If you notice mold in your air ducts, address it immediately. This article will teach you how to get rid of it while preventing it from reoccurring.
Mold infestation usually evokes a musty smell in air ducts and multiple adjacent rooms. The mold spores are too minute to view without specialist equipment, and you won't notice any other evident indicators until the infestation is widespread. Most of the time, individuals have to rely on their sense of smell to identify the presence of this unseen invader in their homes. Consider periodic air duct cleaning in Sacramento from professionals to prevent mold infestation in the air ducts.
Is It Dangerous To Have Mold On Your Air Vents?
Mold in air ducts isn’t something that you should overlook. It may be dangerous since the mold will be dispersed throughout the home by air. Inhaling a mold may trigger varied health problems, including the following:
Respiratory problems
Headaches
Coughing
Wheezing
Asthma like symptoms
Difficulty in breathing
Eye irritation
Fatigue and high fever
Sinusitis and infections
Pulmonary hemorrhage
These symptoms may arise in both healthy persons and people with pre-existing illnesses. If you experience any of these symptoms and notice black mold in air ducts, clean it instantly and visit a doctor if the symptoms persist.
How To Get Rid Of Mold In Your Air Ducts?
One of the best ways to clean mold is to seek professional assistance since they adhere to safety standards while ensuring there’re no dangers for them, your family, and your house and have the correct cleansers that are safe for vents. However, if it isn't an option, we've enlisted some alternatives that may work for you in the meantime.
Before you commence, wear masks and gloves, protecting you from inhaling and contacting mold. Also, remember to turn off the AC or heating unit.
Laundry Detergent
It is an efficient method to remove mold from your air vents. To use it, first switch off the AC. Then:
Remove the vent grill and throw it in a big basin with washing detergent. Ascertain that it is completely immersed.
While it's soaking, clean out any dust or debris in the air vents using a HEPA vacuum.
Empty the basin after 15 minutes and thoroughly clean the air vent.
Spray the soapy water and wide down the interior of the air ducts.
Spray disinfectant in the interior of your air vents, the vent grill, and the regions around the air vents. It will aid in the killing of mold and germs. You may need to use a mop to get deep inside the air vents.
Dry thoroughly. When the area is dry, reconnect the vent grill.
Dawn Dish Soap
Using heavy-duty dawn dish soap may work to clean mold from your air vents.
Turn off the AC and unscrew and remove the air vent.
Now, place it in a warm soapy water basin.
While it’s soaking, clean the interior of the air vents using a HEPA vacuum.
Scrub the air vents thoroughly with a scrubbing brush. Let the air vents dry.
Attach the air vent again.
Detergent and Baking Soda
Due to the addition of baking soda, the detergent method becomes a little more heavy-duty. One tablespoon of laundry or dishwashing detergent, half a tablespoon of baking soda, and one cup of water is all you need. As required, increase these percentages.
After turning the AC off, combine the solution in a big basin. You may increase the ratio based on the basin’s and air duct’s size.
Remove the air vents and immerse them in the cleaning solution while allowing them to settle for 15 minutes.
Clean the interior of your air ducts using a HEPA vacuum, baking soda, and detergent solution. Use a long-handled mop to get deep inside the vents.
After 15 minutes, scrape the mold, mildew, or dirt off your air vents using a scouring brush. Let it dry thoroughly. You may also use a dry cloth to dry the interior of your air vents.
Reattach the air vent after everything has dried.
Once your air ducts are clean and mold-free, you can prevent the mold from reoccurring in the future by:
Implementing mold growth inhibitors,
Replacing filters,
Cleaning drip pans,
Using dehumidify,
Performing regular inspections and cleanings,
Avoiding placing objects over your air vents, and
Installing UV light or ionization air purifiers.