Here's How to Deep-Clean Every Type of Fan, From Table Fans to Oscillating Models

As the summer rolls in, so does the heat. But when you go to pull out your fans from storage, you may find them covered in last year's dust. The good news is that how to clean a fan is not as hard as you may think. You don’t need expertise, expensive tools. or even specialized cleaning products. By following some simple steps, you can boost your fans' efficacy, prevent dirt and dust from going airborne, and avoid the price tag of new appliances (while keeping last year's out of the landfill).

Here's how to freshen up your fans in no time so that they can keep your home cool all season long.

Getting Started

It is always recommended to read the owner’s manual instructions thoroughly before beginning the process of cleaning any fan. Different makes and models of fans will have specific requirements for cleaning that you won’t want to miss. For example, some fan grates are held together by screws, and others by clips. 

Safety takes precedence when handling any electrical appliances. President of Molly Maid, Marla Mock, urges safety first when dealing with anything involving electricity. Be sure your fan is completed disconnected from power before proceeding.

Find your specific type of household fan below for cleaning instructions.

What You'll Need

• Microfiber cloths or a feather duster
• Vacuum with brush attachment (optional)
• A small soft brush (e.g. toothbrush or paintbrush) or cotton swabs
• Screwdriver
• Spray bottle with water
• Dish soap or a gentle multi-purpose cleaner
• Clean towels or rags for drying
• Basin or sink with warm, soapy water

How to Clean a Table Fan

Here, see Mock's expert method for cleaning standard table fans. A simple dish soap solution is likely all you'll need.

1. Unplug the fan and wait for the blades to completely stop moving.
2. If your fan has a removable grill and blades, carefully remove each part by following the manufacturer’s instructions. (Take care not to misplace any screws.) "Taking apart the fan will allow for a deeper clean," explains Mock. Don't worry—if your fan can't be taken apart, you'll still be able to adequately clean it.
3. Use a microfiber cloth or feather duster to gently wipe any dust from the fan blades. For harder-to-reach areas with excessive dust buildup, try using the dusting brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner, clean cotton swabs, or a sanitized toothbrush head.
4. For tougher grime, Mock recommends using a mild cleaning solution or dish soap diluted in water. Spray the cleaner on a damp microfiber cloth or sponge, rather than spraying it directly onto the fan's parts. “Be sure not to get the cloth too wet to prevent water from seeping into the fan’s motor or electrical components,” Mock cautions, “and do not use water or cleaning solutions directly on the motor.”
5. Once clean, dry each part thoroughly with a clean rag or microfiber cloth. 
6. Reassemble the fan and plug it back in. 

How to Clean a Standing Fan

Standing fans can be a savior on hot days. Your classic stand fan looks much like a table fan, rotating blades and all, except it is on a pedestal.

Follow these simple steps from co-CEO of AspenClean Alicia Sokolowski to thoroughly clean your standing fan.

1. Unplug the fan. “Always start by disconnecting the fan from the power,” cautions Sokolowski. Adjust the height of the fan for easier handling.
2. Remove the front grill by either using a screwdriver or unclipping it, depending on the model. Detach the blades.
3. Soak the blades in warm, soapy water. Scrub gently with a toothbrush, rinse, and dry completely.
4. Wipe down the grill, stand, and base using a microfiber cloth with a small amount of mild cleaner, as needed. Dry thoroughly.
5. Clean around the motor housing with a clean towel or microfiber cloth, wiping carefully to keep moisture away from the motor.
6. Vacuum or blow out dust from the motor vents.
7. Reassemble the fan, ensuring all parts are dry after reattaching. Plug in the fan and test to make sure it is running smoothly.

How to Clean an Oscillating Fan

Oscillating fans often refer to tall tower fans or other fans that swing side-to-side within a casing, explains cleaning expert Lauren Houser. “These units are usually bladeless or have internal blades, and they pull air through vents,” she says.

Houser notes that, due to their design, these fans tend to accumulate dust in the vents or on internal components. Follow her simple steps to properly clean them.

1. Unplug and prepare your fan for cleaning. "Move the fan to an open area or lay an old sheet under it," suggests Houser. "If it’s a tower fan, it may help to lay it on its side for easier access."
2. Check for openings or panels. “Many tower oscillating fans have a rear panel you can remove by taking out a few screws, allowing access to the internal blades,” explains Houser. The owner’s manual should provide instructions on disassembling the fan for cleaning. (If your fan is not one that opens, proceed to clean it externally.)
3. Removing dust from the internal parts by gently vacuuming the interior with a soft brush attachment. “A clean, soft paint brush can be helpful to loosen dust in tight spots or on the fan blades,” says Houser. Dust should be subsequently vacuumed away.
4. For fans that can’t be disassembled, Houser advises using the brush attachment on your vacuum over the intake and exhaust vents from the outside. “Run it along all the vent slits to suck out as much dust as possible,” she says.
5. For any visible grime and to ensure proper airflow, spray a clean microfiber cloth with a gentle cleaner diluted with water. Then, wipe down your fan’s intake and outlet vents, as well as the front grille and any slats on the casing. For narrow vent slits, Houser advises wrapping the damp cloth around a thin tool, “like a ruler or the end of a toothbrush, in order to slide it into the narrow slots and be able to clean inside.”
6. Clean the control panel and base. To get your fan in pristine condition, Houser recommends using a multi-surface cleaner or a dish soap and water mixture to gently wipe down the control panels, buttons, and the outer shell of the fan in order to remove any fingerprints and dust. The base, especially prone to dust and floor grime, can be wiped down in the same fashion to give your fan a streak-free, polished look.
7. After careful reassembly, with special attention paid to the tightening of screws and clips, stand the fan upright. Double-check that all of the cleaned parts are completely dry before plugging in the tower fan for a test. “The fan should oscillate and run smoothly, now circulating fresh air without dust blowing around,” says Houser.

Pro Tips for How to Clean a Fan

To ease the cleaning process and get your fan back to cooling you off ASAP, consider the following expert tips.

• Microfiber cloths are ideal for general dusting as they effectively trap dust without redistributing it, notes Mock.
• While feather dusters are helpful for cleaning fan blades, use them carefully to avoid scattering the dust, Mock adds.
• To remove grime, Mock prefers a household cleaner that cuts through grease. (You can DIY your own using dish soap and water.)
• If necessary, use compressed air to blow away stubborn dust particles. ”Blow compressed air into the vent to dislodge any stuck-on debris,” advises Mock. Be sure to vacuum afterwards and wear a mask to avoid inhaling any dust.