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How to Clean a Fan

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Updated July 25, 2022

Even the best fans need to be cleaned regularly to continue working correctly. Keep reading if you’re trying to learn how to clean a fan. Today we’ll go over the best way to get your fan working like new again and help keep your indoor air quality quite a bit higher.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

The first step when cleaning a fan is to unplug the cord to ensure it is not connected to power. This is crucial to avoid injuring yourself.
Once the fan is unplugged, take a can of compressed air or a vacuum cleaner and gently remove the accumulated dust.
Once you’re done with the fan blades, use a clean cloth with water to wipe away any smudges or residues on the motor housing.

Cleaning Your Fan

If you’re wondering, “How long does a fan last?” you’ll want to know that regularly cleaning one will extend its longevity quite a bit. All it takes is a cleaning solution and a damp microfiber cloth to get your fan back into tip-top shape. To learn more about fans and how much air they can move, try reading our article, “How many CFM is a box fan?”

Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 10 minutes
Total Steps: 5
Tools Needed: None

Insider Tip

Cleaning your fan regularly will extend the longevity of your machine.

STEP 1

First, remove your fan from its power source by unplugging the power cord. This is crucial because you can become seriously injured if electricity is still running through your fan. Now that this is done, it’s time to learn how to clean fan blades and the housing.

STEP 2

Next, look to see how dirty the blades are. The first step is to use compressed air to blow away the accumulated dust layer. Handheld vacuum cleaners are also great for sucking away loose dust.

STEP 3

After this, you can use soapy water and a damp cloth to clean away anything stuck to the fan blades gently. It is also appropriate to use an all-purpose cleaner as long as you thoroughly rinse the blades with warm water afterward.

STEP 4

Then, dampen a microfiber cloth with warm water and use it to clean the housing and outer parts of your fan. Wipe away any smudges or fingerprints that might be on there.

Warning

Failure to clean your fan can result in poor air circulation, lower air quality, and even degrade your fan over time.

STEP 5

You’ll now need to wipe everything down with a clean, dry microfiber cloth, and your fan should be clean. For more specific instructions, please read our article on how to clean a tower fan.

STAT: It is projected that the revenue of electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply in the United Kingdom will amount to approximately $115.95 billion U.S. by 2025. (source)

How to Clean a Fan FAQs

How can I avoid dust accumulation on my fan?

The best way to avoid dust particles on your fan is to ensure you’re dusting your home regularly. This will keep the dust particles in your home to a minimum, lessening the chance of them ending up on your fan blades.

What can I use for deep cleaning my fan?

If you feel you need a little extra elbow grease when cleaning your fan, then using mild detergent during your next deep cleaning session will yield great results.

How do I thoroughly clean my motor housing?

You should be able to use a soft cloth to gently wipe away any smudges or residue from the motor housing. Just be careful to avoid the electrical components.

How often should I go through the cleaning process?

A good rule of thumb for cleaning any type of fan is to take care of dust accumulation at least once a week. This will ensure there isn’t caked-on residue when you decide to do a deep clean.

Beth Huston

Beth has an eye for all things editorial, overshadowed only by her drive to understand everything through dedicated research. You can find Beth reading fantasy in her spare time… especially if it’s by Brandon Sanderson.