If you’re facing unusual smoke or condensation in your home, there’s a chance that your extractor fan is out of order. Or it can be too clogged, causing poor air extraction from your rooms and eventually returning. To cope with this, you have to clean or replace them; if you have no idea how to do it, don’t worry. In this guide, we’ll explore them in detail.
What Are Extractor Fans & How Do They Work?
As the name sounds, extractor fans aim to remove smoke, moisture, and strange odours from your rooms. This name varies from region to region, such as some call it ‘’exhaust fans’’, which in itself is self-explanatory in its specification − to remove the polluted air outside.
Typically installed in kitchens and bathrooms that demand more ventilation than other rooms. These appliances work by catching air from one side and throwing it in the opposite direction or outdoor space. That’s why they’re placed at the top of the wall next to the outdoor area.
Reasons Extractor Fans Get Dirty
Just like air conditioners, extractor fans get dirty after some time due to several reasons. This causes mould growth in your house because the moisture stays inside the rooms, which is ideal for the mildew to breed. Some of the major reasons are mentioned below:
Grease
Grease in the home? Yes, but this grease is made up of the vapourised oil you use for cooking. Whenever you fry something or cook in your kitchen, most of the oil gets absorbed in the dish, yet the remaining turns into vapour, and as an extractor fan is on, it escapes from the room. During this process, low-density particles easily exit the space while some material gets stuck on the fan’s surface and frame.
Dust
Alongside oil, dust particles also make the extractor fans dirty. The elements of the dust and debris lay on the surface of fan wings and border spots alike, causing wear and tear. The more fans work, the more they get dirty, while a time comes when the whole fan is under the attack of dust, and it can’t afford more dust.
Mould
You may wonder how mould grows in your space when everything is in tip-top condition. Mould grows due to moisture in closed spaces, mostly in rooms. When these areas aren’t ventilated well, moulds breed and increase their population intensely. Thus, this growth puts more strain on the fans and makes them dirtier as they function.
When to Clean Extractor Fan?
If you’re confused about when to clean the extractor fans, it’s always best to clean them once every six months and twice a year. This will keep the fan in the best condition without causing unexpected failures. In addition to the scheduled clean-up, you can remove and clean them if you notice unusual build-up earlier.
Tips for Cleaning Extractor Fan
Place a Towel on the Floor: To avoid the mess, lay down a towel to absorb the dust and liquid drips.
Turn Off the Main Switch: Before doing this DIY job, turn off the main power source to avoid short circuits, electric shocks, or unexpected failures.
Wear a Mask: Always wear a surgical or industrial-grade mask to prevent dust and debris from entering your mouth and nose.
Wear Goggles: Dust can enter your eyes and cause allergies. Thus, make sure you wear safety goggles that block all particles from contacting with your eyes directly or indirectly.
Things You Need to Get Started
- Warm water
- Soapy solution
- Soft sponge
- Microfibre cloth or towel
- Screwdriver
- Duster
Steps to Clean Extractor Fan the Right Way
Below are the steps to make your extract fans look like new once again:
Remove the Cover
Grab the screwdriver and unscrew the nuts to remove the grille from the wall. Then, remove the frame from its position and place it in a soapy liquid solution to soften the accumulated debris around the cover.
Remove Dust
As the cover is off, use a narrow-nozzle vacuum or blower to remove dust from the fan blades and nearby spots. You can also use a duster, which absorbs the dust inside and is an accessible option for most users.
Clean Them All
Then, dip the cloth in a mild liquid solution and wring it enough so that the liquid does not drip. Use the cloth to wipe the hole in the fan’s place without touching the fan motor. Also, scrub the grille gently to remove the softened dust & grease particles.
Dry Thoroughly
Now, allow the parts to dry; you can even use tissue paper to save time. This step is crucial, as installing the fan in a wet condition can lead to electrical issues or motor failure due to a short circuit if water interacts with the wiring.
Rebuild
Finally, gather the fittings and screw them back into the vent hole. Ensure you align them with the frame and don’t overtight them. Then turn on the power source and check if your fan works perfectly. That’s it; you successfully cleaned the extractor fan without paying for professional services.
Replacement of Extractor Fan
Now you know how and when to clean the extractor fans, but when to replace them?
Well, if maintained in top condition, they will work for years without any issues. But if internal faults arise and the unit doesn’t work even after cleaning, it’s time to install a new fan.
Here are some of the fan replacement signs you should consider:
- Producing strange noises
- Reduced performance
- Fan doesn’t operate smoothly
- Blades get damaged
- Can’t remove smoke properly
The Bottom Line
All in all, you learned the valuable skill of cleaning extractor fans with minimal tools and resources. Now, whenever the fan gets dirty, you know how to restore its shiny look that delivers top performance. While replacing the fan, you should hire an expert to complete this job because wiring the connection should not be done by residents with no electrical work background. You can consider Aircare Appliances for top-quality mega extractors for reliable smoke extraction in your domestic and commercial property.