Bathroom
Your Bathroom Fan Might Be Dirtier Than You Think—Here’s a Hack to Check
A dirty bathroom exhaust fan can be a serious fire hazard. Here’s a simple hack to help determine if your fan’s airflow is obstructed.
Why Bathroom Fans Need Regular Cleaning
While cleaning your bathroom, the exhaust fan is often overlooked. But a buildup of dust and dirt inside the fan can cause the motor to overheat, potentially leading to a fire. The danger isn’t just the outside appearance of the fan; it’s what’s going on inside, which can obstruct airflow and make the fan less effective.
A Simple Hack to Check Your Fan’s Airflow
Cleaning influencer Azure MacCannell (@livecomposed) came up with a quick method to check if your bathroom fan needs cleaning:
- Attach a paper towel to a flat mop pad.
- Press the paper towel gently against the ceiling fan.
- Pull the mop back. If the towel sticks to the fan, the airflow is unobstructed and the fan is working well.
- Try the same test on another fan. If the paper towel doesn’t stick, the airflow is likely blocked by dust or debris.
This isn’t a definitive test, but it helps reveal airflow issues you might otherwise miss. Remember that appearances can be deceiving: even if the fan looks clean, dust buildup inside can still be obstructing airflow.
Keep Your Fan Clean Regularly
Rather than waiting for airflow issues to arise, make cleaning your bathroom fan part of your regular cleaning routine. Aim to clean it monthly to ensure it runs efficiently and safely.