How to Clean a Bathroom Exhaust Fan
If your bathroom never dries and mold keeps returning, check the fan first. Removing dust from the cover alone changes the airflow.
What you need
Supplies
- A few drops of dish soap
- Lukewarm water
Tools
- Sturdy step stool or ladder
- Vacuum brush attachment
- Toothbrush
- Dry microfiber cloth
- Mask
How to do it
- 01
Turn off the power
Switch off the fan and, if possible, turn off the bathroom circuit at the breaker panel. Reaching in while it runs can injure your hand on the blades.
- 02
Remove the cover
Standing on a stable step stool, hold the edges of the cover and pull down gently to reveal the spring clips on each side. Squeeze the clips together to release the cover. Wear a mask, as dust will fall.
- 03
Wash the cover
Wash the cover in lukewarm soapy water, scrubbing between the slats with a toothbrush, then rinse. Let it dry completely in the shade.
- 04
Remove dust from the blades
Vacuum dust from the fan blades and housing with a brush attachment, then wipe off the rest with a dry cloth. Never spray water or use a wet cloth on the motor housing.
- 05
Refit and test
When the cover is dry, squeeze the clips and push it back in. Turn the power back on and switch on the fan; hold a sheet of tissue near the cover to check it gets pulled up.
Be careful
- The fan housing contains electrical parts. Do not spray water or cleaner on it.
- Bathroom floors are slippery. Dry the floor, use a non-slip step and, if possible, have someone hold it.
- If the cover will not come off easily or is fixed with screws, do not force it; check the product manual.
Malkkeum tips
- Running the fan for at least 30 minutes after a shower visibly reduces bathroom mold.
- If it is still loud or weak after cleaning, the motor is worn out. Ask your building manager or an electrician about replacement.
- Stick a fleece filter inside the cover and next time you only need to swap the filter.
The fan decides whether mold returns
Bathroom mold ultimately comes down to how quickly moisture leaves the room. When the fan cover is caked in dust, air cannot get out, and the bathroom stays damp for hours after a shower. If mold keeps coming back no matter how much remover you use, clean the fan first.
Why there is so much dust
Along with moisture, a bathroom fan pulls in towel lint, hair and cosmetic powder. Mixed with humidity, this dust sticks to the cover slats and will not come off with a dry cloth. Taking the cover off and washing it is the most reliable approach.
FAQ
Does running the fan a lot cost much? Bathroom fans use relatively little power. Running one for 30–60 minutes after a shower is well worth it compared with the effort of cleaning mold.
