Cleaning Your Bathroom Exhaust Fan
The bathroom exhaust fan is one of the most neglected fixtures in Ontario homes — and one of the most important for preventing mould and moisture damage. A clogged exhaust fan can't remove steam effectively, leading to elevated bathroom humidity, condensation on walls and ceilings, and eventually mould growth on grout, drywall, and the ceiling itself. Cleaning it twice a year takes ten minutes.
Why It Gets Clogged
The fan draws air through a grille — that grille accumulates a layer of dust, lint, and particulates over time. As the layer thickens, airflow is restricted. Restricted airflow means the fan runs but doesn't effectively remove moisture. In Ontario homes, this becomes most problematic in winter, when bathrooms are used more frequently for hot showers and exterior walls are cold (creating temperature differentials that promote condensation).
How to Clean It
- Turn off the fan at the switch (or at the breaker for safety)
- Remove the grille — most snap off or unclip downward
- Wash the grille in the sink with warm soapy water; rinse and dry thoroughly
- Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to clean the fan housing and blades — do not use wet materials inside the housing
- Snap the dry grille back in place
How Often
Twice a year is the standard recommendation — spring and fall. For bathrooms with heavy use (multiple family members, frequent long showers), quarterly cleaning is better. If you notice condensation on the mirror persisting long after a shower, clean the fan immediately.