How to clean a fan
Have you ever wondered how to clean a fan? Maybe yours has been running non-stop all summer (we don’t blame you, it’s been hot), or – shock, horror – you’ve never cleaned yours and finally want to do so.
Even the best fans aren’t self-cleaning, although some require far less cleaning than others thanks to a more enclosed design. If you really don’t like cleaning, you should go for a bladeless option. Even so, everything that circulates air in your room needs a little cleaning from time to time. How to clean a fan, whatever your model or brand.
How to clean a fan step by step
Cleaning a fan is easy and will ensure yours isn’t just blowing dust around when you’re just trying to cool down your room… To keep yours clean and sanitized follow these steps recommended by Toby Shulz who is an expert on Cleaning and housekeeping and CEO and co-founder of Maid2Match (opens in new tab).
1. Switch off and unplug
It goes without saying, but always turn off and unplug your fan before cleaning. Water and electricity = big no-no.
2. Vacuum the surface
Start vacuuming the outside of your fan now with the best vacuum cleaner you have. Shulz says, “Vacuum the surface with a dust brush attachment, paying special attention to any nooks and crannies. Then wipe the surface with a damp microfiber cloth (opens in new tab) to remove all stains.’
3. Don’t neglect the pole and base
It’s not just about cleaning the fan box itself – the fan bar and base also collect a lot of dust. And don’t forget any knobs and switches your fan might have – these will collect tons of bacteria from your fingers over time (sorry, but it’s true).
4. Disassemble your fan
“Check the manual for how to disassemble your fan. You’ll either have to unscrew the case or remove the clips holding it in place. Then unscrew the blade cap and remove the blades.’
5. Clean with a DIY spray solution
You don’t need a commercially formulated product to clean your fan. Just:
- Mix 2 teaspoons of dish soap (opens in new tab) with 3 cups of cold water in a spray bottle.
- Spray the body and blades, then wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.
- Rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean cloth.
6. Reassemble the fan
‘Reassemble your fan and make sure all the components are back in their proper places.’
How do you clean the dust from a fan?
A vacuum with a dust attachment is your best bet (a cordless vacuum model should also work well) as it will remove any dust on the fan’s surface. It also helps in removing dust from a pedestal fan.’ says Schulz.
How do you clean a fan without disassembling it?
Angela Lee from Hellamaid (opens in new tab)a premier cleaning company in Ontario,
Canada has the following top tips for cleaning a fan without disassembling it:
Use clean sand or salt
“Loosen dust and dirt that has settled on the blades of the box ventilator, window ventilator or pedestal ventilator can be easily removed with this technology. This approach is also super simple and basic. First, take a large sheet or piece of paper. Next, place your fan – whether box, window or pedestal fan – on it. Either with the blade facing up or down is acceptable. Then clean sand or salt (opens in new tab) should be poured, dry and go through the grill. The dust and spills are then removed as the sand or salt passes through the fan blades onto the paper.’
Use an air compressor
“You need to move the fan to an open area like a patio, carport, or basement when using an air compressor. Grab your air compressor (you can buy one on Amazon) (opens in new tab), connect the power cable and clean the fan. This technique can effectively clean the fan. When cleaning the fan blades, use a stick wrapped in a damp cloth to remove any remaining dust.’
Finally, using a vacuum is a fail-safe way to clean your fan without disassembling it: “You can also use a standard vacuum to clean a pedestal or desk fan. Dust and debris that has accumulated in the fan grille can be removed with a vacuum cleaner. You only need to place the fan in a safe open area. If you can’t take it to an open area like a patio, you can simply unclip the grill and clean it in the toilet or bathroom.’
How often should you clean a fan?
According to Shulz, “You should give your fan a quick clean every 1-2 weeks and a deep clean every 3 months. Before cleaning, make sure it is turned off and unplugged.’
Toby is a cleaning and housekeeping expert and the CEO and co-founder of Maid2Match (opens in new tab).