You clean a bathroom exhaust fan by shutting down the power, removing the fan cover, cleaning the cover, using a vacuum, and then wiping the fan blades. It’s essential to clean your exhaust fans regularly to maintain efficiency and prolong lifespan.
Knowing what the cleaning process entails is essential in knowing whether or not your fans need professional maintenance or replacement. Experienced Cairns electrical service providers can help install and replace exhaust fans when required.
In this post, we’ll talk about the steps to clean a bathroom exhaust fan and how often you need to do it.
The 5 Steps to Clean a Bathroom Exhaust Fan
The 5 essential steps to clean a bathroom exhaust fan are to shut down the power, remove the fan cover, clean the cover, vacuum the dust, and wipe the fan blades. Here’s a more in-depth look at each step.
Step 1: Shut Down Power
Before commencing any work, it’s crucial to switch off the power to the exhaust fan at the circuit breaker. This ensures safety by preventing any electrical hazards. A visual confirmation that the power is off, such as the absence of a working light or fan, is advised.
Step 2: Remove Fan Cover
Gently prise off the fan’s cover. This step typically involves unclipping or unscrewing it, depending on your model. Handle the cover carefully to avoid damage. Put screws or clips in a safe place to avoid losing them.

Step 3: Clean the Cover
Submerge the cover in warm, soapy water to loosen grime and dust. A soft brush can be used for stubborn dirt. After a thorough cleaning, rinse and dry the cover completely before reinstallation.
Step 4: Vacuum Away Dust
Carefully remove dust from the fan’s interior using a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment. Pay attention to crevices and corners where dust accumulates. This step improves the fan’s efficiency and reduces the risk of overheating.
Step 5: Wipe Fan Blades
With a damp cloth, gently wipe each fan blade. Ensure removal of all dust and debris. As a final touch, consider checking nearby pendant lights for dust accumulation as well. Cleaning them can enhance the overall appearance and efficiency of your bathroom’s lighting and ventilation.
Find out what is a pendant light by reading our blog here.
Do I Need to Clean My Bathroom Exhaust Fans?
Yes, you need to clean your bathroom exhaust fans. Regularly cleaning your fans will get rid of accumulated dust and grime, which can lead to poor ventilation. Such accumulation can easily lead to problems such as excess humidity and mould growth.
Furthermore, regular exhaust fan cleaning can help with efficiency and eliminate bad odours.
How Often Should I Clean a Bathroom Exhaust Fan?
You should clean a bathroom exhaust fan at least two times a year to maintain efficiency and avoid the build-up of dust. Frequent cleaning is vital to minimise moisture and foul odours coming from the bathroom.