Learning how to clean the air ducts in your home can save you a lot of money. Although this isn’t a necessary household task, it is something you should consider as a homeowner, especially if you suspect that your ducts are clogged or infested with any vermin or bugs in air ducts and mold. Some homeowners even notice that cleaning the ducts regularly helps reduce the dust that accumulates throughout the home and improves indoor air quality.
How to Clean Your Air Ducts at Home On Your Own
Many companies charge a small fortune to clean your ducts. Fortunately, all you need is the right tools to clean your own ducts. You will not be cleaning as deep into the system as a commercial company, but you will find that a lot of dust and debris gathers at the registers where you can easily reach.
What You Will Need
You will need the following items to clean your ducts:
- vacuum cleaner
- accessory hose for your vacuum
- dust brush for your vacuum
- drill with both flathead and Phillips bits
- microfiber cleaning clothes
- rotary dryer vent cleaning system
Phase 1: Remove the Register
Floor registers are relatively easy to remove. All you have to do is lift them up! Some ducks may have wall registers that require you to unscrew them. This is where your drill will come in handy. After you remove the registers, you want to soak them in hot soapy water. After you rinse it off, let them air-dry. Some metal registers can even be put in the dishwasher, but should be hand washed if they are hand-painted.
Phase 2: Clean the Vent
After you have removed the registers, use the dryer vent brush on your drill head and insert it in the duct. Turn the drill on and slowly pull the brush out of the vent. As you do this, the brush should be collecting dust, just be careful not to fling it everywhere! After you remove the dryer vent brush, take your vacuum cleaner with the hose and the dust brush attached and inserted into the duct. Turn on the vacuum and vacuum up any dust or materials that were dislodged. You may also want to vacuum the dryer vent brush while you’re at it. Repeat this process for each duct.
Phase 3: Wipe Everything Down
After you’re finished vacuuming out the ducts, use the microfiber cloths to wipe down the interior of the ducts (as far as you can reach). Be sure to wipe down the surrounding area, such as the wall and floor. Then, replace the register vents. Now you’re done!
Don’t Have the Time? Have the Pros at ACE Clean Your Air Ducts!
If you don’t have the time or energy to clean your air duct system on your own, you can always turn to the pros at ACE! We have been serving Valley residents since 1994 and have quickly become the preferred choice for air duct cleaning. Click here to schedule air duct cleaning or call us directly at (602) 428-3341 .
