Clean air conditioning and heating vents properly for a healthier indoor environment.
It's advisable to use protective clothing and cover your hair when you clean ceiling air vents. Removing vent grills is just a matter of unscrewing or twisting the securing screws and then gently prying them off or allowing them to hang by their hinge. Cleaning usually involves removing dust and changing air filters. You'll be up and down on a ladder to do the work. Regular vent cleaning helps keep your home free of dust. People with allergies and those who run their units non-stop should clean their vents monthly and consider using high performance air filters that catch more dust particles.
Instructions
1. Put on protective clothing to avoid dust falling on your head and body. Cover your hair with a scarf or paper hair covering. Wear a paper mask that will keep out particles of dust. Be sure the air conditioner or heater is not on. Turn the air conditioning or heating unit to the off position.
2. Place newspapers on the floor underneath to catch dust. Tape newspaper along adjoining walls at the baseboards using blue painter's tape to ensure easy cleanup afterward.
3. Position a ladder or stepping stool beneath the ceiling vent. Climb the ladder and unscrew or twist the screws to loosen or remove them, depending on the model. Remove the vent cover. Place it on the papered floor.
4. Brush the inside sides of the vent using a soft bristle brush. Use downward strokes to remove dust onto the paper below.
5. Prepare a bucket of soapy water using dilute dish soap. Dampen a cloth and reach into the vent to clean the sides. Wipe the sides down and repeat if necessary until the sides are dust free. Wipe excess water or streaks with a dry cloth.
6. Brush the grill to . Use a cloth and soapy dishwater and wipe all vent louvers on both sides. Dry the grill using a clean dry cloth and allow to air dry for 15 minutes.
7. Install a new air filter. Position your replacement air filter inside the vent.
8. Replace the vent grill cover and attach any screws.
9. Clean up the work area. Remove tape from baseboards and fold newspaper toward the center to avoid scattering dust. Discard newspapers. Remove protective clothing and vacuum or mop the floor below the vent.
Tags: protective clothing, conditioning heating, remove dust, your hair