How do you clean air ducts?

To clean air ducts, scrub the grilles with soap and water, and vacuum the ducts with a heavy-duty vacuum. You need a screwdriver, a brush, dish soap, a rag, a broom and a heavy-duty vacuum with a long hose. Wear face protection to protect against dust.

1. Cut power to the HVAC system

   Before you clean, turn off the power to the heating and air conditioning system.

2. Clean the grilles

   Use a screwdriver to remove the grilles covering the ducts. Dust the grilles with a brush. Run the grilles under water, and scrub them with a rag and dish soap to remove caked grime. Set the grilles aside to dry.

3. Vacuum the ducts

   Attach a long hose to a heavy-duty vacuum, and turn on the power. Vacuum as deep into the duct as possible to eliminate all dust and mildew. Re-screw the dried grilles over the duct openings.

4. Clean the ceiling ducts

   Use a vacuum hose to eliminate dust from the ceiling grilles. If you cannot reach the grilles with the hose, use a broom instead. If the dust is caked onto the grilles, climb a ladder to remove them, and then repeat the cleaning process with dish soap and water.