Cleaning ventilation ducts: effective methods and procedure for cleaning the ventilation duct

Reasons for lack of ventilation

If the result is negative (the paper deviates from the grate into the room or falls down), the question is how to clean the ventilation in the apartment, because. it's clear she's messed up. Although the reason may be in the destruction of the ventilation duct due to improper redevelopment of apartments on the floors above.Often, in order to expand the useful area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe kitchen, the ventilation duct is disassembled. The vacated space is used for the installation of household appliances. This affects the general house ventilation systems.

Ventilation duct in a multi-storey building

The deterioration of air exchange may be due to the installation of fiberglass bags without ventilation valves instead of cracked window frames that block the penetration of air into the apartment in a natural way. Therefore, the owners of wooden windows should not be hermetically sealed for the winter. It is better to seal the gaps and gaps between the frame and the sash with an adhesive strip with foam rubber as a heater.

The cause of blockage can also be construction debris (hardened mortar, fragments of bricks, wooden bars, etc.)

Cleaning the ventilation duct on your own

One person can clean the ventilation

Under normal conditions, the management company should take care of the cleanliness of the air duct shafts. Her responsibilities include systematically checking the integrity of the air ducts and cleaning the ventilation ducts.

Ventilation vents should be cleaned of dust and cobwebs on their own at least once a month. To do this, it is enough to clean the decorative grille with a vacuum cleaner with a narrow nozzle.

It is recommended to remove debris from the ventilation duct once every six months. It is usually recommended to clean the ventilation in an apartment before the start of the heating season and after it ends.

It is also worth cleaning the ventilation with your own hands during the repair, especially before installing the hood in the kitchen.

This process may have some features, since the design of air ducts often involves the presence of a horizontal channel connecting the vent to the main shaft.

Particular care must be taken when cleaning on sections of air ducts laid in plasterboard ceiling structures and hidden by stretch ceilings.

Work begins with an inspection of the condition of the channel. If possible, then with the help of a flashlight and a mirror, the mine and the ventilation duct in the apartment are examined. It is also recommended to inspect the outlet of the channel on the roof of the building.

In low-rise buildings, you can clean the air duct with a ruff - for this, a brush with a load is lowered into the air duct, and the channel is mechanically cleaned with it.

With the help of a scraper and a scoop, debris that has fallen to the bottom of the shaft is removed from the vent. You can finish cleaning by removing the remaining dust with a regular household vacuum cleaner.

Features of fat removal

Elimination of fatty deposits when cleaning ventilation ducts mechanically is ineffective. Absorbed grease and soot immediately after the layer of dust is removed will attract dirt with a vengeance.

The problem of body fat also lies in the fact that it will not be possible to simply wash them off with a brush, you will have to use additional methods.

Cleaning of ventilation ducts from grease and soot is carried out using special equipment and can be performed in the following ways:

1. removal of layers with a foam solution;
2. the use of special aerosols;
3. steam cleaning of surfaces.

All three cleaning methods are usually applied using electromechanical sleeves, for which, in addition to a brush, additional nozzles are also used.

The use of such professional devices makes it possible to process the maximum area of ​​​​the inner surface of the ventilation duct.

Moreover, foam, aerosol cloud or pressurized steam are much better at removing grease than liquid detergents.

Ventilation disinfection

Disinfection work is carried out using special chemically active agents. A feature of this process is the need not only to remove mold and mildew, but also to ensure the safety of people.

Disinfection of ventilation today is carried out both in the process of cleaning the cavity of the air ducts, and as a separate event.

When foaming the surfaces of the channels, in addition to the detergent, a special treatment agent is also added to the foaming agent.

Separate processing can be carried out using aerosol spraying of the compositions on the walls along the entire height of the shaft. It should be noted that gas disinfection, when a disinfectant gas is pumped into the channel, is practically not used.

This method of cleaning ventilation is ineffective - most of the active substance simply escapes into the atmosphere without having time to produce the desired result.

Features of the house ventilation system

The ventilation system is an extensive and complex arrangement of ventilation shafts. The design of the ventilation circuit is influenced by many factors. The basis that affects the project being developed is the number of floors in the building.

For the arrangement of the premises of an apartment building, 2 main schemes are used:

Each room of the apartment has its own exhaust ventilation channel. It goes directly to the roof and ventilation pipe. This scheme has been established before. In conditions of multi-storey construction, it is not used.This is influenced by a large section of the intra-house cubic capacity for arranging the installation of ventilation of the premises.

For this reason, in the conditions of modern construction, the arrangement of this type of air ventilation system is not carried out.

Ventilation is carried out with the help of exhaust openings from each room, which are connected to a common horizontal duct. Here, all air flows are connected and brought to the attic using a common channel. Air from each exhaust system, for one entrance, enters the common ventilation duct and is released into the atmosphere.

This scheme began to be used even in "Khrushchev", it is also used in modern construction. Such an apartment ventilation scheme is considered the most inexpensive and reliable.

How to determine when to clean the ventilation system

It is preferable to organize ventilation in an apartment building by means of a forced-type installation. But in domestic realities, this is the prerogative of comfort and premium class housing. The lion's share of old-built houses is equipped with conventional air ducts with a common riser channel. We are talking about the cheapest and easiest connection scheme, but you still need to clean the ventilation ducts, and regularly.

A natural question arises - when to engage in "cleaning" work, by what criteria to determine that the hour "X" has struck?

Before cleaning the air ducts, it is important to determine the degree of contamination

A few signs indicating that it is better to hurry up with cleaning the ventilation in an apartment building:

• in the summer season, the rooms turn into a "thermos"; it is not possible to normalize the humidity regime even with regular cleaning;
• dust is actively appearing in the living room;
• the surface of the filters, as well as the grate of the exhaust system, is covered with a layer of viscous soot (typical for kitchens);
• double-glazed windows constantly “cry”, condensation is noticeable on them;
• dampness is felt in all rooms, mold and fungus are present on the walls.

Signs of contamination of the ventilation system

For all of the above, often the only reason is a clogged duct.

It is important that ventilation ducts are cleaned at least once every 2 quarters. It is better to delegate the relevant work to specialists, this problem cannot be solved by yourself

The snag may be outside the apartment.

Checking the performance of ventilation ducts

Experts identify several effective ways to determine the quality of the air ducts, the degree of their pollution. The simplest and surest is to direct the flame of the lighter into the grate of the hood. Be extremely careful - if the interior of the mine is filled with fine dust and cobwebs, there is a high risk of their ignition, spread and fire.

The flame is sensitive to the presence of draft in the ventilation duct

Cleaning the ventilation in the apartment not required if the flame is extinguished or directed into the duct. If there are no visually noticeable deviations, immediately contact the management company, the housing office, for help. The optimal frequency of cleaning is 1 time in 6 months, at least, preventive examinations - 1 time per month.

How do employees of special services check ventilation

Maintenance of ventilation systems is a responsible event assigned to the management company, due to its belonging to common house property. To this end, the Government of the Russian Federation has developed a special Decree under No. 410. In fact, these are a set of rules and regulations for the Criminal Code for cleaning ventilation in apartment buildings, preventive examinations.

The specialist can accurately determine the degree of contamination of the air duct

In the arsenal of specialists there are professional devices for checking the functionality of the system, equipment for cleaning ventilation. Channels are periodically disinfected. Pneumatic brush machines and other devices are used to remove contaminants.

Why Regular Ventilation Cleaning is Necessary

Creating an optimal indoor climate, reducing morbidity

A layer of dirt and dust is an excellent environment for the development of pathogenic microflora, dust mites and fungi. Due to insufficient ventilation, the air in the room becomes musty, unpleasant odors appear, humidity may increase or the air, on the contrary, becomes overdried, and respiratory diseases among staff may become more frequent.

The efficiency of the ventilation system and equipment

Ventilation can be with a rectangular and round section. The size of this section is calculated based on the type of premises and production. The internal size of the section decreases due to the dirt gradually accumulating on the walls. As a result, the system cannot function as effectively. At the same time, the ventilation equipment, trying to ensure the same performance, begins to work more intensively, which increases its wear and tear and is fraught with a quick breakdown.

Fire safety

Deposits from dust, oil and soot are flammable. A light spark is enough to light it up. At the same time, it is very difficult to extinguish the hearth in the ventilation system, and air flows easily fan the fire, leading to the rapid spread of fire. Carbon monoxide poses a great danger to humans.

Based on these reasons, the legislation establishes scheduled inspections and cleaning of ventilation ducts:

• for offices and administrative buildings - cleaning 1 time / year;
• for industrial organizations - service 1 time / 6 months;
• for the food industry and medical institutions - 1 time / 3 months.

Procedure for checking ventilation

The performance of the ventilation ducts can be checked using improvised means.

The easiest way using a lit match:

1. It is necessary to open the window in any room.
2. Bring the flame to the ventilation grille. You can take not only a match, but also a candle or a lighter.
3. The serviceability of the system is determined by the deviation of the fire towards the ventilation duct.

Employees of public utilities, in particular the gas office, do not recommend using this method to check ventilation in an apartment building if the building is connected to the main gas supply. Even the smallest gas leak can cause a fire or explosion.

Some ventilation grilles are equipped with nylon mosquito nets. They should be changed with every cleaning. Instead of a torn one, you can glue a new one using second glue

A safer way to examine the canal is with a sheet of A4 paper. Regular toilet paper will work too.The sequence of actions described above remains unchanged. Only instead of a flame, a sheet should be attached to the grate. It should stick to the surface of the ventilation duct.

If the paper is attracted weakly or does not react at all, you will have to look for the cause. Repeat the procedure for each ventilation grille. In most apartments, they are located in the bathroom, kitchen and bathroom.

Ventilation contract. Journal of works on cleaning and disinfection of ventilation

A contract for the cleaning and disinfection of ventilation is necessary for all organizations, regardless of ownership. We clean all types of chimneys and ventilation ducts. Cleaning of the ventilation and air conditioning system is carried out from all types of contaminants, including grease, dirt, dust, after installation and repair, etc. We have technical means for cleaning industrial ventilation. In addition, we disinfect ventilation and air conditioning systems.

IS Ecolife draws up all the necessary package of documents: a contract for cleaning ventilation and air conditioning, an act of inspection of the ventilation and air conditioning system, washes of TMC (total microbial number), an act of cleaning ventilation, a log of cleaning and ventilation system disinfection and air conditioning (ventilation cleaning log). This package of documents, upon request, is provided to the authorities of the Ministry of Emergency Situations and Rospotrebnadzor. Together with the ventilation cleaning contract, we recommend concluding a ventilation maintenance contract.

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Cleaning and disinfection of ventilation: how we work

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Cleaning ventilation from grease in a restaurant

Catering establishments are obliged to carry out professional cleaning of ventilation systems on a regular basis.

• The huge amount of fat formed during cooking and the elevated temperature contribute to rapid contamination.
• Fat, cooling on the inner surface of the channels, forms a layer that is difficult to remove.
• It creates a favorable environment for the reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms and bacteria, which is unacceptable in restaurants.

Cleaning of ventilation ducts from grease is carried out by a chemical method.

• An alkaline solution is applied to the walls of the channels with a spray gun and washed off under pressure.
• Thick layers of fatty accumulations are cleaned with metal brushes.

With intensive work of the hot shop, cleaning should be done once a month. To reduce contamination, grease traps are installed.

According to Federal Law No. 52 of March 30, 1999 “On the sanitary and epidemiological welfare of the population”, when preparing, storing and selling food and drinks, sanitary rules must be followed to prevent the occurrence and spread of infectious diseases and mass non-communicable diseases.

Cleaning and disinfection of air duct systems refers to sanitary and preventive measures that are mandatory and controlled by the state sanitary and epidemiological supervision.

Scheduled hygiene checks should be carried out at least once every 6 months.

After receiving the results of microbiological tests, a decision is made on the need for disinfection.

Cleaning the hood

A clean hood has many times higher performance compared to a device contaminated with fumes that settle daily on the surface of the grid. Once cleaned, it will increase efficiency by at least 10%, making the working environment more comfortable. In addition, by cleaning the kitchen hood of grease, you will reduce the load on it, which will increase the life of the appliance.

How to clean the filter

The hood is an indispensable equipment, especially in small studio apartments where the kitchen is connected to the living room. During cooking, not only steam is created, but also various odors, which the kitchen appliance on the wall must effectively cope with.

How to clean a carbon filter

The carbon filter also needs to be cleaned. The frequency of cleansing depends on how often you use it, but the most suitable frequency is every 2 months. You can wash the stains by hand in warm water or in the dishwasher.

Please note, wash the filter in the dishwasher at temperatures up to 65 ° C, do not place dishes on it

After washing, remove the plastic frame from the filter (if any), place it for 10 minutes in an oven heated to 100 ° C

Again, be careful: dry only in an electric oven! If there is no electric oven, drying can be done, for example, on a heating radiator

How to clean the grease filter

There is another filter in the hood - fat (grease trapping). It should be cleaned as it gets dirty (usually once a month). The grease traps can be cleaned with a mild detergent or in the dishwasher, but this time at the lowest temperature. After cleaning, the color of the grease filter may change, but do not worry, this will not affect its functionality.

Cleaning your kitchen hood is easy. Care includes cleaning its surface from dust and settled fat. Regular care of the case will ensure its impeccable appearance.

The need for cleaning

The exhaust air removed through the hood contains impurities:

• dust;
• fat evaporation.

Partially, they settle on the walls of the channel, forming a plaque, this is dangerous for the following reasons:

there is a possibility of ignition and rapid spread of fire. Dust and grease burn excellently

Knowing this, firefighters always pay attention to ventilation when checking the premises;
the spread of pathogenic fungi and microorganisms is possible. In residential areas, 70% of dust consists of exfoliated dead skin, that is, it is organic

Together with fat, it is a breeding ground for microbes. The second necessary factor - water - is also present in excess in the form of condensate. As a result, when spores and bacteria enter the ventilation duct, it turns into a breeding ground for harmful cultures. From here they penetrate into the room or into the food if a kitchen hood is connected to the channel.

Clogged ventilation performs its functions worse, causing the air in the room to become heavy and humid. This causes deterioration of well-being and provokes diseases.

Why and how is the air duct polluted?

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The exhaust air from the premises contains small particles of debris that enter the ventilation duct and settle on it.It can be dust, grease, compounds of chemicals used in cleaning household appliances, smoke.

List of elements that are most quickly clogged with deposits:

• bends;
• channel branch zones;
• sections with different pipeline diameters;
• the area around the filters;
• ventilation devices, gratings.

The owner can wash the visible removable parts of the system on his own, only a professional can handle the common areas of the mine.

Comprehensive ventilation cleaning services

Any ventilation system needs periodic preventive maintenance. During its operation, grease and dirt settle on the walls of the pipes, which narrow the channel and interfere with normal air exchange. When bacteria multiply, an unpleasant odor can appear, and the growth of mold fungi is harmful to the health of people in the room. Cleaning the ventilation ducts will make the air in the room clean, fresh and safe for others.

The frequency of ventilation cleaning depends on the type of system and its operating conditions. How often you need to service it in a particular room, a specialist who knows the standards will say.

How to clean individual hood elements

The cleaning process will take no more time than any other processing of kitchen appliances. Regular cleaning of the filter, even in an ordinary soapy solution, will not allow soot to settle on the grill and other internal parts. You can wash the elements of the exhaust hood in the dishwasher. Regular maintenance of exhaust equipment will reduce the cleaning time of all parts of the structure and extend the performance of the unit.

Chassis cleaning

This part of the device is always in sight, so any housewife washes it much more often.For normal wet cleaning, dishwashing liquid is quite suitable. If you want to make the surface more shiny, use a glass cleaner.

If the case has not been cleaned for a long time, a more effective method will be needed. Here are some options:

• spray or liquid for cleaning ovens and stoves;
• composition: 3 tbsp. soda ash, 100 ml of silicate glue, 0.5 tbsp. dissolve the washing powder in a glass of water and apply on the plane;
• rub the body with lemon juice, then rinse.

Button cleaning

It can be difficult to clean the buttons - grease and food debris are clogged in them. To do this, use a toothbrush or cotton buds. You can soak them in the following ways:

• ammonia;
• liquid, which is washed off the varnish;
• hydrogen peroxide.

Be careful not to ruin or damage the buttons

Inner surface

For cleaning, the same substances are used as for washing the body. If a lot of plaque has formed inside, use a liquid to clean the pipes. But be sure to rinse it thoroughly.

air duct

Housewives with flow hoods may sometimes notice a deterioration in the draft of the device. This means that the air duct is clogged and needs to be cleaned. If the pipe is smooth, then it is not so difficult. The sleek round or square duct is easy to disassemble, clean and reassemble. More difficult with corrugated pipes. Sometimes they are easier to change than clean, especially if they have accumulated a large amount of body fat.

Fan and motor cleaning

Before cleaning these items, read the user manual carefully to remember their attachment and location. Then carefully detach and wash the impeller with soapy water.The engine must not be wetted: dust and dirt are removed from it as far as possible, then lubricated. This procedure is carried out once a year.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

The operation of the ventilation system of an apartment building, the reasons for the decrease in efficiency and the solution to the problem:

Restoration of the ventilation duct using foam blocks and metal pipes:

Prerequisites for the appearance of reverse thrust and ways to eliminate it:

Regular checks of the efficiency of the ventilation system and preventive cleaning of air ducts will help to avoid unpleasant consequences: the appearance of dampness, damage to wall finishes and deterioration of health. Uninterrupted operation of supply and exhaust channels is the key to a healthy microclimate.

Have you noticed a decrease in ventilation efficiency and want to identify the cause and fix it yourself? Are you having trouble identifying the cause, or would you like to consult our experts for a solution?

Or maybe you are professionally engaged in arranging ventilation systems, cleaning ducts and restoring ventilation and want to supplement the above material with useful tips and important nuances? Write your comments, ask questions, add photos - your activity will help beginners to better understand the topic of the article and solve their ventilation problems.