A guide to cleaning the bathroom fan

When it comes to bathroom cleaning, there are a ton of chores that make a list. To start from the usual shower area, where limescale and soap scum deposits mar every square inch, to the toilet bowl, where you have to tackle bacteria and germs. Then there are also the stains on the grout and the faucet, which require attention. We covered the best tips to speed up bathroom cleaning in another article. 

Many people actually forget about the hardworking exhaust fan, which is nicely hidden away from sight. Yet, as it turns out, failure to clean it results in lower air quality in the room, which is not cool. The fan removes the excess moisture from the bathroom, thus preventing mould and mildew growth. If that is no reason enough to clean it, remember that dust accumulation on the motor can damage the machine and lead to a costly repair. It is enough to clean it properly once or twice a year to ensure smooth work of the machine. Here is a simple guide for you to follow: 

1. Preparation for the task 

When it comes to cleaning any electrical appliance, it is important to keep safety in mind first. Especially when it comes to bathroom cleaning. If there are no windows in the place, get some flashlight. You will also need a stepladder to get to the bathroom fan. Then, get on the ladder and remove the cover of the fan. Depending on the model you have, there may be pins on the sides or some other mechanism. If there is too much dust on the outside, you may need to vacuum it first. Make sure you have a screwdriver, as you will need it. 

2. Clean the different fan parts 

In general, exhaust fans consist of 3 parts: the cover, fan blades with motor and housing. Cleaning each of these parts is important for preventing a build-up of spoils. Here is how you do it: 

• • Cleaning the fan vent cover – cleaning this part of the bathroom fan is easy if the cover is removable. Simply soak it in warm soapy water and do a little scrubbing. If the part is not removable, you will have to scrub manually, but be careful not to apply too much pressure, or else you can damage it. Use a soft damp microfibre cloth for the task. 
  • Cleaning the fan blades – to remove the fan assembly, you should twist it gently. If you haven’t cleaned that area in a while, do not be surprised to find it was coated with dust. Use a damp cloth to wipe the blades and motor clean. If possible, use a vacuum cleaner with the appropriate attachment to clean deep inside. If it is not possible to remove the bathroom fan, use a vacuum cleaner to remove as much dust as possible. 
  • Vacuum exhaust fan housing – it is best to use a crevice attachment for this part of the cleaning process. Pay more attention to the brackets holding the fan there. If you lack such attachment, a brush attachment works just as well. 

3. The finishing touches 

Once you are done with the cleaning part, it is time to return the bathroom fan and motor assembly back in the housing area. Before you turn on the fan, use your fingers to make sure it is spinning without hitting any part of the housing. Dry the cover and return it to the exhaust fan. Flip the breaker and give the fan a demo run, before you return to using it normally. 

As you can see, it doesn’t take much to clean the exhaust fan. It is up to you to address this bathroom cleaning task properly. 

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