Extractor fans or commonly known as exhaust fans are usually installed in the ceiling to provide ventilation. Usually extractor fans are widely used in bathrooms that do not have windows. This fan allows heat and humidity to escape the bathroom when a hot shower is running and getting rid of unpleasant odors at the same time. You will need to clean it regularly to keep your bathroom extractor fan to work properly. Here are the steps on how to clean it.
Things that you need:
- Step ladder
- Bucket
- Windex
- Screwdriver
- anti- bacterial spray
- warm water, masking tape, sponges or cloth
Steps:
- Go to your main electrical panel or circuit breaker/ fuse box and turn off the circuit. The other way is to remove the fuse that specifically powers your bathroom. You should always consider safety when working with electrical devices in the home.
- Then, remove the casing or cover of your bathroom extractor. Most of the bathroom extractor has its own cover or casing, so remove accordingly to its type. Read the manual if needed. You will need to use a stepladder to reach your fan if it\’s too high. You will only lose your balance and finally fall if you try to overreach your arms.
- Next, remove the screws by using a screwdriver or a flathead Philips depending on what types of screws used to hold the fan cover in place. While removing the cover, hold the unit housing. Pull down the cover carefully and put it in a bucket. Take the screws and place them on a piece of masking tape. Create a pocket to the screws by folding the masking tape over. Place the screws in the same bucket.
- Slide the fan blade assembly out completely. If the fan blade is held down with additional tabs or retainers, remove them first. Put them onto a piece of masking tape and into the same bucket.
- Mix a solution of warm water and soap in another bucket. Submerse the vent cover inside the bucket. Wash the vent cover using a gentle cloth, sponge or rag so that all cobwebs, debris and dirt removed from the vent cover. Pull out the vent cover from the soapy water solution. Rinse with some warm water. Leave it to air-dry on a paper towel or soft cloth.
- Use a cloth made for window cleaning with a spray or two of window cleaner to shine up the fan blades. Leave it to dry.
- Then, re-install the unit in its original position. Switch back on after turning on the circuit breaker box.
Additional Reading:
http://www.doityourself.com/stry/how-to-clean-a-bathroom-extractor-fan
Image Credit:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/alykat/14644990/
