How to Clean Fans

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Fans are one of those things that you tend to forget about cleaning until one day you notice they’re covered in a ton of dust and grime. Fortunately, they’re super easy to clean. You can do a quick clean without taking your fan apart, or you can disassemble it and do a deep cleaning if things are looking really dirty. Either way, we’ve got you covered. Check out the steps below to learn how to get started.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Cleaning Oscillating and Window Fans Quickly

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  1. Flip the power switch on the fan or unplug it from the wall. Ensure that the blades have come to a complete stop before you clean the fan. [1]
    • On most oscillating fans, the power button is on the base or top of the fan.
    • Most window fans will need to be unplugged.
  2. Attach the brush attachment to the end of the vacuum hose and turn the vacuum on. Slide the vacuum hose over the grill of the fan to pick up dust and dirt that has accumulated. [2]
    • Clean the grill from the top to bottom.
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  3. Buy a can of compressed air online or at a department store. Thread the straw through the grill and press the trigger on the can to expel air from the straw. Blast air on each blade of the fan until they are free of dust. [3]
    • Hold the compressed air can right side up when spraying it.
  4. Start from the top of the fan and work your way down, wiping in a back-and-forth motion. Wipe down the grill, base, and back of the fan. Perform this process once a week to maintain a clean fan. [4]
    • You can purchase a microfiber cloth online or department store.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Deep Cleaning Oscillating and Window Fans

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  1. The fan may have come with a user manual that includes instructions on how to take it apart. Read the directions thoroughly so that you don’t accidentally break the fan when taking it apart. [5]
    • If you lost the manual that came with the fan, you can usually find instructions on the manufacturer’s website.
  2. Completely detach the power cord from the fan if you can. Ensure that all the blades of the fan have completely stopped moving before you start cleaning. [6]
  3. Unclip the tabs around the fan, if it has them. On some fans, this will allow you to remove the grill. If the grill doesn’t come off, check for screws on the front of the fan. Unscrew the screws in the face of the fan to remove the grill. [7]
    • Set the screws aside in a safe place so you can screw them back in later.
    • Some fans will have a grill on the back and front of the fan. In this case, remove both grills.
  4. Use the hose attachment on an upright vacuum or use a hand vacuum to suck up the dirt and dust inside of the fan. Concentrate on areas that have built-up dirt like the blades and crevices in the fan mechanism. [8]
    • The brush attachment may make using the hose attachment easier.
  5. Buy a glass or hard surface cleaner for the blades. Spray the cleaner directly into the paper towels so that you don’t get any liquid in the motor of the fan. Work in a side-to-side motion and remove all the dust and surface dirt from the surface of the blades. [9]
  6. Place the grill in a sink and turn on the faucet. Use a brush or sponge and a mild dish soap to scrub down the grill. Work back and forth over each piece of the grill until it’s clean. [10]
    • Since the grill in the fan can get very dirty, it’s best if you don’t use the sponge that you use to clean dishes.
  7. Wipe down the grill and blades of the fan with a dry rag or paper towels or let it air dry for 10-15 minutes. Once everything is dry, screw the grill back onto the fan and close the clips, if you have them. Plug the fan in to make sure that it works properly. [11]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Cleaning Ceiling Fans

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  1. Flip the switch on the wall to turn off the fan. Wait for the blades to stop moving before you dust or clean the fan. [12]
  2. Open a step ladder under the fan and make sure that it's secure on the ground. Step up on the ladder and make sure that you can reach it. [13]
    • If you can't reach the ladder, you'll need a taller ladder.
  3. Move a duster back and forth over the blades and fan mechanism. If you don't have a duster, you can wipe down the blades and mechanism with a dry rag. Regular dusting will prevent you from having to do a deeper cleaning as often. [14]
    • Dust ceiling fans at least once a week to maintain them.
    • You can also use an extension duster to reach the blades.
  4. Dampen a microfiber cloth under your facet. Wring out the cloth, then wipe the top, bottom, and sides of the fan blades. [15]
    • Don’t use abrasive chemicals to clean ceiling fans because it could scratch or discolor the blades.
  5. Point the straw of compressed air in the crevices of the motor. Press the trigger on the top of the can to dispel any dust or dirt that might have built up inside of the motor. [16]
    • Don't hold the canned air upside down.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Is cleaning a fan dangerous?
    Alicia Sokolowski
    Cleaning Specialist
    Alicia Sokolowski is a Green Cleaning Specialist and the President and co-CEO of AspenClean, a green cleaning company in Vancouver, British Columbia. With over 2 decades of experience, Alicia specializes in creating a healthier, green alternative to chemical-based cleaning products and services. AspenClean develops and manufactures its own line of 100% Natural, EcoCert® certified, and EWG verified™ cleaning products. AspenClean’s glass cleaner was voted Parent’s Green Pick 2020 by readers of the Parents’ magazine. Alicia holds a CPA designation and a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce and Finance from the University of Toronto.
    Alicia Sokolowski
    Cleaning Specialist
    Expert Answer
    No, not if you unplug it. There's no reason for the blades to start running if there's no power running to the fan.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    How do I clean a tower fan?
    Alicia Sokolowski
    Cleaning Specialist
    Alicia Sokolowski is a Green Cleaning Specialist and the President and co-CEO of AspenClean, a green cleaning company in Vancouver, British Columbia. With over 2 decades of experience, Alicia specializes in creating a healthier, green alternative to chemical-based cleaning products and services. AspenClean develops and manufactures its own line of 100% Natural, EcoCert® certified, and EWG verified™ cleaning products. AspenClean’s glass cleaner was voted Parent’s Green Pick 2020 by readers of the Parents’ magazine. Alicia holds a CPA designation and a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce and Finance from the University of Toronto.
    Alicia Sokolowski
    Cleaning Specialist
    Expert Answer
    It's not much different from the processes described above. You just vacuum the dusty areas or wipe them off with a microfiber cloth. The main difference with a tower fan is that you have to open the back to access the filter. You can typically do this pretty easily with a screwdriver, but the process may differ a bit from model to model.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
  • Question
    Are there any tips I need to know before cleaning my fan?
    Alicia Sokolowski
    Cleaning Specialist
    Alicia Sokolowski is a Green Cleaning Specialist and the President and co-CEO of AspenClean, a green cleaning company in Vancouver, British Columbia. With over 2 decades of experience, Alicia specializes in creating a healthier, green alternative to chemical-based cleaning products and services. AspenClean develops and manufactures its own line of 100% Natural, EcoCert® certified, and EWG verified™ cleaning products. AspenClean’s glass cleaner was voted Parent’s Green Pick 2020 by readers of the Parents’ magazine. Alicia holds a CPA designation and a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce and Finance from the University of Toronto.
    Alicia Sokolowski
    Cleaning Specialist
    Expert Answer
    It's pretty straightforward. The one thing some people don't do is take their fan outside to clean it. If you clean your fan indoors, all that dust and junk is just going to end up back in your fan eventually.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 0
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      References

      1. ↑ Alicia Sokolowski. Green Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview. 15 September 2020.
      2. ↑ Alicia Sokolowski. Green Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview. 15 September 2020.
      3. ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/all-purpose-cleaners/how-to-clean-all-fans/
      4. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-clean-a-fan/
      5. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-clean-a-fan/
      6. ↑ Alicia Sokolowski. Green Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview. 15 September 2020.
      7. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-clean-a-fan/
      8. ↑ Alicia Sokolowski. Green Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview. 15 September 2020.
      9. ↑ https://youtu.be/EAKROBeLoH0?t=58
      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/EAKROBeLoH0?t=81
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/EAKROBeLoH0?t=95
      3. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/cleaning-ceiling-fans/
      4. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/cleaning-ceiling-fans/
      5. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/cleaning-ceiling-fans/
      6. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/cleaning-ceiling-fans/
      7. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/cleaning-ceiling-fans/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To clean oscillating and window fans, start by turning the fan off and unplugging it. Then, vacuum the grill of the fan using a brush attachment to get rid of any dust and debris. Next, spray the fan blades with compressed air until there's no more dust on them. Finally, use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the outside of the fan. To learn how to clean a ceiling fan, scroll down!

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      Reader Success Stories

      • Jamie Thedford

        Nov 5, 2019

        "Gives good info on fans, how to take them apart and clean internally and efficiently."
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