Your home's duct work and ventilation system plays a major role in ensuring that the air circulated throughout your home is clean and pure. However, over time, ducts can become contaminated with dirt, debris, dust, and unwanted allergens. To help keep your duct work and ventilation system clean, then, it's recommended that you have the system cleaned by professionals, such as Kettle Valley Duct Cleaner, annually. This is the best way to ensure that the air in your home stays clear of debris and irritants.

Of course, with as many home maintenance tasks that need to be completed on an annual basis, it's not surprising that some homeowners overlook the importance of professional duct cleaning. Fortunately, for those who don't schedule duct cleaning every year, there's always the option of performing a DIY duct cleaning project with the right tools.

Pros and Cons

There are inherent advantages and disadvantages to cleaning out your own home's ducts rather than calling a professional. The main advantage is that of saving money; however, you must also take into consideration that when you perform your own duct-cleaning services, you simply won't have the tools and machinery necessary to do as thorough of a job as a professional company would. Still, doing your own duct cleaning can be a viable option for in-between professional cleanings, provided that you have the necessary tools and know-how.

How to Clean Your Own Ducts

Ready to clean out the ducts in your home? You'll need a few basic tools, such as:

• a bucket of basic household cleaner mixed with water in a bucket
• clean cloths and rags
• a household vacuum with hose extension

You'll need to move from one air register in your home to the next, and you should expect to spend about 20 minutes or so with each vent. Therefore, if you have a larger home, keep in mind that this could be an all-day project.

Start by removing each register as you go; then, dip a clean rag into the cleaning solution and wring it out. Using your hand, reach as far into the vent as you can and wipe the sides of the ducts to clean them. Then, go over them with a clean, dry rag. 

Next, using your vacuum with its hose connection attached, vacuum out the duct as far as the hose will reach. Cover the air register back up and repeat the process with each of the vents in your home until you're done.