How should I clean my vents and is it severe? [picture included]

Question

Okay, I opened my vent because I wanted to clean it because I got rid of my cats and wanted to clean everything. I didn't think it would be SO severe but after 10 years of living in the house and going through 4 cats it makes sense. http://i37.tinypic.com/55ezk.jpg

Can you tell me what is caked on it? Is it just dust?....

If I stick my vacuum hose in there should I expect dust to fly out?

I really don't want to bring anyone in and want to try it by myself first.

Thanks.

Answer 1

That is pretty bad!!! Try the vacume.Take the vents off and wash them with some bleach water. I don't know what it is. Looks like you will need someone to come in and clean your ductwork out.

Answer 2

This is one of those things, that if you have to ask

...you'd be better off calling in the pros.

Good luck.

Answer 3

It would be difficult for you to be able clean beyond what you see.

There would be far more ducting to be cleaned that your vacuum will not reach.

You may break up and introduce more of that dust buildup into the home than if you just left it alone.

You will spend $250.00 - $350.00 to have a proffesional clean them.

Be carefull of the flybynights that don't have the proper equipment and dont clean it properly.

You could do it yourself but would require you to remove sections of ducting to access.