It’s a common myth that people think they can’t clean their air ducts if they live in a mobile home. This is half true. Most companies that offer air duct cleaning use what are called “negative air” machines. This is a piece of equipment that sucks up the debris while the chute is shaken intensely. This type of equipment can be quite crude and is not recommended for mobile homes. If you want to clean your air ducts, you should use a “rotary brush vacuum” with a soft bristle brush. This type of equipment is primarily for residential ducting with the latter being more popular for commercial applications. There are many soft, flexible ducts in mobile homes. A rotary brush vacuum with soft bristles is the only way to clean this type of duct.

Mobile home vents are especially susceptible to dust and debris since they are located on the floor. Ducts are often not sealed very well and anything from pet dander to bugs can easily collect in them. It is recommended that you have your ducts cleaned by a professional approximately every one to three years.

The most critical part of the duct system to clean is the return side. This is where the really scary stuff piles up. Mobile homes do not have a traditional return system. Usually the compartment in which the oven sits and the oven itself is the return. With this in mind, it is important to have your oven cleaned and maintained by a professional every year.

Once a professional cleans the ducts, disinfection can be done. Think of sanitizing as wiping down the kitchen table after you’ve eaten, once you’ve removed the crumbs, spray on a cleaner to sanitize and not promote the growth of unwanted bacteria. The same is true for your ductwork. An antimicrobial agent tarnishes the ductwork and kills any fungus, mold, or bacteria that may have been growing. This part is vital for respiratory health. Most companies use a mild antimicrobial agent that won’t get you out of your house.

It is important to think about what you are doing and what you are avoiding. Most people don’t think about the hidden dangers inside their air ducts. It is off site and out of mind. You will benefit greatly from cleaning the air ducts in your mobile home. A service that pays for itself in healthy air to breathe.