Having a functional exhaust fan can help remove excess moisture from your bathroom.  Of course, it also helps in removing those pesky bathroom odors. This is how to clean your bathroom exhaust fans.

This is a Health Task!

Any mold problem can put your family’s health at risk. It’s best to eliminate the mold immediately so it doesn’t spread or get worse.

This is a Preventative Maintenance Task!

A nonfunctional exhaust fan will result in mold and mildew growth within your bathroom. If your fan doesn’t work correctly, it won’t help remove the excess moisture circulating in your bathroom. This can result in mold & mildew growth.

This is an Energy Efficiency Task!

A fan doesn’t work to its full potential when it’s hindered by dust and grime. A clean fan will work more efficiently, requiring less electricity to operate.

Tasks can be done by: Homeowner, Handyman, or Cleaning Company

Task Steps

Step 1 – Turn the Power Off

• First, confirm what breaker(s) control power to each bathroom fan.  If you have more than one bathroom, you will need to confirm if each fan is on the same breaker or a different breaker. Turn the fan on and test which breaker kills power to the fan.
• Make sure you throw the correct breaker for the bathroom fan you are working on. 

Step 2 – Getting Prepared

• You’re going to want to lay a tarp down below the fan to catch any falling dust or debris.
• Wear eye protection and a mask because you might be getting a dust shower, depending on how dirty the exhaust fan is.
• Position a ladder on top of the tarp & right below the exhaust fan.
• Prepare a bucket of hot, soapy water. Let a rag or sponge soak in the water while you deal with the fan cover. An alternative method is to use a window cleaner and a damp rag.
  • Tool List: Tarp, ladder, safety glasses/goggles, small bucket

Step 3 – Removing the Cover

• Use a screwdriver or press the tabs to remove the vent cover from the ceiling. Ensure to store the screws (if applicable) in a safe spot where they won’t get lost.
• Place the vent cover in the soapy water bucket. Let it soak while you clean the fan.
  • Tool List: Screwdriver, ladder

Step 4 – Clean Fan Blades

• Whether you chose to use a damp cleaning cloth or sponge, you’re going to want to remove it from the bucket and make sure to squeeze out all excess water.
• Gently take the damp cleaning cloth and wipe off the fan blades. Be careful not to touch any wiring.
• Wipe all the blades dry once you’ve wiped off the dust.
  • Tool List: stepladder, flashlight
  • Supply List: Wet cleaning cloth, dry cleaning cloth

Step 5 – Reattach the Cover

• Wipe the cover that was soaking in the soapy water. Make sure it is cleaned thoroughly.
• Once it’s cleaned, make sure it’s fully dry.
• Clip it back into place or screw the vent cover back into place (as applicable).
  • Tool List: ladder –stepladder, screwdriver

Step 6 – Clean Up & Test

• If a lot of debris is on the tarp, you can either vacuum it off /or/ shake the tarp off outside.
• Go to your electric panel box and switch the power back on to the fan.
• Test to make sure the exhaust fan is working normally before putting all your supplies away.
• Lastly, clean up and put everything away in its appropriate places.
  • Tool List: Vacuum

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Also, check out another interesting article- Inspect and Clean Your Fridge and Freezer!