How to clean a fan: box, pedestal, tower and circulator fans

Step by step: how to clean a fan

Safety first. Unplug the fan before you touch it; the on/off switch alone is not enough. Never put the motor, cord or control panel in water or spray them, and make sure every part is completely dry before you plug the fan back in.

1. 1

   Unplug the fan and move it to a towel

   Pull the plug, not the cord, and carry the fan to a spot where dust can fall, like a towel on the floor or the back porch. If it has a remote, take the batteries out while you work.

2. 2

   Vacuum both sides of the grilles

   Run the vacuum’s brush attachment slowly over the front and back grilles, including the motor vents at the back. On a dusty fan you will see gray felt lift away in strips. This step alone removes most of the dirt and keeps it from turning to mud when you add water.

3. 3

   Open the grille if your model allows it

   Pedestal and desk fans usually have a front grille held by clips or a ring, and a blade held by a cap that unscrews; on many fans the cap loosens clockwise, so check the manual before you force it. Box fans and tower fans are often not meant to come apart. If the manual does not describe removing the grille, clean through it instead.

4. 4

   Wash the grilles and blade in the sink

   Put the removable grilles and blade in a sink of warm water with a few drops of dish soap. Scrub the wires and the blade edges with a soft brush for a minute or two, then rinse. Greasy kitchen fans may need a second wash.

5. 5

   Wipe the motor housing and base

   Wring a microfiber cloth out in the soapy water until it is barely damp and wipe the motor housing, stand and base. Keep water away from the vents, buttons and cord. Follow with a second cloth dampened in plain water to remove soap film.

6. 6

   Clean a fan that does not come apart

   For a box fan or tower fan, wipe the blades through the grille with a cloth wrapped around a ruler or a long, thin brush. Work the brush between the grille wires on both sides, then vacuum again to catch what you loosened.

7. 7

   Let everything dry, then reassemble

   Stand the grilles and blade on a towel for 30 to 60 minutes, or until there is no water in the crevices. Reattach the blade and cap, clip the grilles back on, and tighten any screws you removed.

8. 8

   Test it on high speed

   Plug the fan in and run it on the highest setting for a minute. It should sound smooth. A rattle usually means a grille clip or blade cap is not fully seated, so unplug and check it.

How to clean each type of fan

The right method depends on whether your fan comes apart. Manufacturers give different instructions for box, pedestal and tower fans, so match your fan to the row below and check your manual for anything model specific.

Lasko’s box fan manual says to clean the fan with a soft cloth moistened with a mild soap solution and to make sure it is completely dry before plugging it in. Its pedestal fan manual says disassembled grilles may be immersed in mild detergent and water, while its tower fan manual says to clean the fan only with a vacuum and a brush attachment and never to take it apart. Vornado’s support FAQ shows how to release the grille on its 533, 633 and 753 circulators: remove the three screws between the inlet grille ribs, but not the two on the pivot arms.

What not to use when cleaning a fan

Do not use solvents, alcohol or harsh cleansers on a fan, and do not soak or rinse any part that has wiring in it. Mild dish soap and water is enough for dust and kitchen grease.

• Lasko’s manuals warn against gasoline, benzene, paint thinner, alcohol and other harsh cleaners, which can cloud or crack the plastic.
• Do not hose a fan down or run it through the dishwasher unless your manual says the part is dishwasher safe. Heat can warp plastic blades and throw them off balance.
• Do not spray cleaner onto the fan. Spray the cloth, so liquid cannot run into the motor vents or switch.
• Skip oil or lubricant. Many household fans, including the Lasko box and tower fans above, have permanently lubricated motors.

When to stop using a fan and replace it

Replace a fan, or have it repaired by the manufacturer, if cleaning does not fix a burning smell, a grinding motor, a cracked blade or a damaged cord. Those are signs of a fault, not dirt.

• A hot, burning or electrical smell that remains after the dust is gone.
• A frayed, cracked or overheated cord or plug. Do not tape it.
• A blade that is chipped or warped, which makes the fan wobble at every speed.
• A motor that hums but will not turn, or turns slowly after cleaning.

A fan that has only been dusty for a long time usually runs quieter and moves more air after a proper clean. If your fan sits in a bedroom, regular cleaning also helps with the dust that bothers allergy sufferers; see our guide to getting rid of dust mites.

Mistakes to avoid

• Cleaning the fan while it is still plugged in and relying on the off switch.
• Rinsing a box fan or tower fan under the tap, which pushes water into the motor.
• Wiping the grilles with a wet cloth before vacuuming, which turns dust into gray paste.
• Forcing the blade cap the wrong way and stripping the threads.
• Plugging the fan back in while the grilles or blade are still damp.