How to clean the ventilation in the apartment yourself: useful tips and instructions

At times you realize for sure that last night your neighbors accidentally overcooked cutlets, and today they're making cabbage stew. You haven't stopped by to visit them, but all those aromas are coming into your apartment through the ventilation system. This happens when it's clogged and needs cleaning.

If you have a similar problem, continue reading this article. We will tell you how to clean the ventilation in your apartment by yourself.

6️⃣ signs indicating clogged ventilation

1. After a moisturizing cleaning, you find that the very next day, unwanted dust builds up again on the floor and furniture.
2. When you finish taking a shower, your bathroom mirror and tiles are instantly covered in a mist that stays for hours without disappearing.
3. You've dried your laundry throughout the day, but things still haven't had time to dry completely.
4. When you return home after a walk, you are uncomfortable with the stifling atmosphere in your apartment, as well as the possible odor of the dinner that was cooked yesterday.
5. After every wet cleaning and cooking, the windows in the rooms fog up, creating unpleasant conditions.
6. Near the ventilation system you constantly smell the food that your neighbors are cooking.

Checking the efficiency of ventilation: making sure it is functioning properly

If you find at least one of the six signs in your apartment, it is possible to conduct an experiment that will more accurately determine if the ventilation in your apartment building needs cleaning or if it is functioning properly. Here's what you need to do to accomplish this:

• Close the windows and the front door tightly to ensure isolation.
• Prepare a piece of paper approximately 10×10 cm in size.
• Place it successively on each ventilation grille opening.

If the paper does not stick or sticks only weakly, the ventilation is probably not working properly.

If you encounter the problem of ventilation not working when the windows are closed, it is worth doing the same experiment with them ajar. If a piece of paper sticks to the grille, the cause is not in the ventilation. Most likely, it is the excessively tight doors and double-glazed windows, which turns your apartment into a closed jar.

To solve this problem, it is recommended to install air inlets on the windows. They are easy to install and through small openings provide fresh air into the room, promoting its circulation throughout the apartment.

If the ventilation does not function either when the windows are closed or open, you can clean the ventilation system yourself. Below we will tell you how you can do this.

⚒️ How to clean the ventilation in an apartment on your own?

If you need to solve this problem yourself, consider the following steps to ensure effective cleaning and removal of contaminants in the horizontal duct:

1. Start by removing the ventilation grille.
2. Clean the grille with a special detergent such as stove cleaning fluid.
3. Inspect the duct and remove cobwebs and debris, if present.
4. Using a trowel, gently remove dirt and sediment from the inside walls of the duct.
5. Use a ruffle tied to a long wire to clean areas of the walls that are awkward to reach by hand.
6. Insert the vacuum cleaner hose into the vent to remove any remaining dust and debris.

Cleaning the ventilation with your own hands can be a daunting task and not always pleasant. If you want to save time and are ready to invest some money, it is recommended to call a professional specialist equipped with automatic brushes, flexible cable, wired video camera and vacuum devices for better cleaning and removal of contaminants.

On Uslugi.ge you can find an experienced professional. The profile of the master and reviews of other customers are available to you, which will help you make the right choice.

The cost of ventilation cleaning by a private master on average is from 30 Georgian GEL.

👀 How to perform a ventilation system cleaning in an apartment building?

If you have already cleaned the ventilation system, but noticed that there is no improvement, it is recommended to contact the management company, Housing and Utilities Department or HOA, which is responsible for the maintenance of your house. They will carry out the necessary inspection, as most likely the cause lies in the common ventilation system, which cannot be cleaned by yourself.

After the inspection, the management company will engage a specialized organization that has the necessary licenses and equipment to properly clean the ventilation in multi-story buildings. The law requires the utility to eliminate all identified violations within 45 days.

If the management company does not respond to your appeal or concludes that there are no problems, but you are sure otherwise, you should file a complaint with the housing inspectorate of your region, Rospotrebnadzor or the prosecutor's office. Collective complaints usually attract faster attention, so if your neighbors also have problems with ventilation, it is recommended to file an appeal together with them.

😤When cleaning the ventilation does not produce results

It often happens that the occupants of an apartment building want to expand the space of their apartment and for this purpose decide to dismantle the shaft, replacing it, for example, with a refrigerator. As a result of such actions, all apartments below are deprived of access to ventilation.

If you suspect illegal repairs by your neighbors, it is important to contact the management company or the housing inspection of your district. They will conduct an inspection and, if violations are found, issue an order to restore ventilation. If the neighbor refuses to comply with the order, the housing inspectorate has the right to sue him.

For example, in 2016, a lawsuit was filed in Moscow against a resident who illegally redesigned her apartment, blocking a common ventilation shaft and leaving neighboring apartments on lower floors without access to air.

The court concluded that the apartment owner had violated the rights of other tenants and ordered her to restore the ventilation system in accordance with the building's design. The repair had to be paid by the woman herself, and the court also imposed an obligation to reimburse court costs in the amount of 192 GEL.

Frequently Asked Questions

1️⃣ How often should the ventilation be cleaned?

It is recommended to clean the ventilation in your apartment once every 1-2 years. However, if you live in a dusty area or have allergies, regular cleaning may be necessary more often.

2️⃣ Can I clean my ventilation myself?

Yes, you can do your own vent cleaning. Follow the instructions in your ventilation system manual and use the proper tools to remove dust and clean the filters.

3️⃣ How do I know when filters need to be changed?

Ventilation filters should usually be replaced when they become dirty or contaminated. Check the filters and their condition regularly. If the filters look dirty or clogged, they should be replaced.

4️⃣ Why do I need ventilation cleaning?

Ventilation cleaning helps remove dust, dirt and allergens from the air, providing a healthier and fresher atmosphere in your apartment. It also helps keep your ventilation system running efficiently and extends its life.

5️⃣ Can I hire a professional company to clean my ventilation?

Yes, you can always contact professional companies that offer ventilation cleaning services. They have the experience and specialized equipment to clean your ventilation system effectively.