Broan bathroom fans can get dirt from constant exposure to air full of dust. Therefore, cleaning fan covers should be done regularly. When a lot of dust accumulates inside the fan cover, it will affect the fan’s performance.
A fan covered with dust cannot function as required. So, if your bathroom fan is choked with dust, excess moisture cannot get out. This will lead to mildew and mold buildup.
When it comes to a Broan bathroom fan, instead of replacing it with a new one, you can remove it, clean the dust on it and fix it back to its position.
Broan bathroom fan manufacturers advise the users of this device to clean it every six months to enjoy the fan’s performance to the fullest.
We will help you remove the Broan fan cover rather than replace it in this post. Therefore, follow the steps below to achieve this process.
Steps To Remove the Fan Cover
Tools
- Screwdriver
- Drywall knife
- HVAC tape
- Drop cloth
- Drill and bits
- A torch
Turn Off the Electricity Switch
Turn off the power supply to prevent yourself from an electric shock.
Turn off the main electric supply when removing the bathroom fan. However, before you switch off the main power supply, have a torch and a solid stool to stand on.
Remove the Broan Bathroom Fan Cover
First and foremost, check if any screws and clips attach to the cover. This may differ depending on the type of bathroom you have. Usually, Broan bathroom fan covers do not come with clips, but don’t assume anything and double-check for clips and screws.
After confirming there are no screws and clips, pull it down slowly to avoid breaking the cover body of the fan.
Check all the screws, loosen them carefully and place them in a safe place as you will require them to fix the cover back to its initial position.
Replace the Bathroom Fan Cover
Clean the cover with a damp towel and a brush.
If you need to replace the cover with a new one, you have the choice. It is a straightforward task. It does not require any assistance from a technician.
Cleaning Of Broan Bathroom Cover:
Clean the Vent Cover with Soapy Water
Cleaning the cover is an effortless task. Just fill your sink with warm water and a few drops of dish soap. Soak the bathroom cover into the water for some time. Then, remove the cover from the water and clean it with a dry towel.
Scrub it to eliminate all the dirt, mold, and dust. Dry the cover by placing it on the floor for some minutes.
Use Vacuum to remove All Dust on Fan
Before touching the exhaust fan, detach the two-prong switch that supplies power to the fan. To be more careful, turn off the main power from the circuit breaker.
Once you are certain that the power is cut off, you can start the cleaning by rubbing off the dust. To start, rub off the dust using a vacuum. Use a brush to clean the dust off from the motor pieces.
Remove Grime with a Damp Cloth
Once the dry dust is completely removed, you can move to the next step.
The exhaust fan is still full of grime.
Using a towel or damp microfiber cloth, wipe down the fan parts to remove any dirt left.
Reassemble the Fan
Now that you are through with the cleaning, your fan cover, and other parts must be shining, improving the performance and efficiency of the fan. You are good to put the fan back to its original position.
If you have removed the motor, fix it back using screws. Plugin the switch and confirm if it is working correctly. You can then turn off the power button and replace the cover. Do this by fixing the wires to their initial slots and pushing the cover gently into its place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most bathroom fan users and those who wish to install one life with many questions that they need to answer before deciding. Below are some of the questions you may have and their respective answers.
How do you clean a Broan bathroom fan without removing it?
It is a simple process that you can do anytime. Prepare water and soap mixture. Add about 1/4 mixture of ammonia, 2 teaspoonful baking soda, and 1 cup of warm water. Using the mixture and a piece of cotton cloth, scrub the fan blades and the entire body. Do not forget to put on rubber gloves as the mixture can affect your hands.
How do you remove a vent fan cover?
First, pull down the cover gently so that you can see the fan fully. Then, squeeze the metal cover wires from either side and remove them from their slots.
Why does my bathroom fan not turn off?
One of the common problems with bathroom fans running continuously is wiring problems. So, the issue is not from the fan's wiring or circuitry as many people would think. If there is an issue with the circuitry or fan wiring, the fan cannot turn on at all. Therefore, if your fan cannot stop, get an electrician to check your wiring, especially the power switch/socket.
Can I replace a bathroom fan all by myself?
Yes. Installing an exhaust fan is a simple task that you can do by yourself. Either you want to put up a new cover or install a new exhaust fan. You can do it by following the manual with your fan or watching a DIY video.
Do bathroom fans need regular cleaning?
The answer is yes. Just like any other gadget, bathroom fans need regular maintenance. One of the maintenance activities you can carry on your fan is regular cleaning. It would protect your fan from the dust accumulated in your fan covers.
Cleaning a bathroom fan can take about 30 minutes.
Does the bathroom fan consume a lot of electricity?
Basic bathroom fan units can use about 6 watts. Standard units can use about 60 watts or more. Therefore, electric usage depends on the fan’s energy-efficient and airflow measured in cubic feet per minute.
What causes my bathroom exhaust fan to stop working all of a sudden?
Any machine of any type can stop working without notice. Since a fan comprises an electric motor and sharp blades, it can stop working anytime.
This can be caused by two factors: the motor may be blown out, or insufficient power is supplied to the fan. Also, check the circuit breaker or ask an electrician to check the problem.
Final thoughts
There must be several reasons why you want to remove your Broan bathroom fan cover. You may want to replace it with a new one to improve the appearance, or the cover is greasy. Whatever the reason, it is always wise to clean your electronic devices regularly, mostly the fan grills, as they attract dust in the air. Clean them after every six months. The steps discussed above will help you clean your exhaust fan.
We carry a variety of high-quality home improvement products. Find what you need here!
Robert Syengo is an experienced web writer with a home improvement history that includes toilet remodeling and appliance installation. He enjoys writing and learning about electronics, gardens, design, remodeling and repair.