The fan is one of the most neglected parts of a bathroom.A clean, functional fan can help combat odors in the bathroom.If left unattended, these issues can become a health hazard.Cleaning your fan every 6 months will allow you to remove dirt before it becomes a problem.
Step 1: The power should be turned off.
Before you do anything else, make sure the fan is turned off and can't be turned back on until you're done cleaning it.The plug is located behind the cover.If you want to be safe, pull the breaker for the bathroom and remove the cover first.The fan is safe to work on.
Step 2: The cover needs to be removed.
Dust will fall when the cover is removed.If you want to avoid the dust, position your stepladder so that you can reach the cover, but not standing directly below it.Most covers have two wires on opposite sides that hold it in place.Pressing in or removing the screws will remove the cover.
Step 3: The fan should be removed.
Carefully remove the fan from the assembly that is holding it in place.If you hit the fan on the side of the exhaust pipe, it could chip the blades.The fan will be less effective if the blades are broken.
Step 4: The cover and fan need to be cleaned.
Start by cleaning the cover and the fan.Use a microfiber cloth to wipe up the remaining dust after dipping a rag in soapy water.You will probably not do this again for a while if you are thorough.It is possible to let the cover soak in a tub of hot soapy water, but the fan should be wiped by hand to avoid getting water on the motor assembly or plug.
Step 5: The exhaust pipe should be vacuumed.
The inside of the exhaust pipe needs to be vacuumed off.If you can reach, use your rag or cloth to wipe the floor.
Step 6: The external exhaust port should be vacuumed.
Once the entire process is completed, you should go outside and find the exterior vent for your bathroom fan.The vent on the roof or side of the house is where the bathroom is located.If you have dirt on the other end of your exhaust pipe, bring a damp rag and wipe it off.
Step 7: The fan housing needs to be wiped and vacuumed.
If you have an accessible plug, be careful not to get any water inside the outlet.The fan could be short circuited if you plug it back in.Use a dry rag to wipe off the fan housing.
Step 8: The fan needs to be put back in place.
Before you put the fan back in, you need to clean the dust off the blades and dried it thoroughly.Attach the bracing back to the exhaust pipe.To make sure the fan isn't rubbing against anything, spin it around with your fingers.
Step 9: The power should be turned back on.
The fan should be plugged back into the outlet.The fan is dangerous, so don't touch it or clean it after this point.
Step 10: Put the cover back on.
Once the cover has dried, either screw it back in or bend the prongs until it snaps back into place.
Step 11: The fan needs to be tested.
Make sure the fan is turned on again.The fan needs to be louder and provide more air flow.