How to clean a bathroom extractor fan: step-by-step guide

Before we take a look at how you can clean your bathroom fan, let’s examine why it matters. 

Here are the main reasons you should clean your bathroom extractor fan regularly.

Reduce interior condensation

By improving your extractor fan's performance, you're going to limit the humidity in the room and the condensation in your home.

Accordingly, this also limits the likelihood of mould and mildew.

Maintaining your bathroom extractor fan is just one of several methods for reducing condensation. For more tips, read our guide on how to stop condensation on your windows now.

Make it more efficient 

A clean fan can extract moisture and odours more effectively. 

This can prevent nasty problems like mould and mildew build-up.

Lower your energy costs 

If there’s build-up in your extractor fan, that may mean that it has to work extra hard to get the job done. 

You may find that it costs more to keep the fan running throughout the day.

Prolong its lifespan

Regular cleaning prevents general wear and tear. 

Acting early on can save you having to deal with some expensive repairs or even a full replacement.

Improved air quality

Above all else, a clean fan ensures better ventilation in your bathroom. This ultimately reduces any humidity in the room and bad odours.

Now that you understand the importance of cleaning your fan, let’s dive into the steps for how to clean a bathroom extractor fan.

Remember: kitchen extractor fans bring many of the same benefits as bathroom extractor fans.

Need help cleaning these? Read our guide on how to clean kitchen extractor fan filters now.

Do you have everything you need? 

Before getting started, you’ll need to gather the following tools and materials for the job:

• Screwdriver

• Soft brush (you can use an old toothbrush)

• Microfibre cloths

• Mild washing up liquid 

• Vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment

• Bowl of warm water

• Stepladder 

You may also want to protect yourself by wearing safety goggles, a mask, or gloves. When you’ve got everything you need, you can move onto the first stage of the job.

If you're going to clean your bathroom's extractor fan, you need to follow instructions carefully.

One misstep could lead to damage, and might mean having to replace your extractor fan.

Step 1: turn off the power

Safety comes first. 

Switch off the power to the fan at the circuit breaker to avoid electrical accidents. 

If you’re unsure which breaker controls the fan, consider turning off the entire bathroom's power supply. That way, you won’t run into any problems later on.

Step 2: remove the cover (if possible)

If you can, you should remove the cover of the extractor fan. For many models, this will require minimal effort. 

Inspect the cover to see how it comes off the fan before you do anything else. First, you need to locate the screws or clips holding the cover in place.

You can then use a screwdriver to remove the screws or gently unclip the cover. You’ll need to be careful, as dust may fall during this process.

Note: if you cannot remove the cover, skip to Step 6.

Step 3: clean the cover

When you’ve got the cover off, you should clean it. 

Any blockages in this grid will affect how well your extractor fan works. Fortunately, it’s not hard to clean the cover of your fan.

Place the entire cover in warm, soapy water. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes to loosen any dirt, blockages, or grime. Then, use a soft brush to scrub out the contaminants.

When you’re done, you’ll need to rinse the cover thoroughly and allow it to air dry. Put it on some newspaper and leave it there for a few hours.

Step 4: vacuum and dust the interior

Most people don’t realise that they can use their vacuum cleaner on their extractor fan. However, this is one of the quickest ways to clean the interior of the fan with ease. 

Be sure to use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove loose dust and debris from the fan blades and surrounding components. 

You’ll need to be gentle to avoid damaging the motor or wiring. Move slowly around the area with the brush and get any hard-to-reach mess.

Step 5: wipe the fan blades

Next, it’s time to really get in there. Start by dampening a microfibre cloth with a mixture of warm water and mild washing-up liquid. 

Next, wipe down the fan blades. Carefully remove any stuck-on grime but don’t be too forceful here. Avoid getting the motor or electrical components wet. 

For tighter spaces, an old toothbrush can help you scrub effectively.

This measured approach is essential for learning how to clean an extractor fan in bathroom settings, especially those prone to humidity and dirt build-up.

Step 6: clean without removing the fan cover

If you can’t remove the fan cover, don’t panic. You can still clean the extractor fan. However, it may take a bit more work on your part. 

You can use a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove surface dust from the cover and the blades. 

Next, dampen a cloth with a cleaning solution and carefully wipe the accessible areas.

While you may not be able to get to all of the areas, this approach will help you to get as much grime off as possible. 

Make sure you don’t use too much moisture, as this can damage the fan.

Understanding how to clean a bathroom extractor fan without removing it is useful for those who prefer a less hands-on approach. 

However, if you can’t get to the fan at all, you might want to call in the pros. On Yell, you can find local cleaners at the touch of a button.

Step 7: inspect for issues

While you’re cleaning your bathroom fan, you have the chance to look out for any potential issues. Here’s a quick checklist of the things you may want to keep your eye out for:

• Check for loose wires or screws

• Look for signs of wear on the blades or motor

• Listen for unusual noises when the fan is on

Should you notice any of these issues, you need to deal with them sooner rather than later. For these situations, it’s easiest to hire a handyman.

Step 8: reassemble the fan

When you’ve cleaned and dried all the parts of your fan, it’s time to put it back together again. You should carefully align the cover with the fan itself. 

Next, use the screws or clips to secure it in place. Finally, turn the power back on and test the fan to ensure it’s working properly.

Remember: if anything sounds off, check it out now. Burying your head in the sand will do no good! Instead, you may need to take the cover off and see what the issue is.

We’ve covered how to clean your bathroom fan, but what about maintaining it? 

Here are three of the ways that you can keep this piece of hardware ticking over like clockwork.

Clean it regularly 

As a general rule, you should aim to clean your bathroom fan thoroughly every 6 to 12 months. Of course, this depends on how often it is used. 

If your household is busy, you may want to clean it more regularly than that to prevent any build-ups in the vent.

At a minimum, make cleaning your bathroom’s extractor fan part of your annual spring cleaning.

Keep your bathroom well ventilated

Your bathroom should also be well-ventilated, especially when it gets hot and steamy. 

You should dust the bathroom regularly, too. This approach will stop any grime from building up.

Always check for moisture

You’ll need to ensure that there are no leaks or excessive moisture in your bathroom, which can cause damage to the fan. 

You want to keep excessive moisture to a minimum, as much as possible.

Ready to get going? 

Learning how to clean a bathroom extractor fan is a simple yet important part of home maintenance. 

Whether you’re tackling a dusty cover, dirty blades, or wondering how to clean a bathroom fan vent, this guide makes the process straightforward. 

By keeping your fan clean and well maintained, you’ll improve air quality, reduce energy costs, and prolong the lifespan of this essential fixture. 

With a little effort, your bathroom extractor fan will be running as efficiently as new.

Looking for some extra help? We’ve got you covered. 

You can start by posting a free enquiry and let professionals contact you by phone or email. 

Simply provide a few small details and wait to hear by phone or email – it’s the best way to hear from local experts.

If you’d prefer to search yourself, take a moment to browse nearby cleaners. Read reviews, assess their services, and pick your favourites to contact.