Step-by-step: Use a wet-dry vac to clean ducts and extractors safely

Get rid of dust, not your nerves: clean accessible ductwork and extractor housings safely with a wet-dry vac

Struggling with damp, dust, or a noisy extractor? You don’t always need a pro or a specialist truck to restore airflow and freshen your home. In 2026, consumer wet-dry vacs—sparked by high-profile launches such as Roborock’s F25—have reached pro-level suction, filtration and wet handling in compact packages. This step-by-step DIY guide shows how to use a wet-dry vac safely to remove surface dust from accessible ductwork and extractor fan housings, protect indoor air quality and avoid common pitfalls.

Quick summary (inverted pyramid): What this guide covers

• Scope: Surface dust removal from accessible ducts and extractor fan housings only—no deep duct scouring or full MVHR servicing.
• Tools: Wet-dry vac with HEPA or high-efficiency dust bag, crevice and brush attachments, extension wands, PPE (FFP3 mask, eye protection, gloves).
• Key safety steps: Isolate electrical power, avoid wetting electrical components, use correct filters and disposal methods for dust and grease.
• Time: 30–90 minutes per easily accessible extractor or short duct run; longer if grills and housings are heavily clogged.
• When to call a pro: Visible mould, persistent smells, inaccessible deep ductwork, or evidence of pests—stop and get specialist help.

Why this method matters in 2026

Since late 2024 and through 2025–26, the market has seen a wave of consumer-grade wet-dry vacs with better sealed systems and finer particulate handling. Roborock’s F25 launch in early 2026 is a useful example of how manufacturers are blending high suction, water handling and filtration into compact machines. That makes DIY maintenance more effective and safer than older, poorly filtered vacs that simply blew fine dust back into living spaces.

At the same time, energy-conscious homeowners and renters are prioritising ventilation maintenance to avoid condensation, damp and higher heating bills. Cleaning extractors and reachable ductwork regularly preserves airflow efficiency, reducing the load on heating and ventilation systems and contributing to better indoor air quality (IAQ).

Before you start: safety and compliance checklist

1. Power isolation: Turn off the extractor fan at the switch and isolate at the fuse box if possible. If dealing with a mains-wired unit, turn off the relevant circuit.
2. PPE: Use an FFP3 or at least FFP2 respirator, safety goggles, and nitrile or heavy-duty gloves. Dust from ducts can contain allergens, old insulation fibres and cleaning residues.
3. Ventilation: Work with windows open where possible to remove stirred dust and odours.
4. Tool readiness: Confirm your wet-dry vac has a fine-particle filter or use disposable dust bags. If you will use wet mode, fit the water separator or follow the manufacturer’s wet setup instructions.
5. Do not spray disinfectant into ducts: Avoid fogging chemicals into ductwork—this can push moisture into insulation and wiring. For mould, stop and consult a specialist.

Tools & kit: what you need

• Wet-dry vacuum: A modern unit with at least one particulate filter rated to HEPA or H13-equivalent, or the ability to accept disposable dust bags. Roborock F25-style units and other 2025–26 compact wet-dry models often combine strong suction with good seals.
• Brush attachments: Soft-bristle brush head and a stiff nylon brush for grease-prone areas.
• Crevice tool and long extension wand: For reaching into grills, short duct runs and the edges of extractor housings.
• Flexible hose or accordion extension: Helps reach curved sections of accessible ducts.
• Torx/Philips screwdriver: To remove grills and fan covers.
• Disposable cloths and sealable bags: For debris and filter disposal.
• LED torch or inspection camera (optional): For inspecting deep or dark sections.

Step-by-step DIY walkthrough

1. Inspect and plan (10–15 minutes)

Start by visually inspecting the extractor grill and housing. Remove the external grille using the correct screwdriver. Look for:

• Loose dust accumulations on the grille and inner lip
• Visible grease on the fan blades or housing (kitchen extractors)
• Signs of mould or heavy debris (do not proceed to vacuum mould—seek a pro)

2. Prepare the wet-dry vac and workspace (5–10 minutes)

1. Fit a fine particle or HEPA-grade filter, or insert a disposable dust bag. If your vacuum lacks a true HEPA filter, use a sealed disposable bag to limit re-entrainment.
2. Attach the crevice tool and a brush extension to your hose. Keep the soft-bristle brush handy for delicate surfaces.
3. Lay down dust sheets and open a window to the outside. If cleaning a kitchen extractor, place newspaper or cloths under the unit to catch drips.

3. Dry suction: remove loose dust (10–30 minutes)

With the vacuum in dry mode and set to medium suction, start at the grille and work inward:

1. Use the brush attachment to agitate dust on the grill and inner lip while the crevice tool vacuums simultaneously.
2. Gently reach into the fan housing and use short strokes to pull away dust. Keep the hose tip a short distance from spinning parts—do not touch fan blades directly with the hose if the power might still be engaged.
3. If the extractor has a removable fan or cover, now remove it following the manufacturer instructions and vacuum both sides of the blades and housing carefully.

Pro tip: For greasy kitchen extractors, first use a dry brush to lift brittle grease; then switch to a damp cloth to capture stickier residues (keeping electricals dry) and finish with dry vacuuming.

4. Reaching short duct runs (15–30 minutes)

Many extractor ducts in flats or houses are short (under 3–4 metres) and accessible through grills. For these:

1. Fit the long extension wand and the flexible hose if available.
2. Feed the hose gently into the duct while running the vacuum on steady suction. Use a small brush head if you need to dislodge clinging dust.
3. Rotate the hose and withdraw slowly while vacuuming—this pulls debris toward the inlet and reduces the chance of pushing dust further into the system.

Do not force the hose past resistance. If you meet heavy blockages, accumulated grease or unknown materials, stop and consider professional cleaning.

5. Wet mode: only when sure and required

Use wet mode only if there is liquid or sticky residue that can be safely handled and if the vacuum is rated for wet use. Never allow liquid into electrical components or motor housings.

1. Empty the dust container and replace the filter with the wet mode filter or water collection setup recommended by the vacuum manufacturer.
2. Wring damp cloths rather than spraying cleaners into housings. Wipe surfaces and use the vacuum’s wet nozzle to recover the fluid.
3. Dry thoroughly before restoring power—moisture left on motor terminals or controls can cause shorts and hazard.

Special cases and troubleshooting

Stubborn grease in kitchen extractors

Greasy deposits often respond to a two-step approach: 1) loosen with a hot, lightly soapy cloth (do not flood), 2) follow with dry vacuuming. For heavy grease, consider using a specialist degreasing wipe off-site or consult an appliance service.

Visible mould or persistent odours

If you find mould colonies, sporing dust, or persistent musty odours after cleaning, stop DIY cleaning and contact a certified remediation or ventilation specialist. Disturbing mould with a vacuum without containment can worsen IAQ.

Deep ductwork and whole-system cleaning

Wet-dry vac cleaning is excellent for surface dust and short duct runs. For deep ductwork, long runs, or whole-house MVHR systems, hire a specialist with brushes, negative-pressure rigs and HEPA containment—these systems require controlled cleaning to avoid damaging filters and heat exchangers.

Disposal and post-clean steps

1. Empty reusable canisters outside where dust can be contained, or into a sealed bin bag that is tied and placed in external rubbish—avoid indoor emptying.
2. If using disposable dust bags, seal and bin them immediately.
3. Clean or replace vacuum filters as per the manufacturer; a clogged filter reduces suction and increases re-emission of particles.
4. Let everything dry fully before reassembly and restore power at the fuse box. Run the extractor briefly to verify airflow.

Frequency: how often should you clean?

• Kitchen extractor grills and short ducts: Check every 3 months if you cook frequently; at least every 6 months for average use.
• Bathroom extractors: Check every 6–12 months to prevent condensation and mould.
• Whole ductwork or MVHR systems: Annual inspections and specialist cleaning every 3–5 years depending on system type and occupancy.

2026 trends that change your DIY strategy

• Higher-performance consumer wet-dry vacs with improved seals and HEPA-grade options make DIY dust capture more reliable.
• Greater regulatory focus on IAQ and energy efficiency means homeowners are more likely to maintain ventilation systems—regular DIY upkeep reduces the need for early replacements.
• Compact, multi-function machines (like Roborock’s F25-class models) blur the lines between household and light-professional equipment—if you upgrade, choose models with clear filtration specs.

"If you can access the grille and the first metre of duct, you can substantially improve airflow and IAQ with the right vac and safety steps—without expensive tools or a specialist for every maintenance task." — Practical ventilation guide, 2026

Case study: A 2025 flat refresh using a Roborock-style wet-dry vac

What worked: A two-bedroom flat with a kitchen extractor that had reduced performance. The owner used a compact wet-dry vac with a HEPA-rated bag and flexible hose. After isolating power and removing the grille, they vacuumed the housing, removed brittle grease and pulled 150g of dust and lint from the first 2 metres of duct. Airflow improved immediately and the extractor ran quieter.

What didn’t work: Attempting to push the hose past a kink in the duct caused the operator to dislodge a compacted block that required a specialist to remove. Lesson: do not force tools into inaccessible runs.

When to stop and call a professional

• Evidence of mould growth or water damage inside ducts
• Deep blockages, long duct runs, or complex MVHR systems
• Electrical faults, sparking, or damaged wiring near the fan
• Pest infestations inside ductwork

Actionable takeaways

• Always isolate power and use FFP3 protection—safety first.
• Use a wet-dry vac with HEPA or disposable dust bags for best IAQ outcomes.
• Surface cleaning of grills, housings and short ducts can be done DIY every 3–12 months depending on use.
• Stop and get professional help for mould, deep blockages, or MVHR systems.
• Document your work and take photos—helps when you hand over a property or engage a pro later.

Further reading & resources (UK-focused)

• Check latest UK guidance on ventilation and IAQ from government and industry bodies for 2026 updates.
• Manufacturer manuals for your extractor fan and wet-dry vac—follow their instructions for disassembly and filter handling.
• Search for local certified ventilation specialists when deeper cleaning is required; ask for HEPA containment and references.

Final thoughts

Using a modern wet-dry vac to clean accessible ductwork and extractor housings is a practical, cost-effective DIY approach in 2026—if you follow correct safety steps and limits. Advances in consumer vac technology (exemplified by recent launches) mean better filtration and higher suction are within reach, but they don’t replace specialist care when systems show signs of serious contamination or damage. Keep a schedule, use the right filters and protective equipment, and you’ll extend the life and performance of your home ventilation.

Call to action

Ready to try it? Download our free 1-page wet-dry vac duct-cleaning checklist and tool list, or contact our vetted UK ventilation specialists if you find mould, blockages or complex MVHR systems. Keep your home breathing well—start with a safe, small task today.

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