How to Choose and Use Mosmatic Duct Cleaners for Chute & Pipe Cleaning

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    Whether you’re cleaning a commercial trash chute, horizontal duct, or industrial pipe, the right Mosmatic duct cleaner setup will determine how effective and efficient your work will be. Professional cleaners know that proper sizing, nozzle selection, water temperature, and pressure washer matching all play a critical role in achieving the best results.

    This guide walks you through the most important factors to consider—based on real-world experience from industry professionals.

    1. Choosing the Correct Duct Cleaner Size

    Select a duct cleaner closest to the inside diameter of the chute or pipe you’re cleaning. The closer the spray arms are to the walls, the better the cleaning results.

    For example, our 6" duct cleaner is slightly smaller than 6" so it fits inside but still sprays close to the surface. Available sizes include: 3", 6", 12", 16", 20", and 24".

    2. Selecting Nozzles and Fan Angles

    Nozzle sizing depends on GPM and PSI of your pressure washer and the number of nozzles used. We provide a chart to help you match the correct nozzle size to your machine.

    Industry recommendation for fan angles:

    • – Straight stream. Best for very dirty ducts as it concentrates pressure on a single point. Longer cleaning time, but deeper penetration. Reach: ~8"–12".
    • – Slight fan. Still highly effective, but with a bit more coverage. Reach: ~6"–8".

    Fan angles greater than 5° are generally less effective for duct interiors.

    Number of Nozzles

    Every duct cleaner has two arms with one nozzle each. Some models also have a third nozzle mounted on the end to spray directly ahead—useful in specific situations, but not needed for most jobs.

    3. Adjustable Arms vs. Fixed Arms

    • Adjustable Arms – Allow for slight nozzle tilt, which can help self-propel the duct cleaner (such as a duct wagon) through horizontal ducts or tanks. Also useful for chutes with lips or entry edges.
    • Fixed Arms – Nozzles spray straight out from the sides. Most common for vertical chutes.

    4. Warm Water vs. Cold Water

    Warm or hot water is always preferred—especially for chutes with greasy residue—as it cleans faster and more effectively. Cold water can still do the job but may require longer cleaning times. Some chemical pretreatments actually require cold water, so it depends on the job.

    The only difference between a warm-water and cold-water duct cleaner is the swivel. You can switch out the swivel to convert between hot and cold water setups.

    5. GPM & PSI Requirements

    While your pressure washer often dictates GPM and PSI, the average recommendation is 4 GPM at 4000 PSI for most duct cleaners.

    6. Using Sanitizing Solutions

    Mosmatic duct cleaners can be used with sanitizing and deodorizing solutions after the main cleaning pass. This is a great way to add value to your service and ensure a hygienic, odor-free result.

    Summary: Recommended Setup

    For most chute and duct cleaning jobs, the professional-recommended setup is:

    • Duct cleaner sized as close as possible to the chute diameter
    • Two nozzles (0° or 5° fan angle), sized for your GPM and PSI
    • 4 GPM at 4000 PSI
    • Fixed arms for vertical work, adjustable arms for horizontal or difficult entries
    • Hot water whenever possible

    With the correct configuration, your Mosmatic duct cleaner will deliver faster cleaning, better coverage, and longer-lasting results.

    Need help sizing your duct cleaner or matching nozzles?
    Contact Clean Direct for expert guidance and the right setup for your application.

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