It’s very important to have an exhaust fan that is vented to the outside in every bathroom in your home.

    You should run it whenever you shower or bathe and for 15 to 20 minutes afterward to remove excess moisture that can cause mold and mildew growth.

    An average-sized bathroom vent fan used one hour a day will exhaust over two million cubic feet of air a year — or the equivalent volume of the inside of 1,000 homes. As air passes through, dust builds up on the grill cover and fan motor. 

    Cleaning the cover and housing every six to twelve months removes most accumulated dust. Here, we will walk through the supplies needed and the steps necessary to clean your fan.

    Supplies Needed

    Replacement vent cover (optional)

    Step stool or ladder (if needed to reach fan)

    Vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment



    Cleaning Your Fan

    First, locate the wall switch controlling the vent fan and turn it off. This prevents accidental operation while cleaning. Alternatively, you can turn off the circuit breaker for the vent fan, which is typically located in the basement, garage, or utility room. Turn breakers off individually until the fan shuts off.

    Now, remove the vent cover. Use a step stool or ladder to reach the fan if needed. When removing the vent cover, use caution on ladders and avoid dropping the cover, as it could shatter if it hits a hard surface.

    Next, find the spring-loaded clips on the cover’s sides. Squeeze them together to retract the clips from slots in the housing. Gently pull down the cover until it detaches from the housing. Be sure to avoid dropping it. Then, place the cover on a towel or protected surface during cleaning.

    To clean the vent cover, use a vacuum brush to thoroughly clean both cover sides, removing most dust and debris. For stuck-on dirt, wipe with a damp rag and mild detergent. Don’t use abrasive cleaners that could scratch the cover.

    Completely rinse and dry the cover after cleaning it. If there are any bent, broken, or missing clips, replace the cover with one for your model.

    With the vent cover removed, you now have access to the fan housing and motor, making it easier to clean both. First, vacuum the housing interior with a crevice tool and brush. Carefully vacuum all surfaces around the motor to remove built-up dust.

    If needed, gently dislodge debris in tight spaces with a small paintbrush. Avoid contact with the motor. When finished, the fan housing should be dust and debris-free.

    At this point, you can reinstall the vent cover. First, squeeze the cover’s clips together. Insert the compressed clips into housing slots. Release the clips and push up on the cover until flush with the ceiling and secure. Finally, restore power and test fan operation.

    Tips for Optimal Performance

    Clean the fan every six to twelve months to prevent excessive dust buildup.

    Consider installing a quiet, high-efficiency replacement if old or noisy.

    Ensure the fan vents are outdoors and the ducts are clear.

    Have professionals clean ducts every two to three years to remove stuck-on debris.

    Run 20 minutes after showering to remove moisture.


    When to Call a Professional

    Cleaning a vent fan is usually a DIY job, but call a pro if:

    • Ducts are damaged or clogged. Pros have tools to clear blockages and reroute ducts.
    • Electrical issues occur, like no power. Electricians can fix wiring issues.
    • The housing is damaged. Installers can replace just the housing or the entire assembly.
    • The motor fails or makes loud noises. A technician can test components and replace them if needed.
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    So, Is Cleaning a Bathroom Vent Fan Necessary?

    Absolutely. Regularly cleaning your bathroom vent fan is a crucial maintenance task that homeowners often overlook. Letting dust and dirt accumulate will lead to problems like reduced airflow, mold, strange smells, and eventual failure. Thoroughly cleaning all fan components twice yearly significantly extends its life span. It’s well worth the small effort to properly remove humidity and odors. Keeping ducts clean is also vital for proper moisture removal, so be sure to add vent fan cleaning to your regular home maintenance routine.


    FAQs About Cleaning Bathroom Vent Fans

    How often should you clean a bathroom vent fan?

    Clean the fan, cover, and housing every six to twelve months. Clean more often in humid climates.


    What is the best way to clean a vent fan cover?

    Use a vacuum brush, then wipe with a damp rag and mild detergent if needed. Don’t use abrasive cleaners.


    How do you clean the fan motor and housing?

    Use a vacuum crevice tool and brush. If needed, gently loosen debris in tight spaces with a small paintbrush.


    What supplies are needed to clean a bathroom vent fan?

    A vacuum, step stool or ladder, replacement cover (optional), vacuum attachments, and a small scrub brush.


    When should you call an HVAC pro for vent fan issues?

    Call a pro right away if the motor is broken, ducts are damaged/clogged, electrical issues occur, or the housing needs replacement.


    Editorial Contributors
    avatar for Elise LaChapelle

    Elise LaChapelle

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    Elise LaChapelle is a copywriter with over a decade's experience in the digital space. She specializes in blogging, website content, social media, and e-mail marketing across a diverse array of clients, helping them to connect with their target audience through concise, compelling messaging. When she's not crafting copy, Elise enjoys working out, cooking, and spending time with her husband and two daughters.

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    Jeff Zoldy

    Jeff is a writer, editor, and marketer based in Charlotte, North Carolina. He has been editing on the Home Solutions team for over a year and is passionate about getting homeowners the information they need when they need it most. When he’s not working, Jeff can be found at baseball games, golfing, going to the gym, reading, watching movies, and playing video games.

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