Category: Ventilation
April 14, 2016
Your bathroom exhaust fan serves a very important function in your home. Without it you risk a potential for mold and mildew to build up. Keeping your fan running efficiently and effectively is very important. The good news is that they do not require very much maintenance, but there are a couple things that you should do. Just taking some time to clean your exhaust fan from time to time can have a big impact.
Almost all exhaust fans are what is referred to as permanently lubricated. This means that there is never a need for you to oil the fan motor. What does need to be done is for you to clean your exhaust fan on a regular basis. You should always refer to your owner’s manual for specific cleaning procedures and always turn the power off to the exhaust fan before starting any maintenance. With that being said, there are basically two items of the fan that should be regularly cleaned.
The first is the grill. Almost all grills can be removed from the exhaust fan. If it is a standard plastic or metal grill, they can be washed using a mild detergent like dishwashing soap. Never use any abrasives to clean the grill as it may damage them. If the grill has a light function or any other electronics in it, use a slightly damp cloth, being careful not to get any of the electronics or lamp socket wet. Always make sure the grill is completely dry before re-installing.
The second item that should be cleaned is inside the fan housing. Over time dirt and debris will build up on the inside of the housing and especially on the fan blade. This can cause the fan to operate louder than normal, put more stress on the motor, and in some extreme cases clog the ducting. To clean the interior of the fan, use a dry cloth to wipe down all the interior parts and especially the fan blade. You can also gently use a vacuum to clean the inside of the fan. Again, take care that you do not damage any of the internal parts.
By taking the time to clean your exhaust fan, you are helping to ensure many years of worry-free operation. To learn more about other helpful tips visit the Exhaust Fan FAQ section of this site.
