“How to clean an extractor fan” is one of those questions you never think you’ll ask. But when you’re in an office environment catering to a bunch of workers, it’s a cleaning task that you can no longer ignore.
If you do neglect your fans, they can end up so clogged with dust, grease and lint that they stop working properly. And you really don’t want that – especially if your office toilets haven’t got any windows!
A dirty extractor fan in your office kitchen or toilets can affect air quality, spread unpleasant odours, and even become a fire hazard without maintenance – so it’s worth putting the time into clearing the grime.
But they’re not an easy win… Extractor fans are positioned high up or in awkward spots, because they work most effectively from those positions. This makes cleaning extractor fans a fiddly job from the off – but with the right approach, you can get them clean without too much hassle.
And that’s exactly what we’ll lay out in this step-by-step guide to cleaning office extractor fans.
Why should you clean your office extractor fans anyway?
Trust us, you’ll miss them when they’re gone. Extractor fans remove odours from office toilets effectively, and in toilet blocks without windows, there’s no other way of exchanging stale air for fresh air. But they also extract moisture from hot taps, and from the general evaporation of water – preventing mould and damp from taking hold. In office kitchens, they help to reduce the spread of odours, too.
A neglected, dirty office extractor fan will not work properly. It can spread dust, and may even overheat, leading to fire risks. Regular cleaning keeps them running smoothly, extends their lifespan, and keeps your office air quality at the best it can be.
How to clean an extractor fan
Before you start, gather your tools…
- Microfibre cloths, for dusting and wiping,
- A vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment, for loose dust,
- Mild detergent or degreaser for kitchen fans (or greasy toilet fans… don’t ask!),
- Anti-bac spray,
- A small brush or old toothbrush,
- Screwdrivers (if the cover needs removing),
- Step ladder,
- Protective gloves & mask (if dealing with heavy dust/grease).
Step 1: Turn off the fan
Most extractor fans can be operated by a pull string or external switch. Always switch off the fan before cleaning – and if it’s hardwired, turn off the circuit breaker. You don’t want it accidentally turning on while you’re working, and if you need to deep clean, kill the mains power so you don’t get shocked.
Step 2: Remove the cover
Most extractor fans have a removable cover held in place by clips or screws. Remove it and set it aside for cleaning later. If it’s greasy and grimy, soak it in soapy water or degreaser to get the job started (most kitchen fans will probably feel greasy or sticky… some toilet fans will too!).
Step 3: Vacuum or brush off loose dust
Once the cover is off, you’ll likely see a thick layer of dust in the vent hole and covering the fan blades. You can use your vacuum cleaner’s brush attachment to suck up loose dust from the fan blades and housing, but a lot of it will be caked on from moisture and/or grease. So, get brushing with an old toothbrush, or use a microfibre cloth moistened with mild detergent.
Step 4: Deep clean the fan blades cover
Kitchen fans
Kitchen fans get sticky with grease and dust, so if step 3 doesn’t cover it, then remove the fan itself (sometimes screwed on anti-clockwise or clipped in place), and spray it with a degreaser (warm soapy water will do) on the blades.
Let it sit for 5-10 mins to loosen grime, with the cover if it’s also having a soak. Then, scrub the fan and cover gently with a soft cloth or toothbrush. Rinse them with clean water, wipe it all down with a microfibre cloth, and let it dry. It should all look good as new!
Toilet fans
Toilet fans collect dust from toilet paper, lint from hand towels – and cake it all together with the moisture they extract. So if step 3 left your fans lacking, try this…
Soak the fan and cover with anti-bac spray (or a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water). Wipe it all down to disinfect and remove caked-on dust – using a toothbrush for any stubborn lint. Rinse everything off, and be sure to let it dry completely to prevent mould taking hold.
Step 5: Put it all back together, and test
Once everything is clean and dry, reattach the fan rotor and cover, turn the power back on, and test the fan. If it’s noisy or sounds like it’s struggling, there may still be dust in the motor. It could be too far gone, but professional servicing can help before resorting to a replacement.
How often should you clean office extractor fans?
Extractor fans are one of those office cleaning jobs that often get skipped. They’re awkward, time-consuming, and easy to forget about, accidentally on purpose…
Luckily, we’d say that a deep clean isn’t really a common need – just on extractor fans that haven’t ever been maintained. A regular dusting and wipe-down should happen with every office cleaning rotation, and a full clean every 3 months or so (more often in a busy office) should keep things running smoothly for a long time.
Mark it on your cleaning rotas and maintenance schedules, and adjust as necessary.
And if your office extractor fans need a deep clean, then talk to us – we provide commercial cleaning services in Cardiff, including kitchen and toilet block deep cleans, as well as regular office cleans.
Office cleaning that’s a breath of fresh air
Keep your office clean with regular, professional office cleaning from The Abbey Cleaning Service. Call 029 2067 9323 today, and find out how you will get pro-level office cleaning – without disrupting your work day.
