We won’t go into the details of why exactly a bathroom exhaust fan is super important because it is and that’s why it is there in the first place, right? But yes, it happens that after a long time, these exhaust fans start to slow down or even stop working because of dirt buildups, and that’s why you should be cleaning them regularly. Today, we are going to show you how to clean the bathroom exhaust fan without removing it, so, let’s get to it right away.
First of All, What You’ll Need?
Without a single doubt, it would be best if you get the necessary cleaning tools from your home. A vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment, a microfiber cloth, a small, soft-bristle brush or a small paintbrush, and a mild cleaner, such as dish soap should be the first things on your list. If you have compressed air, that will surely save you a lot of time in case you need to clean certain areas that are difficult to reach, you know?
And just for safety, the bathroom fan is the first thing to be switched off. Out of caution, never clean a fan when the power is still on. If in doubt, turn off the power at the circuit breaker.
Step 1: Vacuum the Exterior and Vent Cover
Start your process by vacuuming a fan on the outside. After that with the brush, cover any loose dust or dirt from the vent cover. Even this simple step reduces dust in the bathroom if the cover is the dirtiest one, you know?
Step 2: Wipe Down the Vent Cover
After vacuuming the vent, the next step is to wipe it down with a damp cloth. Your damp cloth should be a microfiber cloth. If the dirt is tough to take off, mix a little soap with warm water to make it clean up easily. Be careful with soaking the cap especially if there are lights or electrical parts attached to the fan. Make sure to let the cover dry.
Step 3: Clean the Fan Blades and Housing
Now, we are going to clean the fan blades and the case. You can totally get it done without having to take the motor out! Just simply go over all the fan blades and some of the motor components too. This first step is THE one that will bring your moving parts back to life and silence the grumbling from your fan. And for God’s sake, be gentle! Otherwise, it will be the end of your wobbly-blade adventure. If there are dirt buildups that aren’t coming off, just use a brush or something for that.
See, if you are happy with the results already, you can stop it right there. But if not, you can do all in and deal with all the dirt buildups that are not really easy to get to. You’d probably need tiny brushes, and maybe use some pressurized air.
Step 4: Final Wipe and Dry
Once you’ve vacuumed and dusted, it’s time to take a microfiber cloth and give everything one more good once-over. Leave no dust, and ensure that the blades and housing are thoroughly dry before switching the power back on. This little trick keeps your fan fully operational again.