Cleaning, installing and replacing ventilation grilles, how to do it!

Our tips for cleaning, installing or replacing an air vent cover

• Clean air vent covers regularly with a vacuum cleaner, soft brush and damp cloth.
• Preferably use a mild cleaning agent, especially on plastic, painted surfaces, insect mesh or delicate finishes.
• A wall grille and ceiling grille are basically cleaned in the same way. The difference mainly lies in accessibility and the amount of dust that may come loose.
• Clean a cover with insect mesh carefully, so the mesh does not tear or come loose.
• An old air vent cover can often be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner, brush or compressed air can. Replace the cover if it is damaged, deformed or dirty.
• When replacing an air vent cover, always check the dimensions, connection, application, material and airflow capacity.

How do I clean an air vent cover?

Cleaning an air vent cover is important to maintain proper airflow. Dust, dirt, grease and insect remains can clog the cover, causing the room to ventilate less effectively and the ventilation system to work less efficiently. Therefore, clean the cover regularly, especially when you see dust buildup. How you clean the cover depends on the type and material. A plastic cover should be cleaned carefully with a damp cloth, while a metal or stainless steel cover can often be cleaned a little more firmly. Pay extra attention to louvred grilles, ceiling grilles and covers with insect mesh, as these collect dirt more easily or are more fragile.

Cleaning a wall grille or ceiling grille. How do I do that?

A wall grille and ceiling grille are basically cleaned in the same way. The biggest difference is accessibility. With a ceiling grille, more dust may fall down, so place a cloth on the floor if necessary and use a sturdy step ladder. First vacuum away the visible dust. Then remove the cover if this can be done easily. Also clean the first section behind the cover with a vacuum cleaner or soft brush. This is especially useful when there is a lot of dust in the opening or when the cover is connected to a ventilation duct.

Cleaning a louvred grille. How do I do that?

With a louvred grille, dirt often remains between the louvres. Therefore, first use a vacuum cleaner with a brush nozzle and then clean along the louvres with a soft brush or damp cloth. Do not bend the louvres open and do not use hard objects to loosen dirt. This may damage the cover or reduce its performance. Louvred grilles on the outside of the home can become extra dirty due to rain, dust, leaves and insects. Therefore, also check whether the opening behind the cover is clear.

How do I clean the mesh of an air vent cover?

A cover with insect mesh requires extra care. The mesh prevents insects and larger dirt particles from entering through the cover, but it can become clogged with dust and dirt. The best way to clean an air vent cover with mesh is with a soft brush, a vacuum cleaner on low suction power or a damp cloth. Do not press too hard on the mesh and do not use sharp objects. If the mesh is very full of dirt, gently loosen it with a soft paintbrush or brush. If the mesh is torn, has come loose or can no longer be cleaned properly, replacement is often the better choice. In our range, most products are air vent covers with mesh! 

Cleaning an old air vent cover

Cleaning an old air vent cover requires extra care. Old covers can be stuck due to paint, rust, dirt or deformation. Only unscrew the cover if this can be done without force. If you apply too much force, the cover may break or you may damage the wall, ceiling, frame or duct. Can’t remove the cover? You can still clean it with a vacuum cleaner, soft brush, compressor or compressed air can. This is especially useful for small covers or in places that are harder to reach. Make sure you do not blow dirt deeper into the duct if the cover is connected to a ventilation system. If the cover is damaged, rusty, deformed or remains clogged despite cleaning, replacement is often the best choice.

Cleaning a window air vent cover

An air vent cover in or near a window can become dirty over time due to dust, pollen and outdoor dirt. Cleaning a window air vent cover can usually be done without dismantling the entire cover. First carefully vacuum the dirt from the openings. Then use a soft brush or damp cloth to clean the visible parts. If the window grille has a slider, feel free to open or close it briefly during cleaning to reach all parts properly. Then allow the cover to dry and return the slider to the desired ventilation position. The most important thing is that the cover allows sufficient air to pass through again after cleaning.

Replacing an air vent cover, how do I do that?

Replacing an air vent cover is a good idea when the cover is damaged, outdated, rusty, deformed or can no longer be cleaned properly. Replacement may also be necessary when you want a cover that better suits the room, ventilation duct or desired look. When replacing air vent covers, pay attention to:

• The type of cover, such as an indoor grille, outdoor grille, ceiling grille, louvred grille, etc.
• The correct dimensions or connection diameter.
• The material, for example plastic, aluminium, steel or stainless steel.
• The function: air supply, air extraction, protection, finishing or natural ventilation.
• The airflow capacity, so that the new cover does not unnecessarily restrict ventilation.

What tools do I need to install an air vent cover?

• Folding rule or tape measure
• Pencil or marker
• Spirit level
• Drill and suitable drill bit
• Screwdriver or cordless screwdriver
• Wall plugs and screws, if these are not included
• Vacuum cleaner to remove drilling dust and dirt
• Possibly a saw, hole saw or multi-tool if an opening needs to be created

How do I clean my ventilation valves?

Ventilation valves are used in mechanical ventilation and heat recovery ventilation systems. They are often adjusted so that each room extracts or supplies the right amount of air. That is why cleaning a valve is slightly different from cleaning an air vent cover. Click here to read everything about cleaning ventilation valves.

How do I clean my ventilation system?

Clean air vent covers are important, but they are only one part of good ventilation. If you have a mechanical ventilation system or heat recovery ventilation unit, the ventilation unit, filters, ducts and valves can also become dirty. As a result, the system may move less air, make more noise or operate less efficiently. With mechanical ventilation, air is extracted from rooms such as the kitchen, bathroom and toilet. Fresh air then usually enters through covers, gaps or transfer openings. With heat recovery ventilation, air is extracted mechanically and supplied mechanically. That is exactly why it is important that the system remains properly clean and balanced. You can read more information about cleaning a mechanical ventilation system or heat recovery ventilation unit in this article: how can I clean my mechanical ventilation or heat recovery ventilation unit?