Looking For A Way To Clean Your Air Vent Covers? This Hack Is Sure To Wow You

In modern homes, it is important to ensure good airflow and bring in outdoor air to remove pollutants and improve indoor air quality, notes the EPA. Mechanical ventilation is one way of bringing fresh air indoors, however, this does mean that your vents are sure to become dirty over time. If you've ever tried vacuuming dust and debris from vents, you may notice that they're never as clean as you'd like them to be — especially if you have pets that shed a lot. Luckily, you can wash your air vent covers in the dishwasher, saving you time and energy on cleaning them by hand. 

Cleaning vent covers in the dishwasher becomes a necessity when vacuuming just won't suffice, particularly if you notice mold spores growing on them. This is a common occurrence on vents located in humid parts of your home. Since mold thrives on moist surfaces, the ducts connected to your AC system are a perfect breeding ground. This means that cleaning the vents is a task that should be carried out on a regular basis.

To remove the vent cover you will need the right type of screwdriver – either a Philips or a flathead, so be sure to have one handy. Once you safely remove your vent cover from the wall, you'll want to give it a quick rinse to remove any clumps of dust or pet fur. This helps to avoid clogging in your dishwasher. You will also want to consider cleaning your dishwasher filter after you wash your air vents, this ensures the debris from your air vents doesn't cause blockages down the road, especially if you washed off pet hair.

If you have plastic vent covers, warm, soapy water is the best choice for this step. If your vent covers have a coat of paint on them, dish soap should be perfectly fine as well, but don't scrub too hard. The top rack of your dishwasher is usually reserved for delicate items, so you may want to place painted vent covers up top. 

You should always close your air vent covers before putting them in your dishwasher. This extra step ensures that all the surfaces and small nooks and crannies are thoroughly cleaned, leaving no dirt or debris behind. Run your dishwasher on a low temperature if possible, and dry them using the cool setting. Don't replace the wet vent covers on your walls — you may compromise your decor. Rather, allow them to fully dry, then simply reinstall them in the same way as you removed them.

To routinely keep your vents looking clean, you can vacuum them weekly, which will prevent dust from accumulating. For stubborn dirt and stains you can clean them with a soft cloth and some household cleaner, just don't scrub too hard, or you may scratch the surface. And, whenever they start to look especially grimy, remember to give them a thorough cleaning in the dishwasher.