When home ventilation fails: Simple tests and quick fixes
Ventilation in our homes plays an extremely important role, although it is often underestimated. Through these inconspicuous wall grates, regular air exchange occurs, protecting our interiors from excessive moisture. When our ventilation starts to fail, it's worth checking its operation with a simple paper test.
Unfortunately, even systematically airing the apartment will not be effective if the basic ventilation system is not working properly. The shortcomings in its functioning will be most noticeable in places such as bathrooms and kitchens, where removing odors and moisture is crucial. Excessive moisture can lead to the development of mold, which appears on the walls as brown or green spots. This is not only unsightly but also harmful to health.
How to check if the ventilation works?
The ventilation grate is often treated as a decoration rather than a functional element, leading us to forget its actual role. Regularly cleaning the ventilation grates is necessary, as accumulated dust significantly limits air flow. It's worthwhile to wipe the grate from time to time and even dismantle and thoroughly clean it of accumulated dirt to prevent moisture problems.
To ensure that the ventilation is working properly, it is best to perform a test with a piece of paper. Simply hold the paper against the ventilation grate—properly working ventilation should suck the paper. If the paper falls to the floor, it may be a sign that the ventilation needs attention.
Non-functioning ventilation - what to do?
Instead of panicking, it's better to get to work and clean all the grates of accumulated dirt, which often blocks air flow. You can easily remove the grate from the wall by yourself, but you need to know how to effectively remove the dirt that hinders its operation.
To start, simply wipe the grate "dry" to remove excessive dust. Then, soak it in water, which should remove both dirt and potential mold. You can use dish soap and vinegar for cleaning, which will effectively clean the grate. After this treatment, it's worthwhile to conduct the paper test again, and if the air flow problem does not disappear, call a specialist.
