Steps for Cleaning Your Air Ducts and Vents

In the midst of cold weather and with multiple storm systems sweeping across our country, it may be hard to believe that winter will ever end. However, spring really is right around the corner; it’s time to start thinking about spring cleaning. There is no law saying you have to complete all of your spring cleaning tasks at the same time. Make a list of jobs and start crossing one or two off each week. One task that many people like to complete in the spring and the fall is the cleaning of air ducts and vents.  

Why clean air ducts and vents? 

Simply put: why not? The rest of your house is cleaned on a regular basis, why not banish the dust from the places you can’t see the way you do from the places you can see? You will reduce wear and tear on your heating and cooling equipment as well as reduce the amount of dust wafting through the rooms of your house. If you live with an allergy or asthma sufferer, you may even consider cleaning the ducts and vents 4 times a year, at the beginning of each season. 

Do I need to hire someone? 

Absolutely not. You can save money by doing this job yourself – it is a simple procedure that needs minimal equipment. You can rent everything you need at Northside Tool Rental 

  1. Rent a heavy-duty vacuum cleaner. Both our small and large dust control vacuums have the long hose that you will need to do the job right. 
  2. Many homes have vents on the floor, but If your vents are located up by the ceiling and you don’t have a way to reach them, rent a step ladder. At Northside Tool Rental, we have 6-foot step ladders, 8-foot step ladders, 10-foot, 12-foot –– all the way up to 20-foot ladders (if you happen to be living in a small castle). We also have a huge selection of extension and trestle ladders available for rent. If you do use a ladder, make sure to ask a friend or family member to stand nearby in case you need for it to be steadied or to help you climb down.
  3. Turn off your heating or air conditioning. 
  4. Use a screwdriver to remove the vents. Brush these off before sponging them in warm soapy water. Some people put them on the top rack of their dishwasher for a more thorough wash. 
  5. Use a long-handled brush to reach as far along the duct as you can to remove dirt, cobwebs, and dust. You don’t have to pull it out at this point; you are simply knocking it loose. 
  6. Now use the heavy-duty vacuum cleaner. (You may wish to wear eye protection or a mask if you are looking up to a wall vent.) Push the hose down as far as possible to suck up all of the dirt and debris. Wiggle it around so that you reach all the surfaces. 
  7. Use a microfiber cloth (or really, any damp cloth or damp paper towels) to clean the inside of the duct as far as you can reach. 
  8. Screw the vent covers back on and vacuum the area around the vent. If you were on a ladder, vacuum the area under the vent. 
  9. You can now turn your heating or air conditioning back on. After waiting half an hour for any stray dust to be blown out, replace the air filter. 
  10. That’s it! Now everything is sparkling clean and you can begin planning the rest of the tasks on your spring cleaning Or – lie on the couch, turn on Netflix, and relax. 

Northside Tool Rental has everything you need to clean your air ducts and vents – and to undertake many other big jobs. Contact one of our experts today to discuss what tools you need and how we can fully equip you for your next project. We have convenient locations in Marietta, Gwinnett, Doraville, and Buckhead. Call us at 404-233-6722 to get your project started.