How to Clean a Bathroom Extractor Fan

A bathroom extractor fan in bathrooms are designed to meet various expectations. Extractor fans, also commonly referred to exhaust fans, are usually installed in the ceiling to provide ventilation, especially in bathrooms that do not have windows. They allow the heat and humidity to escape the bathroom when a hot shower is running while getting rid of unpleasant odors. To keep your bathroom extractor fan working properly, you will need to clean it regularly.

Step 1: Turn Off the Electricity

Head down to your main electrical panel (circuit breaker or fuse box) and turn off the circuit (push or press it to the off position) or remove the fuse that specifically powers your bathroom. Safety should always be your first consideration when you are working around electrical devices in the home.

Step 2: Remove the Cover

Pretty much every bathroom extractor fan is protected with a casing or cover. Remove this first. If your fan is too high to reach, you will need a step ladder. Do not overreach your arms lest you lose your balance. Use a screwdriver (flathead or Philips depending on the type of screws used to hold the fan cover in place) to remove the screws. Hold the unit housing while you remove the cover. Pull down the cover carefully and put it in a bucket. Take the screws and place them on a piece of masking tape. Fold the masking tape over to create a pocket for the screws. Put the screws in the same bucket.

Step 3: Locate the Exhaust Fan Blade

Look up into the extractor fan. You should see the fan blade. Slide the fan blade assembly out completely. If the fan blade is held down with additional tabs or retainers, remove them first and put them onto a piece of masking tape and into the same bucket.

Step 4: Clean the Vent Cover

In another bucket, mix a solution of warm water and soap. Submerse the vent cover inside the bucket and using a gentle cloth, rag or sponge wash the vent cover so that all cobwebs, dirt and debris works its way free from the vent cover. Pull out the vent cover from the soapy water solution and rinse with some warm water. Allow it to air dry on a paper towel or soft cloth.

Step 5: Clean the Fan Blades

Using a cloth made for window cleaning, and a spray or two of window cleaner, shine up the fan blades. In addition, pull out an anti-bacterial or anti-fungal solution and spray it on the blades to remove any growth that may have just started. Dry completely.

Step 6: Re-Install Unit

Re-install the unit in its original position.

Step 7: Turn on Electricity

Head back down to the circuit breaker box and flip the switch back on.