How To Clean A Bathroom Exhaust Fan

Men hands in white gloves holding bathroom exhaust fan

How To Clean A Bathroom Exhaust Fan

By : Angelina
The bathroom exhaust fan is a crucial part of the room’s ventilation system, as it helps prevent the accumulation of excessive moisture and humidity in the bathroom. Additionally, it keeps the home’s indoor air quality good and dissipates bad smells. Since the fan is regularly used for long periods, it gathers dust, dirt and grime. Without regular cleaning and sanitation, the fixture can also become a hot spot for black mould, which is toxic and harmful for health. Mould and grime can reduce the functionality of an exhaust fan, which is a serious issue if you are ending a tenancy. It lowers your chances of getting a complete bond repayment. Therefore, hire professionals who offer end of lease cleaning in Canberra to deep clean the bathroom’s surface and its fixtures along with other areas of the rental premises. However, here are useful tips by industry experts for cleaning a bathroom exhaust fan like a pro.

Understand Types Of Exhaust Fans

Depending on a residential property’s layout and space, you can have a ceiling exhaust fan or a wall-mounted one. You can also have an inline or a window exhaust fan with different designs and installation points in the room. To effectively and efficiently clean an exhaust fan, you must know its types and how to disassemble the grate, rim or other parts without causing damage. If you hire professional end of lease cleaners in Canberra, they know how to clean different types of exhaust fans. Consider their help when the fixture is extremely dirty, and you don’t have the tools or expertise to clean it adequately.

Get the Right Cleaning Supplies

For cleaning exhaust fans, you will need soap, microfiber cloths and sponges of different sizes. In addition, you need the following things.
  • Get a large container to make the soap solution and dip removable parts of the fan.
  • Use spray bottles to make homemade cleaners and sanitise the fan anytime it starts gathering dust and gunk.
  • Get a toothbrush with a bendable head or a small brush with a rubber grip to clean hard-to-reach areas.
  • Arrange a vacuum cleaner with the crevice and nozzle tool to remove cobwebs, dust bunnies, and other contaminants.

Soak Removable Part Before Cleaning

The rim or grate of an exhaust fan is the first line of defence against dust, allergens, moisture and pollutants. Thus, they develop a black layer of grime and look dirty. To clean them, follow these steps.
  • Remove the rim or grate of the exhaust fan. Use a screwdriver if necessary.
  • Soak these parts in a solution of warm water and soap for 5-10 minutes, depending on how dirty they are.
  • Take them out and scrub with a sponge to remove grime and gunk.
  • Wash with warm water and inspect for any areas that remain dirty.
  • Once the parts are clean, wipe with a dry microfiber cloth.
  • Set them on a clean towel while you wipe or wash other parts of the exhaust fan.

Clean The Fan

Check the exhaust fan in your bathroom to see if you can remove it from the rotator. If it comes off, wipe it with a microfiber cloth, then wash with soap and water. Remove the dirt by scrubbing with a sponge if the build-up is severe. If the fan is fixed on the rotator, saturate a sponge with soap solutions and scrub in a circular motion. It is a professional technique end of lease cleaners in Canberra use to agitate and loosen grime & mould without applying too much elbow grease. To get rid of stubborn grime between the fins, use a small brush while scrubbing, as its bristles can get in nooks better than a sponge. Wipe the residues with a damp microfiber cloth then with a dry cloth to ensure no moisture remains.

Vacuum & Wipe The Inside Of The Fan Enclosure

With a nozzle brush head, vacuum the interior of the fan enclosure, including the motor. Use a crevice tool to get rid of dust, dirt, cobwebs and debris from narrow or hard to reach spots. After vacuuming, you can wipe the enclosure walls with a microfiber cloth to remove caked dirt, grime and mould. Saturate the cloth with water or soap solution and wring out the excess until the cloth is only slightly damp. After cleaning, let the enclosure air dry before placing the fan and the grates back.

The Bottom Line

During regular bathroom cleaning, the exhaust fan is often neglected. Most people only wipe the exposed grate and let the rest of the fixture gather dust, dirt and grime. Thus, if you need to deep clean your bathroom exhaust fan, follow the expert tips shared above. However, book a professional end of lease cleaners in Canberra for thoroughly cleaning fixtures and surfaces in your rental property when ending a tenancy to get your bond back in full without hassle.