The bathroom exhaust vent fan requires annual maintenance to increase its performance value and lifespan. It is used for removing excess moisture in the air after a hot shower or bath. If never removed, this moisture can lead to mold and mildew growth, which is simultaneously dangerous to our health and destructive for our homes. Continue reading to learn how to properly clean and maintain bathroom exhaust vent fans.
How They Operate
Bathroom exhaust fans are powerful enough to exhaust nearly two million cubic feet of air per year if turned on for one hour each day! They draw air from the bathroom and vent it outside. As the vent draws air in, other airborne particles come with it, like dust, dander, and debris. These particles accumulate on the outer grid cover and fan motor, reducing performance value and efficiency. Both of these areas must be cleaned in order to maintain an operational bathroom exhaust vent. Dust and debris should be wiped clear every six months to a year, depending on the size of a bathroom and the number of occupants in a home.
How to Clean the Bathroom Exhaust Vent:
▥ To get started, you will need a vacuum with a brush attachment, a step stool, and a towel. The first step begins at the circuit breaker box. Be sure to flip the fuse to the bathroom fan so it has no power. This will eliminate electrocution accidents and injuries.
▥ Next, use your step stool to get in arms reach of the vent. Most are located on the ceiling, but some may be on the side of a wall, right beneath the ceiling.
▥ Slowly pull the grid cover to the vent down until it is a few inches from the ceiling. At this point, you will be able to see metal spring clips on each side of the grid cover. Press them together simultaneously and release them from their slots in the fan housing, then remove the cover from the ceiling entirely.
▥ Place the vent cover on the towel and vacuum it clean with your brush attachment. You may also use paper towel and mild cleaning solution to wipe it clean after vacuuming. Do this for both sides.
▥ Next, using your brush attachment, gently vacuum the fan housing and blower motor. You can choose to use the crevice tool vacuum attachment to reach deeper, harder-to-reach spots.
▥ Now you are ready to attach the cover back to the ceiling and exposed fan housing. To do this, hold the vent cover while pressing together both metal spring clips. Slip the clips back into their slots inside the fan housing. Gently push the cover back onto the ceiling.
▥ For larger-scale plumbing maintenance and handyman needs, contact a qualified general contractor who specializes in residential and commercial plumbing work. They can provide professional and affordable plumbing services for homes, apartments, office buildings, hospitals, retirement homes, schools, and much more.