Nothing feels better than a cool fresh breeze when sipping on your favorite drink in summer. This is where the fans come in hand. However, many people do not know how to clean fans at home. In fact, it is not as hard as you think, and you are able to clean it quickly after reading this article.
Below we look at:
- Tools and materials you need
- Steps to clean a fan
- Methods to clean a box fan
- Notes on cleaning fans
Required Tools and Materials
For the function to happen there is a need to have certain tools and types of equipment to aid the actions. When planning on cleaning the fans, below are the tools and materials needed.
- Screwdrivers
- Microfiber cloth
- Hairdryer
- Spray bottle
- A vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment
- Dishwashing liquid
- Compressed air, although it’s optional
How to Clean a Fan Regularly?
Fans at home or in workplaces tend to accumulate dust even when you do see it. Therefore, cleaning your fans regularly ensures that the level of dust is kept low for fresher air. Below is a procedure for cleaning a fan weekly.
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Step 1: Unplug from the power outlet
Whichever type of fan you will be working on, ensure that you unplug it from the wall outlets or turn it off it’s battery-powered.
By turning the unit in the off position, it will guarantee you are safe when working on it.
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Step 2: Blast away blades dust
Cleaning the fans weekly does not require disassembling them to clean the blades. Therefore, use compressed air or a hairdryer to blow away the dust that has settled on the surface of the blade.
When using a hairdryer, ensure that you put on the coolest air setting and keep it six to ten inches from the fan.
When the fan is clear on the front side, turn it on the rear side and blow the dust in the same manner.
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Step 3: Vacuum the dust
Use either handheld or full-sized with a brush attachment to go over all the surfaces of the fan.
Vacuum the fan starting from the top to solid that is a bladeless fan, the interior of the ring, and wire protective housing.
Be more attentive to the accumulation of dusty on motor exhaust vents and electrical cords.
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Step 4: Wipe away smudges
Take the microfiber cloth and dampen it lightly. Then wipe away the smudges left on housing and pay more attention to controls.
For a pedestal fan, clean both the pole and the base.
How to Deep Clean Your Fans?
After a long duration, you may be required to disassemble the fan for thorough cleaning. Even though weekly cleaning keeps the fan from dust and dirt, there might have been an accumulation after an elongated time thus needing to clean it deeply.
Below are procedures for deep cleaning your fan, they include:
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Step 1: Observe safety
To the electrical fans, unplug it from the source of power, and to the battery-powered fan remove the batteries. Turn off the unit to the off position for safety guaranteed working.
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Step 2: Take apart the outer housing components
Loose the screw that holds wire housing in place. Use the Philip or flat screwdriver according to the fan. Due to many fans having clips that hold the wire mesh in place, remove them.
At times, the rear wire housing is held in place by a heavy-duty nut that is in the motor housing.
In this case, remove the blades first then rear wire housing later.
Keep with you a small container where you put all the screws to prevent them from getting lost.
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Step 3: Detach the blades
Fan blades on most oscillating fans are held on the motor housing by blade caps.
Take the suitable screwdriver and unscrew the cap on the front to take out each blade until all the blades are safely detached.
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Step 4: Mix a cleaning solution
Put three cups of cool water in an empty spray bottle and add two tablespoons of dishwashing liquid to dilute.
The dishwashing liquid has a grease cutter and shakes well to distribute for a standardized mixture.
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Step 5: Sprinkle and clean
Place all the blades of the fan and wire housing at a sink or bathtub. Thoroughly sprinkle the cleaning solution to each blade and motor housing.
Give it a few minutes so that the solution can cut through the grime. Then use a microfiber cloth to wipe the surfaces.
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Step 6: Rinse and dry
To each component for the fan, rinse it with cool water. Pick a dry microfiber cloth and dry every part of the fan. Later, place the parts of the fan in the breezy and sunny area for 30 minutes for air-drying.
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Step 7: Clean the other parts of the fan
While the blades and motor housing are drying up, clean the rest of the fan components.
At the place where the blades attach, pay more attention, and use a vacuum dust brush in case of any dust trapped.
And to the users of bladeless and tower fans who use air filters, remove and steam clean or take the option of replacing them.
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Step 8: Reassemble the fan
According to how you disassembled the fan, start assembling the fan from the last part removed and reattach it to the motor base.
With careful reassembly, no components should be left non-attached.
Place it back to the usual location and enjoy the fresh cool breeze.
How to Clean a Box Fan?
Many households or work stations prefer box fans due to how effective and powerful they are. Unlike other fans, this kind of fan has higher CFM which makes them get rid of odors, dust, or smoke.
However, similar to other fans they accumulate dust and require it to be cleaned. Below is the process to follow while cleaning the box fan.
- Step 1: Unplugs the box fan from the source of power to guarantee safety.
- Step 2: Take the screwdriver and remove the fan grate. You can also use the drill if that is what you have around.
- Step 3: Make a solution of water and dishwashing soap and soap. Spray the grate with a cleaning solution in the sink or the bathtub for 5- 10 minutes. Then, wipe it off with a clean towel. In case of difficult dirt or stain, use a degreaser to break it down.
- Step 4: Spray your towel with a degreaser or dip it in soapy water.
- Step 5: Wring the towel out and wipe the blades of the fan clean.
- Step 6: Wipe the outer part of the motor housing clean.
- Step 7: Using a screwdriver or a drill, attach the fan grate to the main housing.
Methods to Clean a Fan Without Taking It Apart
At times, you have a fan that has irremovable grates, or taking off the fan seems like much hassle. This is not an excuse for not cleaning it since you can still do it even without disassembling it.
Below are methods you can use to clean your fan without taking it apart.
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Method 1: Use a household vacuum cleaner
This method is mostly used in cleaning tables or pedestal fans. For the activity to take place effectively, ensure that you place the fan in an open safe space.
The vacuum cleaner removes a remarkable amount of dirt and dust which has accumulated in the grill of the fan.
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Method 2: Use a cleaner
For this process to take place, it has to be outside the home and on the ground.
Put something to cover the motor of the fan-like plastic or a dinner plate.
Take the cleaner that contains sodium hypochlorite and spray it through the fans’ grilles and blades.
Soak it for 5-10 minutes in the sun where it dries completely.
Later, use a jet hose and wash it out with clean water and leave it in the sun until it dries completely.
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Method 3: Blow it out
This comprises the easiest method of cleaning without taking it apart as it can be used on a box fan, cleaning tower fan, misting fan, or pedestal fan.
Keep it in an open space e.g. patio or basement where there is no lavish furniture.
Blow the fan in proximity and see the dust and dirt falling to the floor.
The equipment for the work is a blower and it can only be successful on a certain level.
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Method 4: Use sand or salt
The method uses sand and salt to clean the fan with loose dust and dirt on the blades of the window fan, pedestal fan, or box fan.
Take a big piece of paper or sheet and place your fan on it. The blades could face down or up.
Then, pour clean and dry sand or salt on grills or blades.
While the content is passing through it cleans the fan, it will spill on the piece of paper. That’s how easy and simple it is.
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Method 5: Use an air compressor fan
The method is suitable for cleaning a lightweight fan that has not accumulated much dust.
Unlike the air compressor, the air compressor fan has low pressure but it is affordable.
Take the fan in an open space and clean the dust accumulated on the grills of the fan.
Safety Tips and Precautions
When cleaning by yourself at home or work, there are things that you ought not to do or activities that you should perform. By performing them to the letter, cleaning is seemingly safe, easy, and efficient. Below are tips and precautions when cleaning fans.
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1. Ensure that fans are disconnected from the power outlet
This is a tip where the fan button is taped to prevent the occurrence of accidents. That is, no one can turn the fan on. Also as an added precaution, always turn the regulator off.
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2. Be careful not to let the water get in contact with the motor
This situation prevents any damages that might occur in the motor preventing it from working.
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3. Wear a mask all the time when cleaning a fan
This will help you evade health conditions due to the dust particles emitted while vacuuming it.
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4. Avoid fans and water supply contact
Clean the fan far away from the water supply to prevent water and cleaner from getting in contact with it. This helps you avoid accidents from occurring.
FAQs
The following questions and answers may help you when cleaning your fans at home:
1. Should I clean my fans?
It is very important to clean your fans. Despite most of the time being disregarded or not being in your viewing scope thus neglecting them, they hold a huge impact on your health. Most of the time, dust and dirt tend to accumulate on the fan blades.
When the fans are working and the air starts circulating, the dust particles are emitted in the air which you breathe.
The polluted particles in your homes can make your family members suffer from allergies, dry sinuses, and sore throat.
Frequent cleaning will provide fresh air void of dust particles with a cool breeze which is good for your health.
2. How often should I clean my fans?
Due to the advantages reaped from having clean fans, you should clean the fans regularly. Clean the fan once or twice a week.
Cleaning the fan regularly not only will it reduce the level of dust in your workplace or home, but also it might help you vent from disassembling it for deep cleaning.
Also, weekly cleaning enables your fan to last longer as you do not have to keep disassembling it as it only has light dust accumulations.
At times, you might find the need to clean thoroughly where you can do it quarterly a year. It might happen during a heavy-use period like the summer season when it’s hot and sunny.
The measure is taken when you find that inner blades have started to look grungy. By following the right procedure these processes will be a piece of cake.
3. Can I clean a fan with a hose?
Yes, it is possible to clean the fan with a hose. However, you should ensure that the motor nor the motor housing gets wet. Thus, when carrying out this activity, ensure that you have turned off and unplugged the fan from the power source.
Next, remove the fan cover and blades from the fan. In case it seems impossible, make sure cleaning is attached with a brush attachment.
Later, after spraying the fan components with water, take them in an open area with sun and a breeze where it will air-dry.
Ensure it dries completely or dry them thoroughly with a towel before using it.
4. Does cleaning a fan make it work better?
Cleaning your fan barely makes it spin faster. However, after removing the dust, the blades become relatively shaper. Therefore, It changes the airflows when working. Besides, it prolongs the life of your fans and blows fresh air.
Conclusion
Cleaning fans should be fun and easy and not as complicated as many presume it. By following the right steps and procedures, you will find yourself cleaning them like a pro while not getting dust everywhere.
Hoping from the above information, you gain more knowledge and get faith in yourself to do it yourself with ease.
