Using a Pressure Washer for Duct Cleaning

Duct cleaning is a necessary process for removing dust from air ducts. This process is important because air ducts for heating and cooling systems often become contaminated with dust or pollen. When moisture is introduced, the situation becomes even worse, with the potential for mold growth that can be distributed throughout the building by the air flowing though the duct. Cleaning the duct ensures that clean air is flowing throughout the building.

Duct cleaning is also essential in restaurants and other food processing or preparation areas, where ducts that have not been cleaned could contaminate the food. Many times, food is cooked directly under air ducts, making cleaning these ducts even more important. Air ducts in restaurants may contain only mold but also oil, dust, and other contaminants that can find their way to the food.

Not only does cleaning the ducts eliminate food contamination and mold, but it also reduces the opportunity for fires to begin. Most contaminants in the air ducts, which may include oil, grease, or dust, are flammable. A small spark or heat buildup has the potential for starting a fire.

A pressure washer allows for fast and efficient cleaning of air ducts in homes, restaurants, and other businesses. Pressure washer accessories designed for duct cleaning can clean air ducts, trash chutes, vents, restaurant hoods, and more. These duct cleaner attachments can be used with any hot or cold water pressure washer, and are designed to prevent damage to the interior of the air ducts. Each duct cleaner is designed to withstand a particular pressure and temperature. For restaurant use, a hot water pressure cleaner is usually used for sanitation purposes; for other applications, a cold water pressure washer should be adequate.

Using such a system will limit the amount of pollutants that escape into the air during the duct cleaning process, whereas simply using a brush or other dry method would stir much of the dust into the air, allowing it to settle elsewhere.

When buying a duct cleaner, the appropriate cleaner attachment depends on the width of the duct. For example, a 3” diameter duct cleaner is appropriate for a vent width of 4” to 6”. Typically, the duct cleaner should be just smaller than the duct you intend to clean with it. Usually constructed in stainless steel, they come in both fixed and adjustable-arm models. Adjustable cleaners allow for 360 degree rotation while duct cleaning. Your choice of duct cleaner depends on whether you are cleaning a horizontal or vertical duct.

To use such a cleaner, simply direct the duct cleaner into the air duct. For cleaning most ducts, simply direct the duct cleaner into the air vents. Usually, a low gallons-per-minute flow coupled with high PSI is suitable for cleaning air ducts.

Duct cleaning should be done periodically; monthly in restaurants, or every three to six months in other buildings. Keeping the air ducts clean is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure health and safety in the building; a pressure washer makes this routine task go much faster.

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