Clean bathroom exhaust fans
Short answer
Every six months, turn off the breaker, vacuum the fan blades and housing, then wash the cover with soapy water before reinstalling.
Why It Matters
A dust-clogged fan can't vent moisture, which leads to mold, peeling paint, and damaged drywall in the bathroom and attic above.
Tools
- Vacuum with brush attachment
- Screwdriver (if cover is screwed in)
Materials
- Dish soap
How to Do It
- Turn off the breaker for the bathroom.
- Pull down the fan cover; most unclip by squeezing the mounting clips, though some are screwed in.
- Vacuum the fan blades and housing, using a brush attachment to clear built-up dust.
- Wash the cover with soapy water and let it dry completely.
- Reinstall the cover and restore power at the breaker.
Related Tasks
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