Regular Duct Work Cleaning And Inspection Reduces Mold And Mildew

By Author: OnesmusKivuva
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In an air conditioning system, condensation of air and dampness may occur inside the ducts. In these ducts there are always some dust deposits which will contain some organic matter such as pollen. The dampness together with the organic matter provides the right conditions for mold/mildews to begin growing.

How to clean the air ducts:
In cleaning the mold and mildews, there are two ways of going about it. First clean the visible and accessible mold and mildews growing on accessible surfaces. There are other ways of cleaning the areas that are inaccessible.

Cleaning the accessible areas:
Choose a suitable cleaning chemical for example baking soda and borax which are effective in killing and removing mold.
These chemicals are mixed in the ratio of : half cup baking soda, one cup of borax to 16 cups of water borax solution and one table spoon of a general detergent.
Take measures to protect yourself from the cleaning chemicals and the mold spores. Wear overalls to protect your skin , rubber gloves for your hands, tight fitting goggles to protect your eyes and a respirator or mask to protect ...
... yourself from the spores.
Apply the cleaning solution to the affected area and leave for a few minutes to soak. Then use a soft brush or a disposable towel to clean the area. Scrub in a circular motion until clean.
Wipe the surface dry and dispose whatever you have used to clean or disinfect it with a good fungicide.

How to clean inaccessible areas the duct
The inaccessible areas of ducts can be cleaned by compressed air washing and vacuum cleaning. If you lack the equipment and the expertise to do this yourself, then contract some professional air conditioning maintenance firm which is able to do this for you.

Prevent regrowth of the mold and mildew:
Carry out regular inspections of the ducts. Carry out the following duct maintenance activities to help prevent future mold/mildew growth:
Change the air filters after every 2 to 3 months as these accumulate dust which is conducive for mold and mildew to grow.
Use a dehumidifier in the ducts and in the areas of the house that are prone to high humidity.
Insulate the ducts, as this helps to reduce or eliminate the problem of condensation inside the ducts.
Advantages of regular duct cleaning:
Regular cleaning of the ducts will eliminate mold/mildew, dust and bacteria which may cause diseases. Asthma is triggered by poor quality air which contains mold spores, dust and dust mites among other air pollutants. Regular cleaning of the ducts will help prevent asthma or prevent asthma attacks for those already suffering from asthma.
Prevention of flu and cold symptoms: Cleaning ducts will eliminate air pollutants which cause various respiratory irritation symptoms such as nose and chest congestion, runny nose, eye irritations, sneezing and even some lung infections.
Improves sleep since air pollutants cause uncomfortable reactions mentioned above, which hinders you from sleeping well.
The air conditioning will disseminate a foul musty odour of the mold/mildew growing in the ducts into the house. Regular duct maintenance helps to remove such unpleasant musty odours.