How To Clean Bathroom Fan: A Easy Step By Step Guide
Keeping your bathroom fan clean is important for fresh and healthy air. Over time, dust and dirt can build up in the Fan, making it work less effectively and possibly causing bad smells or mould. Cleaning it regularly helps it work better and last longer. This guide will show you simple steps to clean your bathroom fan quickly and easily. You can keep your bathroom air fresh and ensure your Fan is working well with a little effort.
How to Clean Your Bathroom Fan?
For fans in bathrooms that aren’t used often, like guest bathrooms, cleaning them once a year is usually enough. For fans in bathrooms you use every day, here’s what to do:
- Monthly: Use a duster with a long handle to clean the outside of the Fan.
- Every Six Months: Clean the Fan thoroughly to keep it working well.
Easy Safety Tips
When cleaning your bathroom fan, you’re working with electrical parts, so it’s important to be safe. Here’s what to do:
- Make sure the floor is dry, and there’s no water around.
- Turn off the bathroom’s power at the breaker.
- Ensure the Fan’s power switch is off.
- Use a sturdy ladder.
What You’ll Need:
Tools
- Stepladder
- Optional: Screwdriver
- Electrostatic duster with a long handle
- Microfiber cloth
Supplies
- All-purpose household cleaner
- Optional: Disposable electrostatic duster
Easy Steps to Clean Your Bathroom Fan
Turn Off the Power
- Turn off the power to the bathroom at the breaker to avoid shocks.
- Make sure the fan switch is off. If you can’t turn off the breaker (like in an apartment), calling a professional is safer.
Remove Dust
- Use a sturdy ladder to reach the Fan.
- Use a duster or a vacuum with a narrow attachment to clean off dust and cobwebs from outside the Fan.
Take Off the Fan Cover
- Some covers need a screwdriver to remove, while others have latches on the sides. Gently pull the cover off.
Unplug the Fan
- After removing the cover, unplug the Fan from its socket for safety before cleaning.
Make a Cleaning Solution
- Mix warm water with an all-purpose cleaner in a bucket or sink, following the cleaner’s instructions.
Clean the Vent Cover
- Soak the vent cover in the cleaning solution to loosen dust and grime.
- After about 10 minutes, wipe it clean with a cloth or sponge, rinse with warm water, and let it air-dry on a towel.
Clean the Motor and Blades
- Remove the fan unit from its housing by twisting it out if possible.
- Use a damp cloth to clean the dust from the motor and blades.
Clean the Housing
- Use a duster or vacuum to remove dust and debris from the housing and brackets.
Reassemble the Fan
- Once everything is clean and dry, put the fan unit back in the housing.
- Plug the Fan back in, making sure the blades can turn freely.
- Reattach the cover by snapping or screwing it back in place.
Turn On the Power
- Turn the power back on at the breaker.
- Switch on the Fan to check if it works smoothly. If you hear any clicking, the blades might need a slight adjustment.
Tips to Keep Your Bathroom Fan Cleaner for Longer
- Dust Regularly: Use an electrostatic duster to clean the fan cover at least once a month. This helps prevent dust from building up.
- Check the Fan Often: Turn on and check the Fan regularly to make sure it’s working properly.
- Reduce Spray Use: Try to use fewer hair sprays and air fresheners, as they can leave a sticky residue on the Fan’s cover and blades.
How To Clean Bathroom Exhaust Fan With Light?
Turn Off the Power
- Turn off the power for the bathroom at the breaker to avoid shocks.
- Make sure the fan and light switch are off.
Remove Dust
- Use a sturdy ladder to reach the Fan and light.
- Dust the outside using a duster or vacuum with a narrow attachment.
Remove the Fan Cover
- Some covers need a screwdriver to remove, while others have latches on the sides. Gently pull the cover off.
Unplug the Fan
- Unplug the Fan for safety.
Remove the Light Bulb
- Carefully unscrew and take out the light bulb.
Prepare a Cleaning Solution
- Mix warm water with an all-purpose cleaner in a bucket or sink.
Clean the Cover
- Soak the cover in the cleaning solution to remove dust and grime.
- After 10 minutes, wipe it clean with a cloth or sponge, rinse with warm water, and let it air-dry on a towel.
Clean the Fan and Light
- Use a damp cloth to wipe away dust from the fan blades, motor, and light fixture.
Clean the Housing
- Use a duster or vacuum to remove dust from the housing.
Reassemble the Fan and Light:
- Once everything is clean and dry, put the Fan back in the housing.
- Plug the Fan back in and make sure the blades turn freely.
- Screw the light bulb back in.
- Reattach the cover by snapping or screwing it back in place.
Turn On the Power
- Turn the power back on at the breaker.
- Switch on the Fan and light to make sure they work well. If you hear any clicking, adjust the Fan blades a bit.
Easy Steps to Clean a Bathroom Fan Without Taking It Apart
You can clean your bathroom fan without removing it by following these simple steps:
Turn Off the Power
- Switch off the power to the bathroom fan at the breaker to avoid electrical shocks.
- Ensure the fan switch is off as well.
Dust the Outside
- Use a sturdy ladder to reach the Fan.
- Clean the outside of the Fan with a duster or a vacuum with a narrow attachment to get rid of dust and cobwebs.
Use Compressed Air
- Blow compressed air into the fan vents to loosen and remove the dust inside. Wear a mask and goggles to protect yourself from the dust.
Vacuum the Inside
- Use a vacuum with a narrow attachment to suck out the loosened dust from the fan vents.
Wipe Down the Exterior
- Dampen a cloth with a mild cleaner and gently wipe the outside of the Fan to remove any remaining dust or dirt.
Turn On the Power
- Turn the power back on at the breaker.
- Switch on the Fan to make sure it runs smoothly.
Recommendation
How to Paint Your Bathroom: A Step-by-Step Guide
What Type of Paint for Bathroom: A Complete Guide
What Is A Jack And Jill Bathroom?
How Often Should You Clean Your Bathroom?
How to Get Rid of Ants in Bathroom?
How To Remove Bathroom Sink Stoppers?
Why Does My Bathroom Smell Like Sewage?
Best Bathroom Cleaner For 2025
Best Bathroom Flooring Ideas for 2025
What is the Best Flooring for a Small Bathroom?
How to Decorate a Bathroom Shelve?
The Ultimate Guide to Keeping Your Glass Shower Doors Spotless
25+ Best Bathroom Door Ideas for an Elegant and Functional Space
How to Install Wallpaper in a Bathroom: A Comprehensive Guide
Conclusion
In conclusion, regular cleaning of your bathroom exhaust fan is essential for maintaining fresh air and ensuring the Fan works efficiently. Following simple steps and keeping up with routine maintenance can extend the Fan’s lifespan, prevent odours, and create a healthier bathroom environment. A little effort goes a long way in keeping your space fresh and your Fan running smoothly.
FAQs
Q: How do you clean a sticky exhaust fan?
A: Mix half a cup of baking soda with a quarter cup of white vinegar to make a bubbly cleaning solution. Use a sponge or cloth to apply the mixture to the fan blades, housing, and filters. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to loosen grease and dirt. Then, gently scrub the surfaces and wipe them clean with a damp cloth.
Q: How do you get dust out of a fan easily?
A: Start by removing loose dust using a cloth or duster. For easier cleaning, use a U-shaped brush with a long handle, which can clean both sides of the fan blades at the same time. You can find this tool at hardware stores. Another option is to use an old pillowcase—slide it over each blade, then gently pull it back to trap and remove the dust and dirt.
Q: How do you clean a bathroom extractor fan cover?
A: If the cover is dirty or greasy, start by soaking it in warm, soapy water. Then, use a cloth, brush, or sponge to scrub off any dust and grime stuck on it. After cleaning, let the fan cover air dry completely before putting it back.
Q: How do you remove a fan cover without screws?
A: Most fan covers without visible screws are held in place by springs. To remove them, gently pull the cover down. The springs will let it drop a few inches. Then, you can reach in and unhook the springs to take the cover off completely.