Why Clean Your Fan?

A dusty fan pushes dusty air around your room and works harder than it needs to, reducing airflow and motor lifespan. A thorough clean once or twice per season keeps it running efficiently and the air it moves cleaner.

Cleaning a Standing or Desk Fan

  1. 1

    Unplug first — always

    Never clean any electrical appliance while plugged in. Unplug from the wall before touching anything.

  2. 2

    Remove the front grille

    Most fans have a front grille that clips on or is held by a central nut. Unscrew or unclip it. Some fans have screws around the edge — a small screwdriver handles these. Remove the grille entirely.

  3. 3

    Slide off the fan blades

    The blades usually slide off the motor shaft once the grille is removed (held by a small nut or clip). Remove and set aside.

  4. 4

    Wash grille and blades

    Wash the grille and blades in warm soapy water. Use a soft brush or old toothbrush for the grille slats. Rinse well and dry completely — any moisture near the motor when reassembled can cause problems.

  5. 5

    Clean the motor housing with compressed air

    Use a can of compressed air to blow dust out of the motor housing and rear grille. Do not get the motor wet. A vacuum with a brush attachment also works well for removing surface dust.

  6. 6

    Wipe the base and body

    Wipe down the fan body, stand and base with a damp cloth. Dry everything thoroughly.

  7. 7

    Reassemble when completely dry

    Reattach blades and grille. Plug in and test.

Cleaning a Tower Fan (No Disassembly)

Tower fans cannot be disassembled easily. Use compressed air blasted into the intake vents. A vacuum pressed against the vents draws dust out. A long, thin bottle brush inserted through the grille slots can reach the internal blades. Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth.

How often to cleanOnce per month during heavy use seasons. Before storing at the end of summer. Before getting it out at the start of summer — stored fans collect dust.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes on the blades and grille — but keep water away from the motor housing completely. Wash removable parts in water, dry them completely, then reassemble. Never spray water directly at the fan while assembled.
The blades may not be fully seated on the shaft, or the centre nut may not be tight enough. Unplug, disassemble and reattach carefully. Also check that no cleaning cloth fibres are caught in the blade or motor area.