Unnoticed heroes of our kitchens and bathrooms, extractor fans help to eliminate unwelcome smells, steam, and grease. They become less effective, unfortunately, as dirt and filth eventually clogs them. Not only does a well-maintained extractor fan keep your living areas fresh, but it also guarantees that the fan runs effectively for many years. Although it sounds like work, cleaning an extractor fan is rather easy. This tutorial will lead you through how to clean your extractor fan, respond to some often-asked questions, and offer advice on how to keep it in the best shape.
The Value of Cleaning Your Extractor Fan
A dirty extractor fan can reduce efficiency, which would cause residual smells and higher household humidity. Grease and dust accumulation over time might also strain the motor excessively and accelerate its wear-on. Frequent extractor fan cleaning can help to lower fire risks, prolong life, and preserve performance.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Get the following equipment ready before you begin cleaning the extractor fan:
- Soapy water;
- Dish cleaner or degreaser;
- Gentle towels or sponges;
- An old toothbrush or a soft-bristle brush;
- Screwdriver (should one be removing the lid or filter);
- Microfiber fabric for drying;
- a Hoover cleaner with an optional brush attachment.
Methodical Guide on Extensive Cleaning of an Extractor Fan
Step 1: Cut off the power
First things first: safety. Switch off the extractor fan at the mains before you start. This ensures that, when cleaning, you won’t unintentionally turn it on and risk damage.
Step 2: Take off the filter or cover
Most extractor fans feature a grille or cover that needs to be cleaned off. The model will determine whether this entails unscrewing or unclipping the cover. You will also have to remove any built-in filter your fan has—a metal grease filter in a kitchen extractor, for example.
Step 3: Soak the cover and filter
Load a big basin or washbasin with warm, soapy water. If the cover or filter is very greasy, toss in a bit of degreaser. Cover and filter the water. Let them soak for approximately ten to fifteen minutes to release the dirt. Check your fan’s instructions to find out whether the cover or filter is dishwasher-safe. Then, you may easily clean them in the dishwasher.
Step 4: Examine the filter and cover
Use a gentle sponge or towel to clean the lid and filter of grease and grime following soaking. To gently clean stubborn stains, run an old toothbrush over them. Steer clear of hard scouring pads since they could ruin the surface.
Step 5: Polish the fan blades
Check the fan blades while the cover and filter soak. Wipe down every blade gently with a moist cloth dipped in warm, soapy water. Apply a little kitchen degreaser if there is a lot of grease build-up, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe. Be mild; fan blades can be really fragile.
Step 6: Vacuum inside
To get dust and trash from the extractor fan’s innards, gently hoover it using a hoover with a brush attached. For bathroom extractors, where dust can readily build over time, this stage is particularly crucial.
Step 7: Clean the surroundings
Remember to clean the surrounding walls or tiles close to the extractor fan. Dust and grease might build on these surfaces, therefore influencing the general hygienic state of your bathroom or kitchen.
Step 8: Reassemble the fan
Reassemble your extractor fan once the cover and filter are dry. Before restoring the power, ensure everything is in place.
Step 9: Test the Fan
Turn the power back on and test the fan to check it runs without problems. A clean fan should run more silently and effectively than it did in past years.
Read also: Beginner’s Guide to Food Safety and Hygiene
How Often Should You Clean an Extractor Fan?
Depending on how often you cook, clean the cover and filter every one to two months for kitchen extractor fans. If you fry food often, you could have to clean it more often. Usually requiring less frequent cleaning, bathroom extractor fans should be cleaned every three to six months.
Advice for Keeping Up Your Extractor Fan
- Turning on your extractor fan every time you cook or shower will help. This helps to stop the build-up of grease and moisture.
- Every week, give the fan a brief wipe to help prevent dirt accumulation.
- Replace filters as needed. Some extractor fans—especially those of kitchen models—have filters that must be routinely changed. Check the handbook for your fan for directions.
Common Concerns Regarding Extensive Cleaning of Extractor Fans
1. Can I clean my extractor fan without removing it?
Indeed, you may clean some areas of the extractor fan—such as the blades and cover—without totally removing the unit. But removing the top and filter lets you clean more thoroughly, especially if you have to access internal parts.
2. How should I maintain an extractor fan in a bathroom?
Cleaning a bathroom extractor fan follows the same procedures as cleaning a kitchen fan. Emphasise cleaning dust and grime instead of grease. Dust from the vents and blades can be removed using a hoover fitted with a brush attachment. Using a moist cloth and light detergent, wipe off the blades.
3. What should I do if, following cleaning, my extractor fan is noisy?
If your fan is noisy following cleaning, there may be improper assembly involved. Verify once more the cover and filter are firmly in place. If the problem continue, there can be a mechanical problem needing expert servicing.
4. Could I wipe my extractor fan with vinegar?
Indeed, one can use vinegar as a natural degreasers. Applying it to the oily regions, mix equal volumes of white vinegar and water let it sit for a few minutes before wiping. A commercial kitchen degreaser might be more successful, though, for significant grease build-up.
5. Should I have a professional service clean my extractor fan?
With the advice in this guide, you may readily manage regular cleaning yourself. Hiring a professional could be a smart option, though, if your fan hasn’t been cleaned in a long time or if you suspect a mechanical problem.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining a clean and functional kitchen or bathroom depends mostly on routinely cleaning your extractor fan. These easy guidelines will help you to keep your fan free of debris, dust, and grease, so guaranteeing its effective operation. A little bit of maintenance goes a lot towards extending the lifetime and effectiveness of your bathroom fan or high-end kitchen extractor.