Many a time, homeowners find their exhaust fans looking dirt-covered and grimy or filthy. Exhaust fans primarily function to remove stuffy and warm air within a room, while enhancing the breathability and freshness of indoor air. They are also very useful in the kitchen. However, while cleaning the air, the fan often traps both grease and dirt. This makes the exhaust fan dirty and in need of regular cleaning.
This is most applicable for exhaust fans that are set up in the kitchen as they are often exposed to the highest amount of grease. They are used during cooking and the high amount of oil leads to them getting clogged up often.
In this comprehensive guide, you will learn how to clean your exhaust fan effectively for improved air quality using the best techniques and tools.
Wondering how to clean your exhaust fan and get rid of all the grease and grime? Here are a few steps you can follow to clean your exhaust fan and make it as good as new.
Switching the fan off
Removing the fan mesh
Removing loose dust
Cleaning the fan filter
Preparing the cleaning solution
Cleaning the fan
Re-inserting the filter
The first step is to switch the fan off. It should be unplugged safely from the power outlet. This combats electric surges while cleaning or changing the fan.
The next step is the removal of the fan mesh. This should be removed only with gloves. It is a metallic mesh that covers the fan from the front. The grime and dirt here may impact the overall durability and functioning of the fan blades. The mesh can be unhooked from the levers that are keeping it in place.
Loose dust has to be removed. The exhaust fan has to be carefully dusted for this purpose. The mesh of the exhaust fan can also be dusted with a cloth as a part of the process.
After unplugging the exhaust fan, removing the mesh, and dusting lightly, you may notice that the exhaust fan is still greasy and needs further cleaning. Follow the steps below for deeper cleaning of your exhaust fan:
Cleaning the Kitchen Exhaust Fan Filter: In a tub or a bucket that is big enough to submerge the exhaust fan mesh, add warm water and soak the mesh for a few minutes. While the mesh of the exhaust fan is fully submerged, prepare a cleaning solution that can get rid of the grease.
Making the Cleaning Solution: The solution can be made by making a solution of baking soda mixed in hot water. Soak the mesh in this solution for 15-30 minutes before scrubbing the mesh with a bristle or sponge. After cleaning, it should be rinsed in hot water. The mesh should then be completely dried before reinstallation.
Cleaning the Exhaust Fan: The next step is to clean the fan blades. The motor should first be removed by taking off the screws. You can use the homemade cleaning solution to wipe grease off the fan blades. Do not, however, pour the solution directly on them, instead use a cloth for this purpose.
Re-Inserting the Filter: Once the mesh, fan blades, and motor are clean and fully dry, the exhaust fan can be reassembled. The hooks and latches should be fully secured before the unit is plugged in and used as before.
Sometimes it may be difficult to remove the exhaust fan in order to clean it. In these cases, it is possible to clean your exhaust fan without removing it by following these steps:
Switch off the exhaust fan.
Clean the fan mesh by removing the vent cover and vacuuming the dust. You can also wipe it with a damp and clean cloth before air drying.
The fan can be cleaned without removing the motor. Dust may be removed by linking the crevice to the vacuum. The brush attachment can remove dirt and grease. Upon the removal of the dry dust, cleaning spray can be used with a microfiber cloth for wiping the components.
The fan mesh can be reattached thereafter by securing the hooks and latches.
Here are some precautions that you should take while cleaning your exhaust fan.
The exhaust fan should be turned off and unplugged.
If it is a hardwired fan, the circuit breaker should be switched off since it controls the fan.
A robust ladder should be used to reach the exhaust fan if required.
Gloves and a mask should be worn to keep allergens and dust away while cleaning.
Knowing how to clean your exhaust fan is important since it should be kept in mint condition for higher durability. You should periodically clean your exhaust fan yourself to ensure better performance. This works well for exhaust fans used in the bathrooms and other areas.
At the same time, since kitchen exhaust fans are the most greasy and oil-stained, you should clean them at shorter intervals. Exhaust fans play a vital role in every home and noting the above-mentioned cleaning steps is a must in this regard.
Do bathroom exhaust fans need to be cleaned?
Bathroom exhaust fans require regular maintenance and cleaning. The mesh and blades may accumulate a lot of dirt and dust along with grime. Hence, if they are not cleaned, it will affect the lifespan and operations of the exhaust fan.
How often should I clean the kitchen exhaust fan?
The exhaust fan in the kitchen should be regularly cleaned to ensure the longevity and efficiency of the exhaust fan. If you are using the fan frequently, then cleaning should be done once every three months.
How do you clean the blades of an exhaust fan?
The exterior can be cleaned with a cloth or a vacuum cleaner. The fan mesh can be removed and cleaned. If it is possible, the fan unit may be removed from the housing and motor. A damp microfiber cloth may be used to wipe the dust away from the motor and fan blades. The blades should dry in the air before being reassembled.
Explore More
BLDC Ceiling Fans | Mixer Grinder | Pedestal Fans | Wall Fans | Exhaust Fans | Smart Lock | Smart Ceiling Fans | Designer Fans | Small Fans | Exhaust Fan Power Consumption | How to Install Exhaust Fan | Types of Exhaust Fan
