Duct sanitising applies an approved antimicrobial or disinfectant treatment to the interior duct surfaces after cleaning, targeting mould, bacteria and odour-causing organisms that a mechanical clean alone doesn't fully eliminate.
How It Differs From Standard Duct Cleaning
Standard duct cleaning physically removes dust, debris and loose contaminants using mechanical agitation and extraction. Sanitising is a separate, additional step applied after that physical clean, treating the remaining duct surfaces to reduce microbial presence rather than just removing visible material.
When It's Worth Adding
Homes with a history of musty odour, visible mould, past water damage near the ductwork, or occupants with allergy or respiratory sensitivities generally benefit most from adding sanitisation to a standard clean. It's a reasonable addition for any home overdue for a first duct clean in several years, given how much biological buildup can accumulate in that time.
What the Process Looks Like
After mechanical cleaning removes loose debris, an approved antimicrobial solution is applied throughout the accessible ductwork, typically using a fogging or spray application method suited to the duct material. The system is then left to dry per product guidance before the AC is run normally again.
If this sounds like what's happening with your unit, our AC Sanitisation page covers exactly how we handle it, or you can message us directly for a same-day assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is duct sanitising safe for people with respiratory conditions?
When carried out with approved products by a professional, it's generally considered safe and is often specifically recommended for households with respiratory sensitivities.
How long does the sanitising treatment last?
Effectiveness generally lasts until the next significant dust or moisture exposure, which is why pairing it with a regular maintenance schedule sustains the benefit longest.
Does every duct cleaning include sanitising?
Not necessarily — it's often offered as an add-on to a standard mechanical clean rather than included by default, so it's worth confirming what's included when booking.