How to Clean RV Furnace Vents

Furnace vents carry a lot of recirculated air both into your recreational vehicle (RV) as well as outside. The outside vents allow for used air to be recycled for fresh outside air, while inner furnace vents help keep the RV cabin warm. These frequently trafficked furnace vents can accumulate a lot of dust and dirt over time, and this gradual buildup can affect your RV's air quality. You should clean out your RV's furnace vents at least once every year to protect yourself against this buildup. Most furnace vents max out at 2 to 3 feet in length because of the limited size of the RV, and the vents can be as large as 18 by 12 inches, making these vents accessible for cleaning.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Screwdriver
Dish soap or detergent
Bucket
Two rags

Step 1

Remove the cover of the furnace vent by loosening and removing the screws with a screwdriver.

Step 2

Put 1 cup of dish soap or detergent into a gallon bucket of warm water. Soak a wet rag in this mixture and wash down the inner walls of the vent to get rid of dust, dirt, bugs and other sediments that have gotten caught in the vent. Also be sure to scrub the vent cover, which is likely to accumulate dirt and dust.

Step 3

Wipe the vent dry with a dry rag or cloth.

Step 4

Replace the vent cover, tightening the screws with a screwdriver.

Step 5

Repeat this process at any other locations on the RV where the furnace vents are accessible through a vent cover.

Tips & Warnings

If you cannot reach all the way into the vent for cleaning, try using a brush with a handle or even a slightly damp mop to get all the dirt and dust in the duct.

Take your RV to an RV or furnace specialist if you find black soot in the vents. This could be an indication that your furnace is not working properly and needs maintenance.

Article Written By Jonathan Croswell

Jonathan Croswell has spent more than five years writing and editing for a number of newspapers and online publications, including the "Omaha World-Herald" and "New York Newsday." Croswell received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Nebraska and is currently pursuing a Master's of Health and Exercise Science at Portland State University.

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