC System

The first thing you need to do is turn off your HVAC system. Doing this prevents more dirt and other debris from circulating throughout your system while you’re cleaning it.

This is even more important when cleaning out floor vents as it’s easy for anything to fall into the system through them. Doing this also protects your eyes from any dusty discharge the system may blow onto your face.

Clean Out Loose Debris

Once you deactivate the system, clean out the loose dirt and debris on the vents first. A simple wet rag is enough in doing this. Wipe down the vents gently to make sure nothing breaks off.

Next, unscrew the vent and lift it off from the duct. Do the same to the interior to make sure you have clean vents once you’re through with everything. Many people miss cleaning the underside of the vents, which renders everything you’ve done beforehand useless.

Clean Out the Interior

Once you clean the vents, proceed with cleaning the interior. The ducts are often where most of the dirt and debris settle once they’re inside the system. It can be tough to get rid of them if your system is too spread out throughout the house.

How to clean air ducts easily? Using a vacuum will do the trick. One with a long, extendable neck will help you reach deep into the duct to clean out the debris.

Make sure to wipe the duct down afterward. You don’t want it to accumulate moisture and become a breeding ground for mold.

Finish Up Cleaning the Vents

Lastly, do proper cleaning and maintenance on your vents. What you should do will depend on the material of your duct vents.

For metal vents, anti-rust solution and metal polish will help increase its longevity. If you’re dealing with wood materials like oak floor registers, make sure they’re dry before placing them back on the duct. This will prevent it from degrading in the long run.

Clean Air Ducts and Floor Vents Today

Make sure your home HVAC system performs at its best capacity by cleaning air ducts and floor vents. Not only does this improve indoor air quality, but it also improves the longevity of your system. Get cleaning and live in comfort and cleanliness today!

Do you want to learn more about vent cleaning and household maintenance in general? Check out our articles and guides for more cleaning tips and learn all you can today!