How To Clean Air Ventilation Ducts Yourself

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young man trying to spruce air vent

How To Clean Air Ventilation Ducts Yourself

By : Kate Windle
Most people overlook the air vent ducts during house cleaning thinking they don’t require dusting or vacuuming. However, you should focus on sanitising these fixtures as they are usually a hub for mould spores, dust mites, cobwebs, allergens and various other contaminants.

The HVAC systemin homes is essential for ventilation, and when its duct is dirty, your home’s indoor air quality is polluted. It is believed approximately 90% of Australians spend time indoors, and living in a house or unit with poor air quality has adverse effects on your health.

Thus, hire experienced professionals offering deep cleaning and end of lease cleaning services in Sydney for sanitising your rental or owned property. Professionals have the expertise, knowledge and equipment to manage difficult cleaning tasks effectively and efficiently. However, if you want to clean the air vent ducts yourself, follow this guide.

Understand The Signs Of A Dirty Duct


If you notice any of the following things, these are signs that your air ventilation duct is dirty and needs deep cleaning.

  • Family members experience frequent headaches, coughing, shortness of breath, eye irritations, allergies, asthma and other health-related problems when at home.
  • Rooms or specific areas near the vents smell musty, mouldy or generally unpleasant.
  • Air ducts release visible dust and debris when you turn on the heating or cooling system.
  • The filters of the HVAC system become dirty quickly.
  • You feel the rooms are stuffy due to poor airflow.
  • There are signs of pest infection near the vent openings.
  • Household surfaces, fixtures and objects remain dusty even after regular cleaning.
  • You didn’t get the ducts cleaned or vacuumed them since living in the property.

  • Cleaning Supplies You Will Need


    If you spot any of these signs in your home, you must gather the required cleaning products and equipment. Here is a list of things you will need for air ventilation dust cleaning.

  • Microfiber cloths, mop and duster with a telescopic handle. Microfiber cleaning products are antimicrobial and highly absorbent. Therefore, experienced end of lease cleaners in Sydney and
  • Broom, dustpan, brushes and sponges
  • Cotton rags or Paper towels
  • A high-performance vacuum cleaner with HEPA filters
  • Buckets and spray bottles
  • Tools for removing screws and bits

  • Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)


    Before you start the cleaning process, wear gloves, goggles, mask and coveralls to protect yourself. Personal protective equipment (PPE) guards against dust particles, allergens, mould spores, viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens. PPE also prevents cuts and scrapes, which are common when you clean air ventilation ducts.

    Professional end of lease cleaners in Sydney wear them while sanitising homes to maintain personal hygiene and prevent contact with illness-causing germs.

    Air Ventilation Duct Cleaning Method


    After preparations are complete, remove the screws from vent registers that supply hot or cool air in your home and cover them with cloths or paper towels. It will help prevent dust or contaminants from escaping the openings while you clean. After this step is done, do the following.

  • Ensure to switch the HVAC system mode to fan only and turn off the heat/cooling. Keep the fan on to push out the dust, debris, allergens and other pollutants while you clean.
  • Inspect the filter furnace and ensure it is in place to avoid the contaminants from getting in the fan.
  • Loosen dust and debris in the duct with a broom or microfiber dust. Brush or tap the accessible parts of the duct until deposits on the walls fall.
  • Collect as much physical debris as you can using the brush and your hands. Throw everything in a trash bag.
  • Start vacuuming to pick any dust, dirt and debris you couldn’t collect earlier. Use the nozzle tool to gather pollutants from crevices. Vacuum each supply register one by one.
  • Remove the paper towels or rags from the register filters and clean with a microfiber cloth or brush before placing them back.
  • Turn off the fan and furnace but don’t turn off the thermostat as it will keep the unit running.
  • Open and vacuum the open-air boot and blower compartment thoroughly. These areas have the majority of dust, debris and pollutants.
  • Wipe and clean the furnace fan as it will help it run efficiently
  • Change the furnace filter, especially if the air ventilation duct is extremely dirty or you haven’t cleaned it in years or ever.

  • Endnote


    Keeping your air ventilation duct clean is vital to have good indoor air. For this task, you can take the assistance of professional cleaners offering end of lease cleaning solutions in Sydney at the end of tenancy and get your bond back in full. However, if you want to DIY clean the ducts, follow this guide to manage the process without stress or hassle.