How to Clean Mobile Home Vents

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Things You'll Need

  • Screwdriver (usually Phillip’s head)

  • Vacuum cleaner with hose

  • Bucket or sink of soapy water or cleaning solution

  • Flashlight

  • A wire coat hanger, untwisted

  • Damp sponge or cloth

The venting system in a home provides it with heat by a forced air system. In many mobile homes, a central air conditioner also uses the same venting system to cool the home. Along with warm and cool air, these systems blow dust, pet hair and other allergens, which can aggravate asthma, allergies and sinuses. Keeping your vents clean will improve the quality of air in your home and should be done at least once a year.

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Step 1

Turn off the heating or air conditioning unit by putting the thermostat switch in the off position.

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Step 2

Unscrew the screws holding the vent cover in place. Keep the screws in a safe place such as a bowl so they don't get lost. Set the vent cover aside to be cleaned before being replaced.

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Step 3

Use a flashlight to look inside the vent. Remove any obstacles within reach such as toys, change or jewelry. If you can see something, but it is out of reach, use an untwisted wire coat hanger to gently move the object into reach. Be careful not to push the object further into the vent.

Step 4

Insert the hose of a vacuum cleaner into the vent, turn on the power and vacuum the inside of the vent.

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Step 5

Using a damp cloth or sponge, wipe the area around the vent, under where the vent cover goes.

Step 6

Place the vent cover in a bowl or sink full of soapy water or cleaning solution. Allow the cover to sit for three to five minutes to loosen up any dirt and dust particles. Wipe the vent cover and towel dry. After the vent cover is dry, then replace it over the vent. Replace the screws that hold the vent cover in place.

Tip

If you use a vacuum with a bagless system, check the debris container to make sure nothing of value was sucked up when vacuuming out the vents.

Depending on where you live and whether or not you have pets, you may want to clean vents two or three times a year.

Warning

To prevent possible burning, do not attempt to clean the vent if the heater has been on within the past 10 minutes.

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