How to Clean a Vornado Fan

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Vornado fans are unique in that they are safer and require less maintenance than typical electric fans. If you use your fan often, it's likely that it will build up dust particles. Whether you have a tower fan or a box fan, the cleaning process is simple and will leave you with a dust-free breeze.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Ridding a Tower Fan of Dust

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  1. Turn the fan off before doing anything else. You can use a brush attachment on a vacuum cleaner to clean out all of the dust from the outer grills. Make sure the fan is unplugged before vacuuming. Go slowly when vacuuming to ensure you clean out as much dust as possible. [1]
    • This will only clean the outer part of the fan, not the inside blades.
  2. If you have an air compressor, you can use it to clean out your tower fan. You can also buy a can of compressed air to clean out the fan, simply pointing the nozzle at the dust and spraying air through the vents to clean them out. Make sure to take your tower fan outside — keeping it unplugged — before using an air compressor or compressed air can so that dust isn’t flying around your house.
    • Follow the instructions for the air compressor or compressed air can carefully. Don’t shake your can of compressed air.
    • Air compressors can cost anywhere from $50-$500, while compressed air cans cost $10-$20. They can be bought at a home improvement store or online.
    • Wear a mask to prevent yourself from breathing in dust or dirt.
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  3. If you have access to a leaf blower, you can use it to blow away dirt and dust particles from the tower fan. Blow the air inside of the grill of the fan after you’ve turned on the blower. Take the fan outside to use the leaf blower, and make sure the fan stays unplugged.
    • This is a more heavy-duty method — you won’t be able to blow specific spots, but it should ensure maximum coverage.
    • Wearing a mask and safety glasses will prevent dirt from getting into your eyes, nose, or mouth.
  4. Use a soft, clean cloth or rag to wipe down the outside of the tower fan. This will get rid of any remaining dust or dirt particles. You don't need to use any water or cleaning chemicals when wiping down the fan. [2]
    • A duster would help clean your fan as well.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Removing Dirt from a Box Fan

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  1. Use a handheld vacuum to suck up dust particles on the outer section, or inlet ribs, of the box fan. You can also use a feather duster to wipe away dust or dirt. Make sure the fan is unplugged before cleaning, and don’t use any water on the outer ribs. [3]
    • Wipe away tough dirt spots with a clean cloth.
  2. To remove your fan’s grill, follow the instructions related to the specific model of Vornado box fan. You will most likely need to remove screws around the grill and release the grill clips. [4]
    • You can find instructions on how to remove the grill in your owner’s manual or online.
  3. Once the grill has been properly removed, you can dust it using a cloth or feather duster. If you’d rather wash it, it's okay to use water on the grill. Use dish soap and water to get rid of any dust and dirt particles. [5]
    • Never put the grill in the dishwasher to prevent it from warping due to the heat.
  4. To clean the blades, use a soft cloth dampened with plain water to wipe off any dust particles. Using water on the blades is okay, just make sure to dry them off. If your fan was in a greasy environment like a kitchen, you can use a mild soap to wash the blades. [6]
  5. Once all of the pieces have dried off, reassemble the fan by screwing the grill back into place using the screws you took out. If you need help, refer to the fan's instruction manual.
    • Make sure the blades and grill are completely dry before reattaching the pieces and plugging the fan into an outlet.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    How do you clean a 4-inch Vornado fan?
    Lina DaSilva
    Top Answerer
    First unplug it. Then use a soft cloth or brush to gently remove dust from the outer casings. For the grills and blades, a can of compressed air works wonders. Just give it a good blast to dislodge any dust or debris. If the grills are really dirty, you can use a slightly damp cloth with a bit of mild soap, but make sure not to get any water inside the motor.
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  • Question
    Should I oil my fans if they are making noise ?
    Lina DaSilva
    Top Answerer
    Vornado fans are typically designed not to need oiling. If it's making noise, it might be due to dust build-up or a mechanical issue. Clean it thoroughly first, and if it's still noisy, consider reaching out to Vornado customer support for advice specific to your model.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 1
  • Question
    How do I fix a slow-moving ceiling fan?
    Lina DaSilva
    Top Answerer
    The fix is often simple. First check if it's set to low speed. If it's slow on a higher setting, turn it off and clean any dust off the blades. Dust can unbalance the fan, making it move slower. Also, check if the blades are tightly secured. Loose blades can slow the fan. If it's still slow after these steps, the motor might need attention, and it could be time to call a professional.
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      Tips

      • Vornado instruction manuals say that you shouldn't take apart tower fans when cleaning them because this will void your warranty. Box fans are fine to take apart. [7]
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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.vornado.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/AllCirc.pdf
      4. ↑ Alicia Sokolowski. Green Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview. 15 September 2020.
      5. ↑ https://www.vornado.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/AllCirc.pdf
      6. ↑ https://www.vornado.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/AllCirc.pdf
      7. ↑ https://www.vornado.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/154-184.pdf

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To clean a Vornado box fan, start by using a feather duster or a hand-held vacuum to clean dust from the outer sections of the fan. Then, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to remove the grill. Next, dust the grill, or wash it with soap and water. After that, wipe down the blades with a soft, damp cloth, and reassemble the fan once all the pieces are completely dry. To learn how to clean a Vornado tower fan, scroll down!

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