Bathroom exhaust fans pull humid air out of the bathroom, but they pull in everything that floats in the air — dust, lint, and skin particles — which accumulate on the fan cover and blades. A clogged fan moves far less air than it should, which means your bathroom stays humid longer, increasing the risk of mould. It also runs hotter as the motor works harder, increasing fire risk. Clean every 6 months.
Removing the Cover
- Turn off the fan at the wall switch — it does not need to be turned off at the breaker for cover removal
- Pull the cover straight down — most bathroom fan covers have spring clips that hold them to the housing. Squeeze the clips inward and the cover will release
- Some covers are held by a single screw in the centre — check for this if the cover won't release with gentle pulling
Cleaning the Cover
- Wash the cover in warm soapy water or run it under the tap to remove accumulated dust and lint
- Rinse and allow to dry completely before reinstalling — a damp cover placed back will attract more dust faster
Cleaning the Blades and Housing
Turn off the breaker for the bathroom before cleaning the fan blades:
- Use a vacuum with the brush attachment to remove loose dust from the blades and motor housing — most of the buildup is loose dust
- Use a soft brush or compressed air to dislodge any remaining dust from the blade edges
- Wipe the inside of the housing with a dry cloth
- Do not use water or spray cleaner directly in the housing — moisture near the motor is a hazard
Reinstalling
- Turn the breaker back on
- Align the cover clips with the slots in the housing and press up until they click into place
- Turn on the fan to test — it should be noticeably quieter and move more air after cleaning
Tips
- A canned air duster (compressed air) is effective for blowing dust out of the fan assembly without disassembling it — a good quick-clean option between full cleanings
- If the fan is still loud after cleaning, the motor bearings may be worn — a noisy fan that moves little air needs replacing, not cleaning