Although it may not seem like a priority, cleaning your exhaust fan is essential. In this article, we’ll explore why that is and offer some tips on how to clean an exhaust fan.
How to Clean A Bathroom Exhaust Fan
Don’t fret about needing to buy all sorts of new materials. You can clean your bathroom fan vent cover with supplies you already have at home, like a vacuum and towel.
Cut the power. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so if you’re not comfortable working with electricity, it’s best to shut down the power at the circuit breaker to avoid accidents while cleaning bathroom fans.
Remove the grate or fan cover. To remove the fan cover, stand on a stool or ladder that is sturdy. Most covers can be removed by unhooking them without needing any tools, but some might need a screwdriver.
Clean the cover. If you want to remove the dust from your vacuum’s fan cover, use the brush attachment. Once you’re done, wipe it with a clean, damp cloth. If there is mildew present, put on gloves and use a microfiber cloth dipped in diluted bleach or vinegar.
Clean the fan assembly. Use the vacuum’s attachment to remove any dust from the fan blades. If there is difficult-to-reach areas, use compressed air in a can. Afterwards, wipe away any remaining dust with a cloth.
Replace the cover and restore power. It’s really that simple. Just snap the cover back into place and turn the power back on at the circuit breaker. Now you can enjoy a clean a bathroom fan.
How to Clean Your Kitchen Exhaust Fan
Kitchen exhaust fan cleaning is more in-depth than taking care of the one in your bathroom. Dust isn’t your sole problem. Understanding how to clean built-up grease from an old fan is essential for the task at hand—a newer model may only have a light film of grease, especially if you don’t fry foods often on your stovetop. If it’s been years since (or worse, never) the exhaust fan was given a good cleaning, expect there to be caked on grime and dust as well as lots of greasy build up. Here are some tips for tackling this not so fun job.
Shut off the power. For your safety, cut the power to the exhaust fan at the circuit breaker before trying to clean it.
Remove the grease filter. While kitchen exhaust fans come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, they typically have a grease filter to stop an excessive amount of oil from entering the duct. If available, look at your model’s user manual for more specific instructions on how to take out the filter. The good news is that this is generally the only appliance disassembly required. You won’t need to go crazy and remove your entire kitchen exhaust fan for cleaning purposes.
Clean or throw away the filter. If your exhaust fan uses a disposable filter, record the dimensions of the old one and purchase a replacement at a hardware store. If your model has a reusable filter, clean it with warm, soapy water and brushing or scrubbing before rinsing. For extra tough grease buildup, boiling or soaking in baking soda solution may be necessary.
Wipe away grease and grime. Use rubber gloves and a clean cloth to wipe away grease from the hood assembly and fan blades (if accessible). Dipping the cloth in baking soda and water can help with light grease buildup. If there’s more grime, apply dish soap and warm water to the cloth. If the hood or fan blades are wet after cleaning, use a rag to dry them off.
Replace the filter and restore power. After you finish, put the filter back in place, turn the power on, and start cooking!
Final Thoughts on How to Clean an Exhaust Fan
Cleaning an exhaust fan is not as difficult as it sounds. If you have the right tools and supplies, along with safety measures to get rid of dust and grease from your kitchen or bathroom fan, then you can easily clean your exhaust vent ducts on your own. Follow these simple steps and schedule a cleaning session for your home’s ventilation system at least once a year. With these tips, you’ll have an exhaust fan that is as clean as new in no time at all!
Cleaning your home’s ventilation system on a regular basis will help to keep dust and debris from accumulating over time. This can prevent the motor from overheating and ensure safe airflow through your home. If you’re unsure about how to clean an exhaust fan in your kitchen or bathroom, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. With the right tools and supplies, as well as safety precautions, you can easily complete this task on your own! Good luck!