The bathroom exhaust fan is one of the most important appliances in any home — and one that most people never clean. A dust-clogged fan runs louder, moves less air, and is significantly less effective at removing moisture that leads to mould. Cleaning it takes 15–20 minutes and makes a noticeable difference in both noise level and ventilation performance. It should be done at least twice a year.
Tools You'll Need
- A vacuum with a brush attachment
- A soft brush or old toothbrush
- A damp cloth
- A flathead or Phillips screwdriver (sometimes needed to remove the cover)
Important: turn off the bathroom fan at the wall switch before starting. For extra safety, turn off the circuit breaker for the bathroom — particularly before touching the fan motor housing.
Step 1: Remove the Cover
Most bathroom exhaust fan covers pull straight down with gentle pressure — there are spring-loaded clips that release when the cover is lowered. Some are secured with screws. With the cover down, it may still be attached by a power cable for the light (if it has one) — either disconnect that plug or work around it. Take the cover to the sink.
Step 2: Wash the Cover
Wash the cover with warm soapy water. The cover typically accumulates significant dust and sometimes mould. A brush helps get into the louvred sections. Rinse well and let dry completely before reinstalling — a wet cover returned to the fan housing can cause mould growth.
Step 3: Vacuum the Fan Blades and Housing
With the cover removed, you can see the fan blade (impeller) and the motor housing. Use the vacuum's brush attachment to remove dust from the blade, the housing walls, and around the motor. Vacuum toward the ceiling vent opening. Use a soft brush or toothbrush to dislodge dust from tight areas around the motor.
Do not use water or liquid cleaner directly on the motor housing — moisture can damage the motor.
Step 4: Wipe Accessible Surfaces
Wipe the accessible interior walls of the fan housing with a lightly damp cloth. Wipe the ceiling around the fan opening — this area accumulates dust in a ring pattern that is visible once you're looking for it.
Step 5: Reinstall the Cover
Once the cover is completely dry, reinstall it by aligning the clips with the housing and pressing up until it snaps into place. Turn the circuit breaker back on and test.
Bathroom Exhaust Fan Maintenance Tips
- Clean twice a year — spring and fall
- Run the fan during and for 20 minutes after every shower — this is the fan's primary purpose and running it regularly prevents mould
- If your fan sounds noticeably louder than when it was new, cleaning is overdue — a dust-clogged impeller works much harder and louder than a clean one
- If ventilation is poor even with a clean fan, the duct may be blocked or disconnected — a trades professional should inspect
Bathroom deep cleaning including exhaust fan covers is part of Maidless's deep cleaning service in Toronto. Book a Toronto bathroom deep clean — HST included.