How to Clean an Exhaust Fan

With a thick coating of dust and grease, this looks like an intimidating project. It's not.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Liquid Dish Soap
• Crevice Tool Vacuum Attachments
• Soft Rags
• Vacuum Cleaners
• Window Cleaner
• Window Cleaner
• Old Toothbrushes
• Paper Towels
• Paper Towels
• Paper towels
• Vacuum cleaners

1. Turn off the power to the fan at the fuse box.

2. 

   Remove the cover and soak it in hot water with dishwashing liquid. You can use an old toothbrush to scrub the hard-to-reach places.

3. Unplug the fan unit and pull it out. Set it on some newspaper or cardboard.

4. 

   Wipe the fan unit down with dry paper towels. When you get the dust cleared away, you may need to spray some window cleaner on a soft cloth and wipe the blades down.

5. 

   Vacuum out the enclosure with a vacuum crevice tool, then wipe it clean with a dry cloth.

6. 

   Put the unit back together and replace the cover.

Tips & Warnings

• Some fan units can't be removed. If this is the case with yours, simply clean the filters by soaking them in hot, soapy water.
• Don't use abrasive scouring powders to clean the fan's parts.
• Never spray liquid into the fan itself or onto electrical parts.

[greendomestic]

on 3/2/2009 We use Green Potions. They have a potion whereby you can clean all oil and grease with a soft cloth. Place the exhaust fan filters in the potion, leave for 30 minutes. Remove and rinse. Presto! No scrubbing and no elbow grease and it's an all natural product.

on 11/22/2005 To clean the exhaust fan filter over your stove, remove it and it in the top rack of your dishwasher. Also great for sink drain plugs, scouring pads and sponges. Not only cleans these items, but sanitizes them