Extractor fans are one of the things that are commonly forgotten when it comes to cleaning and maintaining your house appliances. Many people overlook cleaning them because these fans only draw out air, so how dirty can they be?

On the contrary, extractor fans filter the air from so many contaminants you’d be surprised by the dust and grease in the filters. These fans need regular cleaning and maintenance to do their job correctly.

So, without further ado, let’s thoroughly clean your extractor fans with expert tips from our professional end of tenancy cleaning East Finchley team.

2 Main Types of Extractor Fans

Before cleaning, you need to know your fan.

Extractor fans are designed to draw out moisture from a room and leave space for fresh air. That’s why you’ll find extractor fans in the two rooms most subjected to steam and humidity—your kitchen and bathroom.

Although both rooms need fans for the same reason, they each require a different type of fan.

Read more: How to Clean Fridge

Kitchen Extractor Fans

You’ll usually find kitchen fans over the stove or near your oven. Their main job is to filter out the air from any unpleasant particles. That includes moisture from boiling water, strong cooking odours, smoke from a failed recipe, and tiny grease particles that may fly away.

That’s why it’s crucial that you clean and unclog the filters in your kitchen extractor fans. Otherwise, you end up with all that grease in your ventilation system, which could be dangerous.

Bathroom Extractor Fans

Bathroom fans are primarily built to fan out the steam after a hot shower and remove any unwanted odours after using the bathroom to keep the air clean and fresh. That’s why they’re usually without filters. But don’t be fooled! They still need regular cleaning.

Learn more about How to Clean the Inside of a Kettle

How to Clean a Kitchen Extractor Fan?

Since your kitchen extractor fan comes in contact with all kinds of particles, you may need to use some elbow grease to clean it.

Step 1: Grab Your Tools

To thoroughly clean your kitchen fan, you need the following:

  • Hot Water
  • Rubber Cleaning Gloves
  • Microfiber Towels
  • Cleaning Brushes (an old toothbrush would do fine)
  • A Spray Bottle
  • Dish Soap
  • Baking Soda
  • White Vinegar
  • Stainless Steel Cleaner (only if your fan’s body is stainless steel)

Step 2: Unplug Your Fan and Let It Cool Down

As a rule, never clean any appliance while it’s plugged in. This applies to both extractor fans.

Also, you shouldn’t immediately handle your extractor fan as it’s still hot.

Read More: Air Fryer Cleaning

Step 3: Remove Mesh Filters

Remove your mesh filters and soak them in hot water and vinegar until you finish cleaning the rest of the fan. After washing them for 10-15 minutes, remove your mesh filters and scrub them well with a brush. You should find all the dirt and grease falling off the filters.

Once you finish scrubbing, rinse them well, dry them with a clean towel, and set them aside to continue air drying.

Learn more: How to Clean Coffee Maker with Vinegar

Step 4: Scrub the Blades

Soak a towel in soapy water, wring it out, and start cleaning your fan blades thoroughly. If the grease spots are too harsh, add water, soap, and vinegar in a spray bottle and use the mixture to clean any tough grease.

Step 5: Scrub the Housing Unit

Next, grab the soapy vinegar mixture and spray the housing unit well. Scrub away all the dirt and wipe it off with a microfiber towel.

Step 6: Clean the Outer Body

If your fan’s outer body is made of stainless steel, we recommend you use a stainless steel cleaner to wipe off any accumulated dirt and grease stains or a shiny finish.

The mixture in your spray bottle would also work perfectly.

Learn more: How to Clean a Shower Head

Step 7: Let Them Dry

Wipe any excess water with a clean, dry towel and leave all the parts out until everything is dehydrated.

Step 8: Put the Mesh Filters Back

Put the mesh filters back in their place, or if they’re disposable, then put in fresh filters.

Now, your extractor fan is ready to work at its fullest potential.

Read more: How to Dry a Wet Carpet

How to Clean a Bathroom Extractor Fan?

Cleaning your bathroom extractor fan is relatively easy compared to a kitchen fan.

Step 1: Set Up Your Tools

To clean a bathroom vent, you’ll only need

  • Warm Water
  • Dish Soap
  • Rubber Cleaning Gloves
  • One or Two Microfiber Towels
  • A Cleaning Brush (or an old toothbrush)

Step 2: Remove Each Part of Your Fan

Disassemble each part of your extractor fan. You should end up with three parts: a vent cover, fan blades, and a fan housing unit.

Step 3: Clean Your Fan’s Vent Cover

Soak your vent cover in warm soapy water and let the water break down the accumulated dirt and grime while you clean the other two parts. After you’ve soaked the vent cover for a few minutes, scrub away any remaining dirt with your brush to ensure everything is spotless.

Step 4: Clean Your Fan’s Blades

While your vent cover is soaking, put on your rubber gloves and get to scrubbing. Wipe off the dust, dirt, and water spots on each blade with a damp cloth. Try to get into all the nooks and crannies of the fan blades as much as possible.

Step 5: Clean Your Fan Housing Unit

Last but certainly not least, wipe your fan’s housing unit from the accumulated dust. It may need extra scrubbing since it’ll probably be the dirtiest part.

Step 6: Allow It to Air Dry

Now that everything is speckles wipe off excess water with a clean towel and set all parts aside to air dry thoroughly.

Step 7: Reassemble and Turn On

Finally, put everything back in place and secure your fan’s vent cover. Your extractor fan is now as good as new.

In Conclusion

Extractor fans are great at keeping your house moist-free and always smelling fresh, but you need to allow them to work to their full potential if you want the best result.

Regularly cleaning your extractor fans will not only help your fans do their best, but it’ll also extend the life of your appliances. So next time you deep clean your home, don’t forget to include your fans!