Cleaning air vents can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. With the right tools and a few simple steps, you can easily clean your air vents without having to remove them. To start, fill a bucket with warm, slightly soapy water and let the covers soak for about 30 minutes. This will help loosen any dirt or dust that has built up on the covers.
After they have soaked, use a microfiber cloth or sponge to wipe away any residue. Once you have finished cleaning, dry the covers with a cloth and screw them back in place. Finally, turn your HVAC system back on. If soap and water don't completely clean the covers of the ventilation grilles and there is still mold to remove, mix a diluted bleach solution for disinfection, following the instructions on the bottle of bleach. If you have high ceilings and hard-to-reach ventilation covers, an extendable duster can help you clean without having to take out a ladder. In some cases, it may be necessary to call a professional to help you clean the vents, but routine cleaning is fairly easy to do on your own.
If these vents are not cleaned regularly, the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system could result in higher energy bills or costly repairs. To prevent dust and dirt from falling into your home, place some plastic under the roof vents. Experts recommend changing the filter and cleaning the outside of the ventilation grilles once a month and cleaning the inside twice a year. Climbing a ladder and reaching out above your head to clean roof vents can be dangerous, so make sure you have someone nearby to hold you. If you're seeing warning signs that it's time to clean your vents, don't hesitate to take action.