How to Clean Air Conditioner Conduits

Turn off the air conditioner at the thermostat or by shutting off the power switch at the unit. Put on a pair of work gloves and a dust mask.

Hook-up a vacuum cleaner and attach the crevice tool to the accessory hose. Sweep up dust, dirt and debris from around the registers in the room. Use a ladder and wear a pair of safety goggles when you clean registers in the ceiling.

Remove the register covers and clean the air conditioning conduits. Some are pulled up and out of the wall. Others have screws around the frame that must be removed. Remove the covers on any air return vents located in the room.

Seal the sink drain and fill it half-full with warm water. Add a few drops of dishwashing detergent to the water. Swish it with your hand. Wash the air conditioner register covers with a rag. Clean in between the fins with a sponge paintbrush. Rinse each cover well and lay them out to dry on old towels.

Replace the crevice tool with the brush attachment. Place the vacuum cleaner hose into the air conditioner conduits and clean out dirt, dust and debris. Remove the hose and put it into the other side of the conduit to clean that side. Continue until every conduit is thoroughly swept out. Dry the register covers and replace them. Turn the air conditioner back on.