As fairly new homeowners ourselves—going on six years now—my wife and I have come to realize just how much regular maintenance we’ve overlooked. One of the big ones we recently tackled was cleaning our bathroom fans, and let me tell you, the difference in air quality was noticeable almost immediately!
We’ve talked before on the site about how important it is to keep your bathroom fans clean. Not only do they help remove moisture from the air, preventing mold growth, but they also improve overall air circulation in the bathroom. That said, cleaning a bathroom fan is a task that’s easy to forget, but equally easy to do.
Here’s a quick guide to help you clean your bathroom fan properly.
What You’ll Need:
- Ladder
- Vacuum (with a hose attachment)
- A brush (optional)
- Mild cleaner (if needed)
Note: We have Nutone fans, which were installed by our homebuilder, but these steps should work for most fan models.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Bathroom Fan
- Remove the Fan Cover
Start by pulling the fan cover down about 2 inches. You’ll see metal hooks or clips on the sides that hold the cover in place. Carefully squeeze these clips together while holding the fan cover. Do this for one side, then repeat for the other side. If your fan has a light attached, you’ll also need to unplug the light power cable before removing the cover. - Unplug the Fan
Once the cover is off, locate the fan’s power cable and unplug it. This ensures safety while you’re cleaning the fan. - Vacuum the Fan Cover
Take the fan cover to a flat surface, such as your bathroom vanity, and vacuum it thoroughly. Pay special attention to any areas where dust has accumulated. If the cover looks grimy or stained, wipe it down with a mild cleaner and allow it to dry completely before reattaching. - Clean the Fan Housing
While the cover is drying, use your vacuum to clean around the entrance of the fan itself. Remove as much dust and debris as possible from the fan blades, housing, and surrounding area. If needed, use a brush to dislodge any stubborn dirt. - Reassemble the Fan
Once everything is clean and dry, reconnect the fan’s power cable. Next, grab the fan cover and reinstall it by squeezing the metal clips together and fitting them back into the notches. Make sure both sides are securely in place before pushing the cover up. If your fan cover has a light, don’t forget to plug the power cable back in. - Test Your Fan
After you’ve reassembled everything, test the fan and light to make sure they’re working properly. You should notice improved airflow and, with regular cleaning, your fan will continue to run efficiently for years to come.
Why Cleaning Your Bathroom Fan Matters
It may seem like a small task, but regular maintenance of your bathroom fan is crucial for maintaining good air quality and preventing mold growth. The fan works hard to remove moisture and odors from your bathroom, so keeping it clean ensures it performs at its best.
Cleaning your bathroom fan every six months to a year will keep it running smoothly and can help avoid costly repairs or replacements down the road.
By following these simple steps, you’ll help your bathroom fan run more efficiently and improve the overall air quality in your home. Trust us—your lungs (and your bathroom) will thank you!
Here’s a video as well, that can be helpful to watch.