How to Clean an Exhaust Vent

Exhaust vents can become dirty and clogged over time without proper maintenance.

Exhaust vents help remove harmful exhaust, dust and hot air from many appliances in homes and businesses. Dryers, bathroom fans, stove exhausts and even furnaces may come equipped with an exhaust vent meant to remove air to the outside and keep it from circulating inside where it may cause a hazard to air quality. Over time, exhaust vents can become dirty and clogged and eventually cease to function properly. Failure to maintain an exhaust vent can even result in danger of fire.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdrivers
• Flexible round cleaning brush
• Wire coat hanger
• Bleach
• Rags

Instructions

1. 

   Always unplug the power to prevent injury when cleaning.

   Unplug the power cord or turn off the circuit breakers if you are working on an appliance that receives an electrical signal. Unscrew any screws on the face of the exhaust vent and remove the exhaust plate. Soak the exhaust face plate cover for at least 10 minutes in a solution of one part bleach to three parts water in order to remove any germs and loosen built-up grease and grime. Wipe the exhaust face plate clean and set it aside.

2. 

   Some exhaust vents are assembled with an exhaust fan and motor.

   Remove the exhaust fan and motor if such components exist inside the exhaust vent, and disassemble the components so that you are able to soak and clean the fan blades and the fan housing with the bleach and water solution. Clean the motor with a damp rag soaked in the bleach solution to remove all dust and debris.

3. 

   A round bristled brush will allow you to clean the vent in a 360 degree cleaning motion.

   Clear the opening of the exhaust vent by removing any immediately visible dust, dirt and debris with your fingers. Insert the round bristled brush as far as it will reach inside of the exhaust vent, and wipe the inside of the exhaust vent in a circular motion to collect the dirt. Pull the debris out toward you. Clear off the brush with each pass, and repeat until there is no longer any dust or dirt evident on the brush.

4. 

   A straightened coat hanger can help extend your reach.

   Use an extension wire or a straightened metal coat hanger to help you reach as far back as possible into the exhaust vent. Some exhaust vent tubes reach several feet into a home or building, and you may find it difficult to reach the entire length. A straightened coat hanger will allow you to reach into the vent to grab any clumps of dust or dirt which may be lodged inside further than the reach of the brush. You can also search for professional vent cleaning tools that offer long, flexible wire handled brushes designed to extend and bend according to the length and shape of an exhaust vent opening.

5. 

   Don't forget to reassemble the exhaust vent and other components as you found them.

   Reassemble the internal fan and motor components if applicable, and replace them inside the housing. Replace the vent face plate cover and tighten the screws into place.

References

• ChuteSpan.com: Exhaust Vent Cleaning
• The Laundry Alternative Inc: How to Clean a Dryer Vent
• Planet Green: How to Clean an Exhaust Fan
• BobVila.com: How to Clean a Dryer Vent