Duct cleaning device

A device for cleaning a duct, comprising:

• a flexible conduit having a first end, a second end, an outer surface, and an interior;
• means for coupling said second end of said conduit to a vacuum source;
• a rounded cap attached to said first end of said conduit, said cap having a central opening through which particulates can be drawn into said interior by reduced pressure therein when said second end is coupled to said vacuum source;
• and
• an outwardly-projecting cleaning element attached to said outer surface near said first end, said cleaning element extending helically around said conduit.

A method for removing particulates from a duct having an interior surface, said method comprising the steps of:

• providing a flexible conduit having a first end with at least one inlet, a second end with an outlet, an outer surface, an interior, and an outwardly-projecting cleaning element attached to said outer surface near said at least one inlet, said cleaning element extending helically around said conduit;
• inserting said first end of said conduit into said duct;
• coupling said outlet to a vacuum source;
• while rotating said conduit, pushing said first end further into said duct so that said cleaning element dislodges particulates carried by said interior surface;
• and
• operating said vacuum source to draw at least some of said particulates into said at least one inlet.