Domakihub Clean a Bathroom Extractor Fan in 5 Simple Steps
Keep your fan running quietly and mould-free with this easy cleaning routine.
Reviewed by Domakihub cleaning pros · 2026-06-23 · 4 min read
A clogged bathroom extractor fan cannot shift moisture effectively, which leads to mould on walls and ceilings — a costly problem in any home, rental apartment, or hotel room in Greece's humid climate. The video above from Clean My Space shows the whole process in action, while this guide breaks it into clear steps you can follow with tools you already own. Whether you manage one bathroom or fifty, a clean fan takes less than 30 minutes and pays back in lower maintenance bills and fresher air.
Why Bathroom Extractor Fans Get Dirty So Fast
Every time someone showers or runs a bath, the fan draws in air loaded with steam, lint, and airborne dust. This mixture coats the grille cover and the internal fan blades in a sticky grey layer. In coastal and island locations across Greece, salt particles in the air add an extra layer of grime that can corrode motor contacts if left unchecked.
A neglected fan works harder to move the same volume of air, which shortens its lifespan, raises electricity consumption, and eventually causes a rattling or humming noise that guests in a holiday rental will notice immediately.
How Often Should You Clean the Fan?
For a family home or a hotel room with daily use, a light wipe-down of the grille every three months is ideal, with a full deep-clean once or twice a year. Holiday rental properties with high seasonal turnover — common across Crete, the Cyclades, and the Dodecanese — benefit from a thorough clean at the start of each rental season, before guests arrive.
If you notice the fan is noisier than usual, or if condensation is forming on mirrors and tiles even when the fan is running, that is a sign the unit is overdue for cleaning regardless of the calendar.
How to Clean a Bathroom Extractor Fan: Step by Step
- 1
Switch off the power at the breaker
Before touching any part of the fan, go to your electrical consumer unit and flip the breaker that controls the bathroom circuit. Never rely on the light switch alone. Confirm the fan is off, then give the unit a minute to spin down completely if it was running.
- 2
Remove and soak the grille cover
Most grille covers clip onto the housing with two metal spring-clips — squeeze them gently and pull the cover down. Some older Greek-market units use small screws instead. Place the grille in a basin of warm water with a few drops of washing-up liquid and leave it to soak for ten minutes. This loosens compacted dust without any scrubbing effort.
- 3
Vacuum the inside of the housing
With the cover off, use the brush attachment of a vacuum cleaner to remove the loose dust from inside the fan housing. Work carefully around the blades and the motor. If the fan blades are accessible and heavily coated, wipe each blade with a barely damp microfibre cloth. Avoid getting water near the motor windings.
- 4
Scrub the grille cover and rinse
After soaking, use an old soft-bristled toothbrush or a small cleaning brush to scrub the grille slots from both sides. Rinse the cover under running water and shake off the excess. Leave it on a dry towel for ten to fifteen minutes — it must be completely dry before you refit it, as moisture near live electrical contacts is dangerous.
- 5
Refit the cover and restore power
Clip or screw the dry grille cover back into place. Return to the consumer unit and switch the bathroom breaker back on. Run the fan for a few minutes and listen: a clean fan should be quiet and should create a noticeably stronger draught at the grille. If rattling persists after cleaning, the motor mounts may be loose and may need a professional check.
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FAQ
- Can I clean a bathroom extractor fan without removing it from the ceiling?
- Yes — for a routine clean you only need to remove the grille cover, which clips off in seconds. The vacuum and a damp cloth handle the inside without any further disassembly. A full removal is only needed when the blades are heavily caked or the motor is being replaced.
- What happens if I never clean the extractor fan?
- Dust restricts airflow, so moisture stays trapped in the room. Over time this causes mould spots on grout, peeling paint, and damaged plasterwork. The fan motor also overheats from running at full load against a clogged housing, shortening its life significantly — replacement units cost between €40 and €150 in Greece depending on size and brand.
- My fan is still noisy after cleaning. What should I do?
- Noise after cleaning usually points to one of three causes: a loose mounting screw in the housing (tighten it with a small screwdriver), worn motor bearings (the fan will need replacing), or the ductwork behind the fan vibrating against the wall cavity (add foam tape around the duct collar). If in doubt, a qualified electrician or handyman can diagnose it quickly.