How to Clean a Ventilation Fan

There is more than one type of ventilation fan. Below, we will share guidance when it comes to cleaning extractor fans, cooker hoods, PIV units and whole house (MVHRV) units.

Cleaning a cooker hood

You will need:

• A vacuum cleaner with an extendable hose, (Some handhelds are appropriate too).
• Gloves and a mask (depending on the level of contamination).
• A damp cloth suitable for wiping surfaces
• A fluffy duster
• Cooker hood filter replacement

1. Make sure the unit is turned off.
2. Put on your mask and gloves.
3. Remove the grill of your cooker hood, this will reveal the filter of the cooker hood.
4. Remove and discard the old filter.
5. Clean the area in which the filter was placed to ensure there is no leftover dust.
6. If there is dust in the vent of the cooker hood, use a vacuum hose to dislodge them. Alternatively, if there is a build-up of grease, use a degreasing agent.
7. Attach the new filter and place the cooker hood grill back onto the cooker hood.

If the level of dirt and mess in the cooker hood is extensive, consider calling an expert to conduct the clean.

Cleaning an extractor fan/ single-room MVHR unit

You will need:

• A vacuum cleaner with an extendable hose, (Some handhelds are appropriate too).
• A secure stool or object to stand on (if you need the height boost).
• Mould cleaning products (If there is mould in or around the fan).
• Gloves and a mask (depending on the level of contamination).
• A damp cloth suitable for wiping surfaces
• A fluffy duster
• A screwdriver (depending on the cover of your extractor).

1. Turn off the unit.
2. Put your gloves and mask on, plug your hoover in and approach your extractor fan.
3. Remove the cover of the extractor fan (you may need a screwdriver).
4. If there is mould on the case or around where it was placed, begin cleaning it with mould removal products.
5. Prepare your fluffy duster by gently placing it in the ducting and slowly moving it around, this allows any dust to become loose and easier to clean
6. After this, put your vacuum cleaner on and make sure the hose is extendable enough to reach the extractor fan. Place the hose in the ducting, making sure to collect the loose dust. Be gentle when doing this, as sudden movements can rip your ventilation depending on its material.
7. Remove the hose, clean up the area if required, and place the cover back onto the extractor fan.

Cleaning a whole house MVHVR unit

Whole house MVHVR units should be cleaned by professionals, this is due to the extensive ducting and the size of the unit. Any wrong move could compromise the whole system, so it is best to have an expert to conduct cleaning and maintenance when required.

Cleaning a PIV unit

PIV units require maintenance in yearly intervals depending on the model.

1. Turn the PIV unit off.
2. Remove the filters of the PIV unit
3. Clean the filters if they are machine washable, or replace them with replacement filters if required.
4. Clean the exterior surfaces of the unit with a damp cloth.
5. Use a soft brush or vacuum to remove any internal dust or debris.
6. Check and clean the ventilation ducts with a vacuum hose or dust cloth.
7. Empty the condensation tray if it is full.

We would recommend the expertise of a HVAC expert to clean a PIV unit if you are physically unable to.

What happens if I don’t clean my ventilation fans?