How to Clean Duct Work After a Flood

Remove and inspect the air vent grates for any signs of debris, dirt or mold. Carefully place them outside and clean and disinfect them.

Using a flashlight, look inside of the air ducts for signs of debris and dirt. Determine how much damage, if any, has been done to the ducts.

Carefully scrape out any large debris with a duct-cleaning rod, small-handled brush or small shovel. Be aware that animals like snakes, squirrels and rodents may be trapped in the ducts, so use caution.

Disassemble the duct work, section by section, removing the entire duct. Carefully clean and inspect the sheet metal duct work. Remove all mold and bacteria. Disinfect all of the parts, let them dry thoroughly and replace the ducts.

Clean the area around the ducts thoroughly. Replace all damaged or wet duct board and non-metal duct material. In badly flooded homes, parts of the floor may need to be removed to access these materials. If the floors are going to be replaced, clean the ducts once the old floors are ripped up, before the new floors are laid down.