How to Clean Flexible Ducts
Keeping ducts clean helps to ensure they are working properly to move air from one point to another. When ducts are filled with dirt, mold, lint or other debris, it can cause health hazards and impair or damage other components in your home. Flexible ducts are typically used in air and heating systems as well as dryers. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Mask and gloves
- Safety Goggles
- Flashlight
- Screwdriver
- Heavy Duty Wet/Dry Vacuum with a Long Hose and Soft Bristle Brush
- Ladder (depending on the duct you are cleaning)
- Soap and Water
Instructions
-
Cleaning Flexible Ducts
-
1
Put on safety gear and turn off or unplug any power source that uses the ducts you are cleaning.
-
2
Remove the vents or other fastening devices with a screw driver to gain access to the duct, using the ladder if the access point is high.
-
-
3
Vacuum out the dust, dirt, debris, mold and whatever else is in there. Getting all of the cracks and crevices is crucial to thoroughly cleaning the duct.
-
4
Use soap and water to clean the vents, or the surrounding area of the dryer. Dry completely to avoid excess accumulation or mold from growing later.
-
5
Put all vents and fastening devices back in place and tighten any screws with the screw driver. If you are cleaning the ducts that go to your air/heat system you should also replace any filters at this time.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
There are chemical solutions to help clean and prevent bacterial contaminants from growing, however they should only be administered by a certified professional. Even if you hire help to clean your air/heat system you can save money by doing some of the work yourself. You probably won't be able to reach all of the ducts in your home, so periodic professional cleaning should be used but you can cut down on how often you need to hire someone if you keep the ducts as clean as you possibly can yourself.
