How to Remove Odors in Ductwork

A ductwork system feeds a home its air for heating, cooling and ventilation, and can develop odors over time. Odors can be caused by multiple factors, including mold, dust, smoke and animal dander. A thorough ductwork cleaning is best left to a professional, but simply removing odors can usually be accomplished by most home owners when following a few steps.

Screwdriver
Flashlight
Cleaning brush with long handle
Trash bag
Moist rag
Vacuum cleaner with hose attachment
Odor neutralizing spray

Instructions

- 1
  Locate and remove the metal duct cover by removing its screws with a screwdriver. If there are any filters near the duct cover, remove those as well and set them aside.
- 2
  Point your flashlight inside the air duct and look for any deposits of dirt, dust or other debris.
- 3
  Remove as much debris as possible from all sides of the duct with your cleaning brush. Use firm but gentle brush strokes in order to prevent any damage to the interior of the ductwork. Place all debris into a trash bag.
- 4
  Moisten a rag and wipe down as much area inside of the ductwork as possible.
- 5
  Insert the hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner approximately 3 to 4 feet into the ductwork. Allow the vacuum to suck as much debris up as possible for two to three minutes. This will remove the majority of the odor.
- 6
  Spray odor neutralizing spray into the ductwork to remove any leftover odor. This spray is inexpensive and available at most grocery and department stores.
- 7
  Reattach the metal duct cover and its screws with your screwdriver.

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