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Investing in an extractor fan for the bathroom will make it easier to maintain a clean and mold-free environment there. In spite of this, since it operates continuously to dehumidify the air, if it is not cleaned on a regular basis, it will eventually get covered in mould and dust.
In this tutorial, we will demonstrate how to clean your extractor fan so that you can keep it running well for many years to come. Make sure you turn off the power before you start or remove the fan.
Regrettably, it is necessary to ensure that the exhaust fan in your bathroom is cleaned on a regular basis, as it is mainly important for removing excess moisture. The majority of individuals, however, are not familiar with proper cleaning procedures for bathroom exhaust fans. This is the reason why we decided to write this tutorial. This article will walk you through a straightforward procedure that shouldn’t take more than fifteen to twenty minutes to complete.
Why Is a Bathroom Extractor Fan Important?
- Health and Safety: A bathroom extractor fan plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and safety of your household. By running the fan during showers, you can effectively prevent the buildup of mold and mildew, which thrive in a moist environment and pose health risks.
- Air Quality: Regular cleaning is necessary because extractor fans accumulate dust and allergens over time. If left unchecked, these can circulate back into your bathroom, negatively impacting air quality and potentially causing health issues.
- Performance and Fire Risk: A dirty exhaust fan cannot operate at full capacity. Worse yet, if the motor overheats, the dust buildup in the fan housing could become a fire hazard. Ensuring your fan is clean helps it run efficiently and safely.
- Property Value: If you are moving out or selling your property, the state of your bathroom fan can leave a lasting impression. A clean fan is part of a well-maintained home and can influence whether you receive your security deposit back or affect the sale.
You should clean your extractor fan in housing for a variety of reasons. These reasons are listed below. To begin, if they are not cleaned regularly, they may collect a significant amount of dust and allergens, both of which can be detrimental to your health. Second, a filthy exhaust fan will prevent it from operating at its full capacity and may even present a fire risk.
It is possible for the dust that has accumulated in the housing of your fan to catch fire if the motor becomes overheated. Last but not least, if you are moving out of the home or selling it, a filthy fan gives a negative image, which might affect whether or not you receive your security deposit back
You should clean your extractor fan in housing for a variety of reasons. These reasons are listed below. To begin, if they are not cleaned regularly, they may collect a significant amount of dust and allergens, both of which can be detrimental to your health. Second, a filthy exhaust fan will prevent it from operating at its full capacity and may even present a fire risk.
It is possible for the dust that has accumulated in the housing of your fan to catch fire if the motor becomes overheated. Last but not least, if you are moving out of the home or selling it, a filthy fan gives a negative image, which might affect whether or not you receive your security deposit back.
How Often Should You Clean Your Bathroom Extractor Fan?
Keeping your bathroom’s extractor fan clean is essential for maintaining good air quality and preventing mold growth. However, the good news is that it doesn’t require frequent attention.
Cleaning Frequency Recommendations:
- Biannual Cleaning: Aim to clean your bathroom extractor fan at least twice a year. This schedule should suffice for general upkeep and efficiency.
- Consider Your Environment: If your bathroom sees heavy usage or is prone to excessive moisture, you might need to clean the fan every three to four months.
- Signs It’s Time to Clean: Notice a decline in performance or visible dust buildup? It’s time to give it a clean, regardless of your regular schedule.
Reasons for Regular Maintenance:
- Improved Efficiency: Regular cleaning ensures your fan operates at peak efficiency, keeping your bathroom fresher and moisture-free.
- Extended Lifespan: A well-maintained fan will last longer, saving you money in the long run.
By sticking to a reasonable cleaning schedule and adjusting as necessary based on your environment, you can ensure your bathroom extractor fan performs its best.
Place some newspapers or an old sheet on the ground as a catchall to help collect any loose dirt. If it has been a very long time since you cleaned the extractor fan in your bathroom, or if, even worse, you have never cleaned it, you should probably take some further steps to protect your health and safety. You should always safeguard your eyes and face by using a mask whenever feasible.
Keep your lips and your hair covered. It is recommended that you wear eye protection and a mask over your mouth if the air coming out of the extractor fan is very unclean. When cleaning a bathroom exhaust with a vacuum cleaner, use the right brush attachment.
Switch Off All Power Sources
It is imperative that you switch off the electricity to your extractor fan before making any attempts to clean it. You have the option of utilising either the switch or the circuit breaker to accomplish this task.
Take off the cover of the fan, and soak it in some soapy warm water
In order to remove the cover of your fan, you will often need to unscrew it and then either pull it off or slide it off. There are also spring clips on some of the extractor fans, and you will need to remove them.
After you have finished removing the lid, put it into a container that has soapy water and let it aside for a while.
Remove Any Dust From Within The Unit
Since you already took off the vent cover when cleaning a bathroom fan, you can look at the inside of the fan and decide how much cleaning it needs.
When cleaning your bathroom extractor fan, it’s crucial to address all the key components to ensure optimal performance and hygiene. There are three major parts to focus on: the cover, the housing, and the fan blades.
The Cover: Start with the fan cover, as it’s the easiest to clean. You might need to unscrew it or release it from clips holding it in place. Once removed, wash it with soapy water and let it dry thoroughly.
The Housing: While waiting for the cover to dry, move on to the housing, which can be a bit more challenging. If this is your first time cleaning, prepare to encounter a buildup of dust and grime that resembles dryer lint. Take your time to remove this gunk for better airflow.
The Blades and Motor: Finally, clean the blades and motor unit (if accessible). On some models, you can detach the blades and rinse them under a tap using a brush or sponge. Wipe the motor unit with a dry microfiber cloth to avoid moisture damage.
The inside of your extractor unit can be vacuumed, but we recommend using a duster instead. To begin, use your duster to clean the area behind the rear of the fan blades, provided that you are able to reach that area. Next, dust the remaining portions of the inside of the unit, moving toward yourself from the back as you do so. This will ensure that you do not transfer dust to previously cleaned sections.
By addressing each part methodically, you can maintain a clean and efficient extractor fan, enhancing the air quality in your bathroom.
For a more thorough clean, consider these steps:
- Remove and Clean Blades: If your model allows, detach the fan blades from the motor. Rinse them under the tap using a brush, scourer sponge, or cloth to remove any accumulated grime.
- Access the Motor Unit: With the blades removed, you can easily reach the motor unit. Wipe it down gently with a dry microfibre cloth to clear away dust and dirt.
- Handle Non-Removable Blades: If the blades on your fan don’t detach easily, don’t force them. Instead, clean them in place using a microfibre cloth or scourer sponge to avoid damage.
By incorporating these steps, you’ll ensure your bathroom extractor fan stays clean and efficient, promoting better air quality and extending its lifespan.”
Wash the inside of the device with soap and water
The next step is to use a towel or damp microfiber cloth with soapy water to clean the inside of the device. At this point, it is recommended that you check once more to ensure that the power has been switched off.
Make sure to squeeze the excess water out of the cleaning cloth in between applications so that you are not scrubbing with unclean water, and keep in mind that you may have to scrub the inside fairly vigorously on many occasions before it seems to be spotless.
Let everything air dry out
It is imperative that you wait until everything is totally dry before moving on to the next step once you have completed cleaning with the soapy water. A towel may be used to clean the fan, and then the cover can be removed and dried separately.
Replace the Cover
As everything is now clean, you may put the cover back on your extractor fan now that you’ve finished cleaning it. Before doing so, ensure all parts are completely dry to avoid any moisture-related issues.
- Reattach the Blades: If you were able to remove the blades during cleaning, carefully place them back into the housing unit. Make sure they are secure and aligned properly.
- Check Blade Clearance: Turn the fan on briefly to check that the blades are not hitting any internal components. If you hear any strange noises, readjust as necessary.
- Secure the Unit: Once the blades are in place and spinning smoothly, ensure the entire unit is properly installed. Double-check all screws and fastenings.
- Final Testing: After replacing the cover, switch the fan on again. Listen for any unusual sounds to confirm everything is functioning correctly. This final check ensures your extractor fan operates efficiently.
By following these steps, you’ll find that your fan is not only clean but also working optimally, ready to keep your bathroom fresh and ventilated.
If you’ve attempted to clean your bathroom extractor fan, but it still doesn’t look fantastic, you may contact Dirt2tidy for a thorough clean from our pros, whether it’s vacate cleaning or regular cleaning.
Feeling overwhelmed by the task? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many find it challenging to achieve that spotless finish. That’s where we come in.
- Expert Assistance: Our team is ready to handle even the toughest cleaning challenges, ensuring your extractor fan is part of a pristine home environment.
- Flexible Solutions: Whether you need a one-time deep clean or regular maintenance, we’ve got you covered.
- No-Obligation Consultation: Curious about what we can do for you? Reach out for a no-obligation quote tailored to your specific needs.
Taking the next step is easy—let us help turn your cleaning frustrations into satisfaction.”
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