This bathroom workhorse is under-appreciated and often overlookeduntil it begins to sound like an airplane taking off.

Since this is so important to your bathroom, it’s equally important to clean it often.

Learn how to clean your dusty bathroom fan the right way to keep it quiet and working properly.

A clean bathroom fan on the ceiling

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But, if you use that bathroom every day, these are good guidelines for cleaning the exhaust fan.

Unless the bathroom has plenty of natural light, have a flashlight handy.

Place the cover on an absorbent towel and allow it to air-dry.

Materials needed to clean a dusty bathroom fan

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Clean the Motor Housing and Blades

If possible, remove the fan unit from the recessed housing.

Most models will come out with just a few twists.

Lightly dampen a sponge or microfiber cloth with water and wipe away dust from the blades and motor.

Switching off the breaker to the fan

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Use a duster or the crevice tool of the vacuum to remove as much debris as possible.

If needed, plug the fan into the outlet.

Snap or screw the cover back in place.

Vacuuming the outside of a bathroom fan

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

If you hear clicking, the fan blades may need to be adjusted slightly.

Be sure to follow safety procedures when readjusting the blades.

Tips to Keep Your Bathroom Fan Clean Longer

Removing the fan cover

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Unplugging the fan

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Mixing a cleaning solution

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Soaking the bathroom fan cover

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Cleaning the housing components

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Dusting the interior of the bathroom fan

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Replacing the fan cover

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Turning the bathroom fan back on

The Spruce / Sarah Lee