How to Clean a House Fan
How to Clean a House Fan
When spring hits, plenty of things come out from storage in the old garage. One of the most common things are fans. Some folks even use box fans year round for the noise they provide and the comforting rhythms. Fans that have been stored or that have not been properly maintained will get quite dirty and nasty.
If you have a perfectly good, but dirty, fan to use, this article will walk you through the steps to get it in top shape once again. In fact, this process should be done at least once or twice per year regardless.
Begin the process by gathering what you need and unplugging the fan.
You will need:
-An Old Rag
-A Scrub Brush
-An Old Toothbrush
-Water
-Dish Soap
-Vacuum Cleaner or Shop Vac
-Phillips/Flat Head Screwdrivers
The very first thing you want to do is take off the covers. These are generally screwed on with two screws at the top and two at the bottom. Removing these covers/screens will make them much easier to clean and also will facilitate cleaning the inside of the fan.
Once you take off the covers, set them aside and take a good look around the inside of the fan. You will quickly see the areas that are dirty and need a good scrubbing.
Mix a solution of dish soap and water as a cleaning solution in a bucket. Some folks like to drop some lavender essential oils in the water for a nice smell. If you do, only use a drop or so.
Right here you can get some awesome lavender oils and learn how to use them properly!
Dip your rag in and be sure to use rubber gloves. Squeeze tightly to wring it out well. When you go to wipe down the interior of the fan, make sure all excess water is gone to keep from damaging the electrical parts.
Start at the top of the fan and work your way down. Wipe the insides of the fans on both sides and all around the center motor area being careful not to dislodge anything. Use your toothbrush and your scrub brush to take care of any dirt or grime that is stuck on or hard to reach.
Next, you will take the vacuum cleaner and get all the nastiness out of the screens/covers. This is the easiest way to get it gone and will be quick and easy. After you are done, wipe the screens/covers down with your cleaning solution and let everything dry.
From there, you simply re-assemble and enjoy a fresh, clean smelling box fan for the rest of the summer!
