
Coco Architectural Grilles & Metalcraft has been creating and designing custom fabricated metal products since 1909. While our products are built to last for generations to come, when purchasing a custom grille design, it is important to understand the proper methods for upkeep and maintenance.
Whether your home or office contains linear bar grilles or decorative metal grilles, keeping them clean and intact is vital to their longevity.
Clean grilles and covers for better air quality
The majority of households and offices do not regularly clean their air vent covers. It’s a commonly known fact that one should change their air filters several times throughout the year; but many don’t know that the grilles or covers should be cleaned once a month along with biannual removal and deep-cleaning. A properly maintained air vent cover makes a world of difference in air quality and HVAC efficiency.
How to remove and clean air vent covers
Once a month, grilles should be lightly cleaned. There are a variety of options for cleaning processes including vacuuming with a brush attachment or wiping with a soft microfiber cloth.
Twice a year, air vent covers should be removed and cleaned. When removing covers from the ceiling, make sure to protect your eyes from falling debris. Placing a drop cloth below the vent is also a good practice to allow for easy cleaning after removal. Covers can be washed in soft dish soap and warm water with a soft, microfiber cloth in order to remove all dirt and grime from the surface. Properly dry with a soft towel after washing. Larger vents may need to be cleaned in a bathtub.
When removing any air vent cover, the first step is to turn off the power to the HVAC system. Next, hold the cover in the middle and carefully remove all screws. Do not pull on it, as this could damage the surrounding drywall or flooring. If you cannot get a proper hold on the cover, carefully use a flathead screwdriver to pry it out.

If you’re in the market for custom metal grilles for your home or office, we recommend taking a look at our product catalog. Our waterjet and laser technology allow our team to create one of a kind designs for your home or business. Contact us for any questions or requests for your custom grille needs.