How to Deep Clean Car Vents

A dirty paint job is pretty easy to notice, but it can take a while before you realize the air you’re breathing in your car is also unclean. If the vents aren’t cleaned, they can collect dust, spores, and bacteria that contaminate and deteriorate the air that is circulated to your lungs. This contaminated air is not only unpleasant to breathe, but can contribute to new respiratory problems or worsen existing ones like asthma and sinus issues.

Fortunately, it’s fairly easy to clean your vents with items you probably already have in your home. The first step is to vacuum the ducts with a brush attachment that has soft bristles to prevent scratching or damaging your dashboard materials. This will loosen up much of the dirt and grime.

Next, use a disinfectant spray cleaner to clean the slats of the vents and to remove any stubborn deposits. You can buy a commercial cleaning solution or make your own at home with water and vinegar. The vinegar can be plain white or lemon-scented, depending on your preference.

When you’re done cleaning the slats, you can use pressurized or canned air to blow away any remaining loosened material. You may need to do this several times until all of the accumulated debris has been removed from your car vents.

The next step is to use a microfiber cloth to wipe off any residue that has been left behind by the spray and cleanser. Be careful not to use any cloths that have hard bristles or are too rough, as these can damage the fins of your vents. The microfiber cloth is gentle enough to wipe off the dust without scratching the surface of your vents.

If there’s still a lot of residue on the vents, you can rinse them off with warm water and a little bit of detergent. This will help remove any leftover grease and soap, ensuring that your vents are as clean as possible. You can also use a small amount of car shampoo or a mild household cleaner to further wash the surfaces of your vents.

Once you’re finished cleaning the vents, be sure to vacuum the inside of your dash and any other surfaces that might be affected by the cleaner or by the residue from the ducts. Then, let the vents dry completely before using them again.

If you keep up with this routine regularly, your car vents will always be clean and ready to provide you with cool, refreshing air that will leave you feeling refreshed as well. If you have any questions or suggestions about how do you deep clean your car vents, leave a comment below! Also, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on all things automotive.