How to Clean a Bathoom Exhaust Fan

The exhaust fan in your bathroom is susceptible to dust and dirt just like many other parts of your home. Cleaning a bathroom exhaust fan allows odors and steam to vent out of the bathroom properly. Clean the exhaust fan in the bathroom at least two times a year. Cleaning this fan regularly ensures not only that it works properly, but cleaning maximizes its lifespan as well.

Things You'll Need

• Drill or screwdriver
• Mild dish soap
• Warm water
• Rags
• Cotton swabs
• Paper towels
• Canned air

Instructions

1. Turn off the power to your bathroom from the breaker box. This will prevent any injury while cleaning the exhaust fan.

2. Unscrew the screws holding the outer cover on the fan. Use a drill or screwdriver to back out the screws. You may also need to remove the light fixture from the fan if one is attached.

3. Slide out the exhaust fan blade. It may be held in with attachments or screws that will need to be removed.

4. Fill the sink with a solution of mild dish soap and warm water. Clean the vent cover with a rag to remove any dirt and debris. Use a cotton swab to get into crevices that may be hard to clean. Dry the vent cover with a paper towel or rag and set it aside.

5. Clean both sides of the blades on the fan using window cleaner or a mild household cleanser. Dry the fan blades with paper towels or a clean cloth.

6. Replace the fan blade and then the cover. Turn the power back on in the bathroom.

7. Use canned air for more frequent cleaning of the bathroom exhaust fan. Hold the can about 12 inches from the vent cover and spray the air into the exhaust fan. This will blow away any dust on the surface of the vent cover and even some from the fan blade.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not let children play with canned air. It contains chemicals that can be harmful.

References

• The Family Handyman
• Do It Yourself