How to clean a fan ( slower version)
Sometimes you can’t just get away with doing it the easy way.
And sometimes the point is not to hurry up so your fan will blow easier, but to actually get down to the nitty gritty and put some actual shine on it.
Tools you’ll need
Warm soapy water
Degreaser
Wash towels
Screwdriver
Gloves
Face mask
Fortunately most box fans, desk fans, and oscillating fans are very easy to take apart.
It’s almost like somebody thought ahead and made them that way so that they could be easily disassembled and cleaned.
1. Unplug
You won’t be needing any electricity whatsoever for this type of cleaning method. So start off by unplugging the fan so that there is no chance of getting injured or shocked at all.
2. Disassemble
Disassembling in this case means taking the outer grill off. You’re not going to be doing anything with wiring for anything that has to do with electricity.
a. Box fan
To take a shell off a box fan, you will need a Phillips screwdriver or a screw gun.
Simply remove all the screws that are connecting the plastic covers to the metal frame and remove the covers.
Be sure to put the screws somewhere where you can keep up with them.
b. Oscillating fan
This type of fan has latches that are easily opened.
Simply open the latches and take the front cover off. The back cover is usually permanently attached to these.
3. Spray degreaser
Once you have it disassembled, spray degreaser on the front and the back of the covers and let them sit for a good 20 minutes.
Some degreasers take longer, some take a shorter time. The best policy is just to read the instructions on the can.
Spray the fan blade as well as any other spot that needs it. But try not to get anything inside of the motor.
Some degreasers can be pretty aggressive at getting grease off of things so be sure you wear some plastic gloves so you don’t end up irritating your hands.
A face mask is not a bad idea either.