Extractor fans are often overlooked appliances when it comes to home cleaning. Because they only draw air out, many people assume they don’t get dirty. In reality, extractor fans deal with dust, steam, grease, and odours daily. Left uncleaned, they can clog, spread bacteria, and even become a fire hazard.

Regular maintenance is key if you want your fans to stay efficient and extend their lifespan. So, let’s look at how to clean extractor fans like a pro with tips from our East Finchley end of tenancy cleaning team.

At a Glance – Quick Tips

  • Kitchen fans: Filters trap grease, odours, and smoke – clean monthly with hot water, baking soda, and vinegar.
  • Bathroom fans: No filters, but dust builds up fast – vacuum vents and wipe blades every few months.
  • Always unplug: Safety first before handling any fan.
  • Eco-friendly tip: Baking soda + vinegar dissolve grease and deodorise naturally.
  • Finish strong: Air-dry parts thoroughly before reassembly to prevent mould or rust.

2 Main Types of Extractor Fans

Extractor fans are designed to remove moisture, odours, and airborne particles, keeping the air clean and breathable. You’ll mainly find them in two places: the kitchen and the bathroom. Each has a slightly different design and cleaning method.

Kitchen Extractor Fans

Kitchen extractor fans are typically positioned above your hob or oven. Their job is to capture steam, smoke, food odours, and airborne grease particles. Over time, the filters become clogged with sticky residue. If not cleaned, this can damage the motor and even pose a fire risk. Regular filter maintenance is essential.

Bathroom Extractor Fans

Bathroom fans are designed to clear steam after hot showers and reduce the risk of mould. They usually don’t have grease filters, but they accumulate dust on blades, vents, and housings. If left unattended, the fan will slow down and become noisy.

Read more: How to Clean Fridge

How to Clean a Kitchen Extractor Fan

Kitchen extractor fans require more elbow grease than bathroom fans due to grease build-up. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Gather Your Tools

  • Hot water
  • Rubber gloves
  • Microfibre towels
  • Cleaning brushes or an old toothbrush
  • Spray bottle
  • Dish soap
  • Baking soda
  • White vinegar
  • Stainless-steel cleaner (optional)

Learn more about How to Clean the Inside of a Kettle

Step 2: Unplug and Let It Cool

Always disconnect your fan before cleaning. Also, wait until it cools down if you’ve just used the hob.

Step 3: Remove and Soak the Mesh Filters

Take out the mesh filters. Soak them in hot water mixed with dish soap, baking soda, and a splash of vinegar. This natural solution breaks down grease while deodorising. After 15 minutes, scrub thoroughly, rinse, and let them dry.

Read More: Air Fryer Cleaning

Step 4: Clean the Fan Blades

Dampen a towel with the soapy vinegar mix and wipe each blade. For stubborn grease, sprinkle baking soda directly, spray vinegar, and let the fizzing action lift grime before scrubbing with a brush.

Step 5: Clean the Housing Unit

Spray the interior casing with the same solution, then gently scrub it to avoid damaging the electrical parts. Wipe with a microfibre towel until spotless.

Step 6: Clean the Outer Body

If your fan is made of stainless steel, finish it with a stainless-steel cleaner for a streak-free shine. For other surfaces, the vinegar mix works perfectly.

Step 7: Dry Thoroughly

Use dry towels to remove moisture, then air-dry before reassembling. Never put damp filters back into their original position.

Step 8: Refit the Filters

Insert dried mesh filters, or replace with fresh ones if disposable. Your fan should now run efficiently and quietly.

How to Clean a Bathroom Extractor Fan

Bathroom fans don’t deal with grease but collect dust and lint. Cleaning them is straightforward:

Step 1: Gather Tools

  • Warm water
  • Dish soap
  • Gloves
  • Microfibre towels
  • Cleaning brush

Learn more: How to Clean Coffee Maker with Vinegar

Step 2: Disassemble the Fan

Remove the vent cover, blades, and housing where possible.

Step 3: Clean the Vent Cover

Soak the cover in soapy water to loosen dirt, then scrub with a brush.

Step 4: Clean the Blades

Wipe the blades with a damp cloth, paying particular attention to the corners where dust tends to accumulate.

Step 5: Wipe the Housing Unit

Scrub away dust and grime. A slightly damp cloth usually does the trick.

Step 6: Dry and Reassemble

Air-dry each part thoroughly, then reassemble. Once the fan is back together, test it to ensure smooth operation.

Learn more: How to Clean a Shower Head

Why Regular Extractor Fan Cleaning Matters

  • Efficiency: Clean fans extract moisture and odours faster.
  • Safety: Removing grease reduces the risk of fire.
  • Air quality: Less dust and bacteria circulate indoors.
  • Longevity: Regular cleaning reduces wear on motors and moving parts.

Read more: How to Dry a Wet Carpet

Conclusion

Extractor fans keep your home fresh and moisture-free — but only if you keep them clean. Whether it’s degreasing kitchen filters or dusting bathroom vents, a little maintenance goes a long way. Use eco-friendly helpers like baking soda and vinegar for safe, powerful cleaning, and always dry parts thoroughly before reassembly. Next time you deep clean your home, don’t forget to add extractor fans to your checklist!