How to Properly Clean a Fan

How to Clean a Fan Weekly

1. Safety First

   Before cleaning any type of fan, make sure that the unit is unplugged from the wall outlet or, for battery-powered fans, that the unit is in the off position.

2. Blast Away Blade Dust

   For weekly cleaning, you do not need to disassemble the fan to clean the blades. Use a hairdryer or compressed air to blow away dust from the surface of the blades. Use the coolest air setting on the hairdryer and keep it about six to ten inches away from the blades.

   Be sure to turn the fan around to clean the backside of the blades in the same manner.

3. Vacuum Away Dust

   Using a handheld or full-sized vacuum with a dusting brush attachment, carefully go over all of the surfaces on the fan. Start at the top of the fan and vacuum the solid (for bladeless fans, the interior of the ring) or wire protective housing. Pay extra attention to the dust accumulation on the motor exhaust vents and the electrical cord.

4. Wipe Away Smudges

   Dampen a microfiber cloth lightly and wipe away any smudges on the housing, especially around the controls. If you have a pedestal fan, clean the pole and the base.

How to Thoroughly Clean a Fan

1. Work Safely

   Turn the unit to the off position. Unplug electrical fans and remove batteries from battery-powered fans.

   Warning

   Before you disassemble a fan for a thorough cleaning, consult the user manual or the manufacturer's website for instructions. It must be noted that disassembling the fan may void a warranty.

   
   

   Most manufacturers of bladeless fans like Lasko or Grelife have detailed instructions on their websites on how to safely and properly clean their units.

2. Disassemble Outer Housing Components

   Using the appropriate type of screwdriver, loosen the screws holding the wire housing in place. Many fans also have clips that hold the wire mesh in place, Remove those as well. You may find that the rear wire housing is held onto the motor housing by a heavy-duty nut and cannot be removed until the blades have been removed.

   Be sure to keep all of the screws and small parts in a small container so that they don't get lost.

3. Remove the Blades

   Most oscillating fans have a blade cap that holds the fan blades to the motor housing. Unscrew the cap on the front and remove each blade.

4. Mix a Cleaning Solution

   Place 3 cups of cool water in a spray bottle and add 2 teaspoons of a dishwashing liquid that contains a grease cutter. Shake to mix well.

5. Spray and Clean

   Place the wire housing and the blades of the fan in a large sink or bathtub. Spray thoroughly with the dishwashing liquid mixture. Wait a couple of minutes so the dishwashing liquid can cut through the grime. Then, use a microfiber cloth to wipe down every surface.

   Warning

   DO NOT place the motor housing or any electrical parts in water.

6. Rinse and Dry

   Rinse every component well with cool water. Use a dry microfiber cloth to dry every component. Place the parts in a breezy, sunny area to air-dry for at least 30 minutes. Each piece should be totally dry before reassembling the fan.

7. Clean the Rest of the Fan

   While the fan is disassembled, clean the remaining components as you would during weekly cleaning. Pay particular attention to the area where the blades attach. Use a vacuum dust brush to remove any dust that may be trapped.

   If you have a bladeless or tower fan that contains an air filter, remove and clean the filter or replace it.

8. Reassemble the Fan

   Remembering the order the fan was disassembled, start with the last piece removed and reattach it to the motor base. There should be no small parts leftover after a proper reassembly!

Tips to Keep Your Fan Clean Longer

• Cleaning your fan(s) once a week will help keep the dust down to a minimum, so you don't have to deep clean the fan as often.
• If your fan has an air filter, check it periodically to ensure that it is clean so the fan can run efficiently and effectively.