How to Kill Mildew in Air Conditioning Vents

How to Kill Mildew in Air Conditioning Vents
Written By
Kaye Wagner
Kaye Wagner
Published: Sep 18, 2010
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

Mildew can also often grow inside air conditioning vents. This is especially a problem for those with asthma who may be sensitive to mildew spores. You can kill the mildew with a homemade solution. Use long-handled products to make it easier to reach deep into your vents.

Things You Will Need

  • 1 qt. warm water
  • 2 tbsp. chlorine bleach
  • 2 spray bottles
  • Long-handled brush
  • Paper towels
  • Ladder
  1. Turn off the air conditioning vents so that the mildew spores do not continue to spread and so the cleaning solution does not spray back in your face.

  2. Mix 1 qt. of warm water with 2 tbsp. of chlorine bleach.

  3. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and spray as far as you can into your air vents until the mildew growth is completely soaked. Also soak the sides and ceiling of the air vent to ensure that any microscopic mildew growth is also covered. Use a ladder to get better access into the vent. Let the solution sit on the growth for at least 20 minutes.

  4. Scrub the walls, ceiling and floor of the air vents with a long-handled brush. Scrub the back of the vent before scrubbing the area closest to you.

  5. Fill another spray bottle with clear water and spray the entire air conditioning vent to rinse away the chlorine.

  6. Wipe down the walls completely with paper towels. Use a sponge mop to dry the areas if you are unable to reach them. Dry the areas completely to ensure that any leftover mildew spores are not attracted to the damp area.

The Drip Cap

  • Mildew is a type of fungus that grows in damp and humid areas.
  • Use long-handled products to make it easier to reach deep into your vents.
  • Also soak the sides and ceiling of the air vent to ensure that any microscopic mildew growth is also covered.

Photo Credits

air conditioner vent image by Tammy Mobley from Fotolia.com

air conditioner vent image by Tammy Mobley from Fotolia.com

Kaye Wagner

Kaye Wagner has been working in the fields of journalism and public relations since 2006 and is a recipient of a National Hearst Award. She is particularly interested in home-and-garden projects, as well as beauty and fashion writing. An…

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