Cleaning the Inside Furnace Vents
Step 1
Mix a quarter-cup of liquid detergent with a gallon of warm water. Open the furnace door and turn the heater knob to the "off" position.
Step 2
Remove any debris or dust from the door vents. Use a rag dampened with the soapy water. Scrub the inside and the outside of the vents.
Step 3
Rinse with clear water. Vacuum the area around the furnace with a wet/dry vacuum cleaner.
Step 4
Visually inspect that the exhaust vent pipe reaches the outer vent door. Close the inside furnace door.
Cleaning the Outside Vent
Step 1
With a screwdriver, remove the outside vent cover by unscrewing the small bolts holding it in place. Check the exhaust vent pipe for obstructions. Dipping the handle of a flyswatter down the exhaust vent pipe works well.
Step 2
Scrub the inside and outside of the vented outer furnace cover. Rinse with clear water and let the cover air dry for a few minutes.
Step 3
Replace the outside vent cover. Secure it tightly with the bolts.