Cleaning Blackened Air Vents

Written by Lee Wyatt (last updated October 11, 2021)

Have you ever walked into your home, and found that your air vents have become blackened around the edges? Well, if you haven't congratulations; if you have though, then you have a slight problem. Blackened air vents is often a sign of black mold growing in your air ducts. Cleaning blackened air vents is a start, but that is all, after you have taken care of cleaning your blackened air vents there is still some more work that needs to be done.

  1. Broom. First, start your task by sweeping off all the vent covers that appear blackened. While this step may sound overly simple, it is always best to start with the basics. By simply sweeping your air vents you will remove the vast majority of the allergens that can build up over time and help promote mold growth. Start your sweeping at the top of the vents, and work your way towards the bottom so you don't spread the grime around.
  2. Covers. After you have swept the covers, it is time to remove them, and clean them. While you are conducting the other steps in the cleaning process, soak your covers in a solution made up of one part bleach to four parts water. This will help you to clean the covers while also killing any mold growth on the covers themselves. Usually all you need to remove the covers from the wall will be a screwdriver (usually a Philips head), be sure that you place all the screws in one location so that you don't lose them.
  3. Vacuum. Block up all the now bare air vents except one. At that one vent, use your vacuum cleaner and a large piece of cardboard to help clean out your ducts as much as possible. Cut a hole in the middle of your cardboard to pass the vacuum hose through, and place this against the open air vent. Vacuum up as much of the dust, dirt, grime, and mold that is in your vents as possible. Repeat this process at each of the vents, being sure that you have blocked each of the air vents before starting on the next vent.
  4. Filters. After cleaning your ducts, go ahead and change the air filter. A clogged, damaged, or otherwise no longer working air filter can often lead to a growth of mold in your air ducts. Typically speaking, your air filter should be replaced ever couple of months.
  5. Covers. Once you have completed cleaning your ducts, and the vents, it is time to replace everything. Be sure that your vent covers have completely dried, and are clean, before putting them back where they were.
  6. Call the professionals. After you have done these basic cleaning steps, it is always a great idea to call in the professional cleaners. This is to ensure that the entire black mold infestation has been removed from your home, and that there won't be a resurgence of the problem.

Author Bio

Lee Wyatt

Contributor of numerous Tips.Net articles, Lee Wyatt is quickly becoming a regular "Jack of all trades." He is currently an independent contractor specializing in writing and editing. Contact him today for all of your writing and editing needs! Click here to contact. ...

MORE FROM LEE

Repairing Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is a great option for homes because it is usually more resilient, and lasts longer, than other more ...

Discover More

Removing Iron Stains from a Vinyl Fence

Fences of all kinds love to attract stains, and vinyl fencing is no different. In fact, perhaps one of the most difficult ...

Discover More

Removing Grease from the Range Hood

One of the areas of most stoves that always seems to collect grease is the range hood. Removing grease from the range ...

Discover More

Keep Your Hardwood Floors Like New Bona's hardwood floor cleaner is the #1 choice of professionals. The no-residue formula is specially designed to be safe for floors, families, and the environment. Check out Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner Refill today!

More Cleaning Tips

Cleaning the Chimney

Even if you only have a light coating of soot in your chimney, it is very important to clean your chimney each year since ...

Discover More

Duct Cleaning Service

Having dirty air ducts can negatively affect those in your home. Be sure to have your ducts checked and cleaned every few ...

Discover More

Removing Bad Odors from Ducts

For the most part, central air systems are a wonderful invention that can simply make our lives better in both cold and ...

Discover More
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in Cleaning Tips from Tips.Net. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

View most recent newsletter.

Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is 2 + 2?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)


Newest Tips
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in Cleaning Tips from Tips.Net. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

(Your e-mail address is not shared with anyone, ever.)

View the most recent newsletter.