How to Clean Exposed Loft Ducts

In most homes, the ductwork is hidden within the ceilings and walls. In many urban loft apartments, the ducts are exposed, and become part of the decor. Like all other parts of the apartment, the exposed ducts need to be cleaned periodically. While the inside of the ducts are a job for a professional -- covered by your landlord, if you're a renter -- you should clean the outside of the duct every one to two years, or as needed.

Plastic tarp
Dish washing liquid
Bucket
Ladder
Static duster
Sponge
Paint thinner (optional)
Soft cloth

Instructions

- 1
  Lay a plastic tarp over the floor and any furniture positioned under the duct.
- 2
  Mix two squirts of dish-washing liquid with 2 gallons warm water in a bucket.
- 3
  Place a ladder under the section of ductwork you want to clean.
- 4
  Dust the top of the ductwork with a static duster.
- 5
  Clean the ducts with a sponge saturated with the soapy water.
- 6
  Dump the dirty water and refill the bucket with 1 to 2 gallons of plain water.
- 7
  Rinse the ducts with sponge saturated with the plain water.
- 8
  Dry the ducts with a soft cloth. If you're cleaning the ducts as preparation for painting, moisten the cloth with paint thinner and rub it on the surface of the duct before applying primer.

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