How to Vacuum Air Vents & Registers, Superior Air Duct

Among your regular cleaning around the house, don’t forget about your air vents! This task is fairly easy to do, and it can improve your indoor air quality while helping you and your family breathe easier. Today’s blog from Superior Air Duct Cleaning explains how to vacuum air vents and registers in your home.

Items You’ll Need

Your vacuum needs a decent length of hose with a brush attachment to reach vents and registers that are in the ceiling. If the hose is too short, consider a step ladder (and be careful). You might consider a dust brush as well. A clean dust rag can also be helpful. The last thing you’ll need is a screwdriver.

Shut Off Your Thermostat

The first thing you need to do is shut off your HVAC system. Simply flip your thermostat to the “off” position if you have a computerized system. For manual systems, turn the thermostat all the way to one side or the other to ensure your furnace or air conditioner doesn’t activate when you’re vacuuming the vents. Safety comes first at Superior Air Duct Cleaning!

Start With The Outside

Use the brush attachment to suck up dust and dirt on the outside of the vent’s grill. Make sure to vacuum around the edge of the vent where it meets the floor, ceiling, or wall.

Get In Between The Grill

Your vents have narrow metal slats with gaps in between them to direct the air properly. Cover the screwdriver with a dust rag or cloth. Then slide the screwdriver gently into the gaps between each grill slat. Work the cloth back and forth to remove any dust or dirt that the vacuum couldn’t take care of.

Work To The Inside

The next step is the most complicated, yet it’s important. Remove the outer covering of the vent or register. You can do this by unscrewing the screws on the register. Vacuum the inside of the vent grill, and then use the long, narrow attachment on your vacuum to get into the ductwork a foot or two. Run the cloth over all sides of the vent to catch any stragglers.

Use Soapy Water For Stuck-On Gunk

You might see some stuck-on gunk that won’t come off with the vacuum or a dry cloth. Dampen the cloth with soapy water and try to clean the vent a bit more thoroughly. Dry it completely before putting the vent back on.

Put The Vent Back On

Once you’ve removed all of the dirt and dust, replace the vent securely. Move on to the next one until you complete everyone in your house. Don’t forget to do this for your furnace filter vent as well. Cleaning your air vents on a regular basis will help improve indoor air quality for everyone in your home!

If you notice dust buildup in your vents, perhaps it’s time to get your air ducts professionally cleaned. That’s where Superior Air Duct Cleaning excels. Give us a call if you believe you need something more than just clean air vents.

Free Quote From Superior Air Duct Cleaning

Helping you and your family breathe easier is what Superior Air Duct Cleaning is all about. We can show you how to vacuum your vents and registers for maximum effectiveness and better indoor air quality. Contact Superior Air Duct Cleaning or call toll-free (724) 847-9444 to receive a free quote on residential air duct cleaning.