Protect Your Interior Paint with Better Air Quality
Good ventilations can keep your white kitchen…white.
Because we do a lot of general home repair, we can see some ways a homeowner can save themselves money on home maintenance. One of the ways to preserve the air quality and prevent grease accumulation and moisture damage to your interior paint is by improving your overall air quality.
Vent fans
Vent fans, also known as exhaust fans, can be found in several areas throughout the home. These fans are used to filter heat, grease, odors, and moisture from within the house and release it outside of the home while trapping the stuff you don’t want to be breathing within your home. Usually found in kitchens, bathrooms, air purifiers, and more, keeping home ventilation fans clean makes up the difference in proper airflow and air circulation throughout your home.
If you’re finding lots of gunk on your vent fans, rather than replacing, try getting on a regular schedule for cleaning them instead. Here is information on how to clean your exhaust fans to improve the air quality in your home.
Kitchen vent fans
Most kitchens have an exhaust or vent fan in the hood above the stove to filter hot oily air from indoor cooking. It prevents grease and odors from making its way into the breathable air and onto the walls throughout your home. The simplest way to clean the kitchen exhaust fan is by removing it from the hood and using boiling water, a non-harsh liquid soap detergent, and baking soda.
If you find that your filter is particularly dirty, refrain from washing the grease down the drain, which might warrant an emergency call to the plumber. The best way to dispose of excess oil is by letting it solidify in a disposable container and throwing it out with the garbage.
Bathroom vent fans
The moisture from a hot shower and odors from doing your business requires a properly operating bathroom exhaust system. Cleaning this usually requires a vacuum cleaner and the attachment hose. First, make sure the switch is set to off and then remove the cover. If your fan is high up, use a ladder, but only if you’re comfortable or have someone to spot you from injury. Using protective eyewear can save your corneas from dust and any loose particles that escape while cleaning.
Use your vacuum and attachment hose to suck up as much dirt and dust as you can. A little elbow grease goes a long way when removing debris that’s been there for lengthy periods. Gently use the attachment bristles to knock everything out and suck up anything that shouldn’t be there. The vent cover can be washed in soapy water and air-dried before reattaching.
Air purification systems
Like exhaust fans, home air purifier filters also require regular cleaning to ensure they’re not recycling dirt. To clean, first shut off and unplug the air purifier. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the outside of the appliance. Use a small unused brush to clean the air vents on top of the unit. Gently wash permanent and foam filters in warm, soapy water and dry thoroughly before putting back in the air purifier. Replace any damaged filters rather than cleaning because it might mean that they won’t be able to do their job to the fullest. If there is a little discoloration, you likely don’t need to replace it. Decent air quality in your home requires routine maintenance but may save you some money in interior painting. Hopefully, these simple tricks to clean the vent fans throughout your home will have you breathing easy. Keep in mind that the more often you clean your vent fans, the less likely you will have a massive painting project on your hands before its time. Happy vent cleaning!
Clover Valley Home Service offers reliable service in plumbing, electrical, carpentry, baseboard and crown molding, sprinkler repair, fence repair or replacement, yard work and cleanup, and fire defense space preparation services. We do most home service jobs. Our work is guaranteed. Call (916) 742-3141 today!
