Breathe Easier: How to Properly Clean and Maintain Exhaust Fans
Why you should clean your exhaust fans regularly
Kitchen exhaust fans do the hard work of removing smoke, steam, fumes and smells from the kitchen while we’re cooking. Over time grease, dirt, and debris can collect in your exhaust fans, leading to poorer air quality and even fire hazards. Regular exhaust fan cleaning provides these benefits to your home:
● Eliminates unwanted odors
● Removes smoke and airborne particles, reducing the risk of respiratory issues
● Proper ventilation helps control humidity
● Clean fans run more efficiently, saving energy
Step-by-step guide to cleaning exhaust fans
Here’s how you can clean your exhaust fan in a few easy steps
1. Turn off and unplug the fan
Start by making sure the fan can’t turn on during the cleaning process to avoid injury. For further ventilation, open a window or too to allow fresh air into the room.
2. Remove the filter
Take the mesh filters off the exhaust fan and place them in your sink full of hot water and dish soap. Let them soak for at least 15 minutes.
3. Clean the filter
You can scrub the filter with a scouring pad with the hot water and dish soap. Some experts suggest using baking soda for extra cleaning power.
4. Clean the fan
The filter isn’t the only thing getting covered in grease and debris. While the filter is soaking, focus on the fan as well. Use a warm, soapy sponge to clean the surface of the exhaust fan with special attention to any visible collections of grease or stains.
5. Clean the lip of the exhaust vent
Don’t forget to clean the exhaust vent, as stains can make their way to it as well.
6. Let dry and reassemble
Once cleaned, let the pieces dry before reassembling your exhaust fan.
When should you clean your exhaust fans?
It’s recommended that you clean your exhaust fans at least once a year to maximize air quality, energy efficiency and to minimize potential harms to you or your family.
Aside from a full cleaning, you should also clean your filters at least once every three months. You do the same process as above, where you sit them in hot water and dish soap and then allow them to dry before re-assembling them.
Golden Home Management
Maintaining and cleaning your exhaust fan is a key part of maintaining a high-functioning kitchen. But it can slip our minds, like so many other tasks. Some days it probably feels like the list keeps growing. That’s where Golden Home Management comes in.
Our dedicated team of Home Coordinators can tackle your maintenance requirements for you, so you can get back to doing the things you really enjoy—like actually enjoying your home. Call us today to schedule your FREE home assessment so we can craft the perfect maintenance plan for you.