How to Clean Bathroom Extractor Fan?

Bathroom extractor fans bear the brunt of humidity on an almost daily basis. This is especially true for large households that have hot showers every day. Although the services of a bathroom extractor fan seem like they don’t require much maintenance, it turns out that they actually do.

With that in mind, In this blog, we will address the question ‘How to clean bathroom extractor fan?’

With new buildings being made to be as energy efficient as possible, and the UK aiming for 95% of its electricity usage to be low carbon by 2030, it is imperative to understand how we can make the most of our ventilation. This is where applications such as extractor fans and heat recovery ventilation units come in.

To prevent mould, fresh air should constantly be introduced into your dwelling daily, as it helps to regulate temperature and reduce condensation. Introducing fresh air can be as simple as having a ventilation routine, or installing extractors or MVHR units. Almost all of this is facilitated by ducting.

Are bathrooms the easiest place for mould to grow?

Yes. In the majority of cases, bathrooms seem to be the first place mould can form. This is due in part to the vast amount of humidity a simple hot shower can generate. If wet surfaces are left untreated, and additional ventilation in the form of an open window isn’t practised, you can quickly notice the development of mould.

If left unattended, it will spread. This can be made worse if you keep your bathroom door open after your shower, but also keep the window shut. This allows steam to travel through your home and rest on cold surfaces, creating the potential for mould to form.

The functions of a bathroom extractor fan

Bathroom extractor fans are designed to provide additional ventilation to the bathroom, this means it will work to remove humidity, and the smells that a bathroom can sometimes have within them.

Many modern extractor fans have temperature sensors installed which means that some of them do not require a light switch to operate, it works by itself.

Can mould grow on extractor fans?

Yes. Mould has the potential to grow in, on, or around extractor fans. However, this can only happen for very specific reasons.

As we are aware, mould should be less of a worry if you have an extractor fan, so what can cause it to grow on them? Here are the common causes that make this happen…

The ducting is compromised via a tear.

The area housing the ducting and fan is developing mould due to outside leaks or leaks coming through the internal structure.

Mould has been left to develop in the bathroom without opening the window in addition to using the fan.

The fan has not been in use for an extended period, but humidity is still occurring regularly.

Please understand that mould is a tool used to prevent the occurrence of mould. If your ventilation practice is not enough, or some leaks are beyond your control, mould can still appear.

Mould surface cleaners are one of the most effective options in killing mould.

How to clean bathroom extractor fan?

Cleaning a bathroom extractor fan is quite simple, depending on the kind of extractor fan you have. Below is a simple guide to this process.

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).

Put your gloves and mask on, plug your hoover in and approach your extractor fan.
Remove the cover of the extractor fan (you may need a screwdriver).
If there is mould on the case or around where it was placed, begin cleaning it with mould removal products.
Prepare your fluffy duster by gently placing it in the ducting and slowly moving it around, this will allow any dust to become loose and easier to clean
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.
Remove the hose, clean up the area if required, and place the cover back onto the extractor fan.

Why do extractor fans need cleaning?

As a result of collecting air, naturally, contaminants such as dust will be extracted too. Dust can easily collect onto surfaces over time. The key is committing to regular maintenance to prevent any large buildup from forming.

Cleaning a bathroom extractor fan is a necessary process to ensure the extractor is maintained, failure to do so can result in dust and other contaminants to form. If left unattended, the contaminants can eventually damage the functionality of the extractor fan, or prevent it from working at all.

What if I can’t clean my extractor fan myself?

If you are unable to clean your extractor fan yourself, there are services available to do this for you. Whether this be through the manufacturer of your extractor fan, or maintenance services.

Who shouldn’t clean an extractor fan?

Anyone under the following categories should not clean a bathroom extractor fan.

People with a compromised immune system.
Elderly people who struggle to do daily tasks.
Anyone with a severe dust allergy.
Anybody with physical disabilities or mobility issues that can result in an accident if they attempt to clean the fan themselves.

Does cleaning my extractor fan nullify my warranty?

Please be aware, that there is a possibility that self-maintenance may void the warranty of an extractor fan if anything breaks. Please do your due diligence beforehand and ensure that any maintenance is not going to cause any warranty issues for you.

A simple way to confirm this is by contacting the warranty department of the brand of extractor fan you have. By doing this you will have a clear understanding of what you can or can’t do, in addition to being given helpful tips, or even scheduling maintenance for you if that is part of their warranty or as an additional service.

How long are extractor fan warranties?

The warranty period of an extractor fan can vary entirely on the brand and model you purchase. Some have different lengths of time for parts and replacements. Generally, a longer warranty is an indication of a higher-specification product that can last much longer. Depending on where your purchase is made, some stores provide their own warranties as an option.

Buy a bathroom extractor fan today

At I-Sells, all things ventilation and ducting related is our speciality, we are here to answer the questions we know are common for those new to HVAC and what it encompasses.

We at I-Sells endeavour to ensure our customers have all the information they require before investing in our mould solutions. Be sure to visit our blog page to learn about the vast array of factors and issues surrounding ventilation, mould, condensation, and much more.

We hope to have answered the question ‘How to clean bathroom extractor fan?’

We understand you may have more questions, do not hesitate to contact us for more information about whatever you need our help with. If you’d like to email us, click here. For other contact options, see below:

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