This Easy Way To Clean & Remove Dust From Sticky Air Vent Covers Works Like Magic

You might not think about cleaning your air vent covers often. Yet, if you happen to take notice of how filthy they are — suddenly, it can be difficult to unsee! Vent covers play a small role in the HVAC system, allowing air to pass through during warm and chilly months. Without proper cleaning, they become full of dirt, dust, hair, and more. This can have a negative effect on how well the system runs and the air quality in general. If you're looking to really deep clean your house, it's a good idea to put air vent covers on the list. However, it doesn't have to be too big of a hassle, even if they're gross and sticky. For those sticky cases, such as vents in the kitchen, you just need some rubbing alcohol.

So, how frequently should you make cleaning the covers a chore? Jessica Ek from the American Cleaning Institute shared with TODAY that you should give them a wipe down once a month. When it comes to a thorough cleaning, that only needs to happen one or two times a year. Since you should have the HVAC system turned off during any cleaning process, you might want to consider doing it in the fall, spring, or whenever the weather is nice enough to have the windows open. You might need to turn the HVAC system off before monthly cleanings as well, but it will go much quicker.

Before getting into how to clean sticky air vent covers, let's quickly dive into regular maintenance. All you need is a vacuum or a microfiber cloth. Go over the cover with the vacuum's brush attachment or use the cloth to remove dust. Just be extremely careful when cleaning ceiling vents if they require being on a stool or ladder. You could also use a long dusting tool for the job. Consider placing a sheet over anything that might get dirty in the process.

Deeper cleanings will take slightly more effort, but the results are worth it. It'll require removing the covers and using a mixture of soap and water. For sticky ones, many times caused by things like grease, simply grab the rubbing alcohol as well. Unscrew the covers from the wall or ceiling, then wash both sides of them in a sink of warm soapy water. Use a soft brush for stuck-on dirt. When it comes to oily grime that needs more attention — pour a little rubbing alcohol onto a cloth and wipe it away.

The covers need to be fully dry before they are put back on. While they're off, remove any dust around the vents using a vacuum wand or cloth. Wipe the covers with a dry towel, then carefully reconnect them to the wall or ceiling using the screws. Not only will they look clean, but they'll also be better for your HVAC's performance once you start using it again. Although there are ways to prevent sticky grease from building up in your kitchen, you'll be able to easily revive the vent covers when they do get filthy.