To prevent mold and mildew from forming in the bathroom, it is advisable to clean the bathroom fan regularly. Many people overlook or underestimate this household chore until the device sounds like a plane taking off when it is turned on because of dust. Preventing this requires some simple but important cleaning techniques that anyone can learn quickly. Below, learn how to properly clean your dusty bathroom fan so that it will be quieter and work properly in the future.
What should you consider before cleaning your bathroom fan?
Most exhaust fans are mounted on walls or ceilings in the bathroom and connected to a regular power supply. They suck in moist air and expel it outside through a vent. Some models are combination devices that, in addition to the fan, contain a light, a heat lamp or even a music speaker. But when was the last time you checked on this hidden and hard-working entity? A dusty, dirty fan in the bathroom often cannot do its job properly because it...accumulated dustcomplicates the process. So if you have saved the installation or operating instructions for your device, take a few minutes to read the cleaning instructions. However, you can also look online, especially if the fan has other components such as a light or a music speaker.
Additionally, you should clean your bathroom fan if you use your bathroom daily. Typically, you can perform a thorough exhaust fan cleaning every six months. Otherwise, regularly use an electrostatic feather duster with an extendable handle to dust the exterior of the fan every month. Appliances that are rarely used, such as those in a guest bathroom, typically only need an annual cleaning.
What cleaning tool could you use?
Prevent dust buildup on both the fan cover and its motor by diligently cleaning these areas of dirt. Typically, household chores are straightforward and take about 30 minutes. You also only need a few tools to get the cleaning job done. To safely clean a bathroom exhaust fan, you must first turn off the breaker to the bathroom. You may need one tooflashlight, if your bathroom has no windows. Before proceeding, turn on the fan at the switch to make sure the power is off.
Next, use onestable step ladder, which allows you to easily reach the ceiling. Carefully pull off the bathroom exhaust fan cover. Some models have pins on the sides that must be pressed to remove the cover. Hold onescrewdriverready if there are also screws holding the cover in place. If your exhaust fan is plugged into an electrical outlet, unplug it and unscrew any brackets holding it in place. Here are also the most important cleaning accessories you can use for this:
- All-purpose household cleaner
- sink or bucket
- Microfiber cloth
- sponge
- Old towel
- Vacuum cleaner with hose and crevice attachment
- Electrostatic feather duster
Follow simple steps and clean a dusty bathroom fan
Typically, the bathroom exhaust fan consists of three main parts: the cover, the fan blades and the motor, as well as the housing. In order to avoid dangerous deposits, it is also important to clean every item thoroughly. Here is a simple step-by-step guide you can follow.
Turn off the fuse
- Since bathroom fans run on electricity, you should turn off the bathroom breaker and make sure the fan power switch is turned off. This can leave the bathroom pretty dark, so have a flashlight handy.
- Use a sturdy step ladder, and since the fan is usually located above the bath or shower, make sure the floor is dry to prevent slipping.
Remove dust from the outside
- If dust has accumulated on the outside of the bathroom fan, remove it using your vacuum cleaner's crevice attachment or an electrostatic feather duster. This way, dust won't fall on the floor when you remove the cover.
Carefully dismantle the fan
- Most covers can be removed by gently pulling them away from the ceiling or wall. On some models, you may need to use a screwdriver or push down the latches on the sides to remove the cover.
- Once the cover is removed you will see the motor and blades of the unit.
- Most fans are plugged into an electrical outlet, so unplug the fan before cleaning the bathroom fan and surrounding enclosure.
Clean the vent cover and bathroom fan
- First, fill a bucket or sink with very warm water and add some all-purpose cleaner.
- Then submerge the vent cover and allow it to soak to remove dust and dirt while you clean the rest of the device.
- After soaking, use a microfiber cloth to wipe clean and rinse the cover with warm water.
- Afterwards, place the cover on an absorbent towel and allow it to air dry completely before reattaching it.
Clean the fan blades and motor of the bathroom fan
- First, remove the fan unit from the housing if possible. Most models will come out with just a few spins.
- Start by lightly dampening a microfiber cloth with water and wiping away dust from all blades and the motor. You can also use a vacuum cleaner with a crevice tool to suck out the dust.
- Use a light cleaning technique with a gentle touch to ensure you do not bend the blades.
- If the fan cannot be removed from the case, you can use a damp cloth, vacuum cleaner, or electrostatic feather duster to remove as much dust as possible.
Clean the housing of the device
- The recessed casing and brackets that hold the fan in place can also trap dust and insects in the corners.
- Use the crevice tool of the vacuum cleaner or feather duster to remove as much dirt as possible.
Clean and reassemble the bathroom fan
- When everything is clean, dry and dust-free, place the fan back into the case by screwing it into place or reconnecting it to the brackets.
- If necessary, plug the cable into the socket.
- Then rotate the fan blades a few times with your fingers to make sure they don't touch any part of the case.
- Also make sure the cover is completely dry and screw it tight.
Carry out the final functional test
- Turn the bathroom switch back on and give your clean exhaust fan a test run.
- If you hear a clicking or new noise, the fan may need to be repositioned slightly.
Now that your fan is sparkling clean, it would be a good idea to use an electrostatic feather duster with an extendable handle every few weeks to remove visible dust from the exterior cover.
This means you will have to clean your bathroom fan less often
There are some simple things you can do to keep your bathroom fan cleaner longer
- Keep the outer cover free of dust by dusting it with an electrostatic feather duster at least once a month.
- Turn on the fan and check it regularly to keep the components in good working condition.
- Reduce the number of airborne propellants such as hairspray and some types of bathroom air fresheners that can coat this cover as well as the slats.
- As mentioned above, do a thorough cleaning every six months.
- Cleaning a bathroom fan can be a bit of a hassle, but it's so much easier than having to do it all the timeMold and mildew in the bathroomto struggle when the fan is not working properly.
