To clean a fan, first unplug it from the socket, then remove dust from the grille and blades with a slightly damp cloth or soft brush, and wipe the exterior dry. Never use a lot of water near the motor and do not turn the fan on again until everything is dry.
Why it is worth cleaning a fan
A fan moves air, and with that air, also the dust that has accumulated on the blades and grille. After a summer of use, there is often a grey layer on the front. If you turn the device on again a year later, some of that dust will blow into the room. This is not only unpleasant, a dirty fan can also make more noise and run less smoothly.
For people who are sensitive to dust, this is extra relevant. Longfonds explains that many people with asthma do not react to dust itself, but to the droppings of house dust mites found in dust. It advises, among other things, to remove dust with a damp cloth and to ventilate rooms while cleaning. A clean fan is therefore a small part of a low-dust home. By the way, a fan is not a treatment for complaints; if you suffer from asthma or allergies, consult your GP.
Cleaning a fan in five steps
Step 1: unplug it. This is the most important step. Turn off the fan and pull the plug out of the socket before you touch anything. Let a device that has just been running come to a standstill for a moment.
Step 2: remove coarse dust. Carefully vacuum the grille and ventilation openings with a soft brush attachment or use a dry, soft brush. This prevents you from unnecessarily spreading the dust. Open a window while vacuuming, because fine particles are also released.
Step 3: wipe the blades and grille. Wipe the blades, grille, and exterior with a slightly damp microfiber cloth. Wring the cloth out well: no water should get into the motor or controls. A cotton swab helps in the narrow gaps between the grille bars.
Step 4: stubborn dirt. A little dishwashing liquid in water is sufficient. Longfonds also advises not to use strongly scented cleaning products or solvents, because they can irritate the airways.
Step 5: let it dry thoroughly. Dry everything with a dry cloth and let the device dry completely before plugging it back in.
Direct answer: Clean it with the plug out of the socket, a soft brush or vacuum cleaner, and a slightly damp cloth. Water should never get into the motor, and the fan must be completely dry before use. If you remove the grille or housing, always follow the manual for your own model.
How often should you clean a fan?
There is no fixed rule, but a good guideline is: wipe the grille briefly every few weeks as long as you use the fan daily, and clean it thoroughly at the beginning and end of the season. If it is stored all winter, preferably put it in a bag or box so that it does not become dusty again.
Pay attention to the difference with mechanical ventilation in the home. According to Milieu Centraal, you should have the ventilation box and ducts of such a system maintained by a professional, while grilles and vents must be cleaned at least once a year. This is about the ventilation system, not a separate fan in the room.
What you had better not do
Never spray cleaning products directly on the device and do not immerse anything in water. Do not use compressed air or a hairdryer on the motor unless you know this is allowed, and do not try to unscrew the motor housing if the manual does not prescribe it. If a blade part is damaged or the fan runs erratically, have it checked instead of continuing to use it.
Choose a fan that is easy to keep clean
A fan without complicated shapes is quicker to clean. The Dynter AV25G standing fan is foldable, allowing you to store it compactly at the end of the season.
Product: AirFlow AV25G Fan White (also available in grey)
Height: adjustable from 80 to 125 cm, manual
Functions: oscillation and three speed settings via a control knob
Power: 55 W (AC motor)
Folded dimensions: 42 × 42 × 20 cm, weight 3.49 kg
| Part | Approach | Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Grille and blades | Wipe with a slightly damp cloth | Microfiber cloth, soft brush |
| Slits and corners | Carefully brush out | Cotton swab, brush |
| Motor and controls | Only wipe dry | Dry cloth |
| Storage | Store dry and dust-free | Box or bag |
Want to know more about fans?
Curious about how much electricity a fan costs? Then read how much electricity a fan consumes per hour. If you are torn between two devices, check the difference between an air cooler and a fan. If you also want to use the fan in the children's room, read whether a fan is safe in a baby room. View the entire range in the collection of air conditioners and fans.
Frequently asked questions
Can I clean a fan with water?
Only with a slightly damp cloth on the outside. Keep water out of the motor and controls, and let everything dry completely before you plug it back in.
Why is there so much dust on my fan?
A fan draws air in and blows it out again, causing dust to accumulate on the blades and grille. The longer and more often it runs, the faster this happens.
Can I remove the blades to wash them?
This varies by model. Only remove parts if the manual expressly allows it, otherwise wipe the blades clean with a damp cloth instead.
How do I prevent a fan from quickly becoming dusty again?
Store the device clean and dry in a box or bag after the season, and wipe the grille occasionally during use. A low-dust environment also helps.