Temperatures are rising, or more accurately, they’ve risen. As we currently sweat our way through the UK’s latest heatwave, many of us are undoubtedly relying on our trusty fans to see us through. But could these summer time staples actually be making things worse?
While fans are essential at this time of year, so is cleaning them. I can appreciate it may not have crossed your mind before, but the benefits of giving your desk fan a glorified bath extend far beyond simply cooler air.
Without us realising it, uncleaned fans could be blowing dust, pollen and grime all around our homes, inflaming seasonal allergies, affecting our air quality and making their air cooling abilities less effective. Not quite the breath of fresh air we were after. A regular clean is the only way to ensure your fan blows colder, cleaner and for longer. So here’s how to do it.
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Reasons why you need to clean your fan
While it may seem like overkill, the reality is there are three major reasons why you should be working your fans into your weekly cleans, especially during the summer.
Enhanced air quality
Fans work by circulating and spreading air around the room – so a dirty or dusty fan circulates dirty or dusty air around our rooms. Ever noticed you have a slightly sniffy nose or dry eyes when you have your fan on? Now you know why. Fans can also collect allergens, such as pet fur or pollen, which can inflame sufferers’ reactions and possible respiratory issues, such as asthma.
Improved efficiency
A build-up of dust or dirt on the blades of a fan creates a barrier that prevents effective airflow and the appliance’s overall ability to circulate air. So a dirty, weighed-down fan has to work harder to achieve its intended goals – leading to higher energy consumption, which, in turn, leads to higher electricity bills. And, of course, the main problem with having a less efficient fan is a hotter room. The harder it has to work to power through the dirt, the less likely we are to feel that satisfying cool breeze.
Extended lifespan
Dust can be a main source of premature wear and tear on fans. Dirt build-up leads to added drag and friction on fan blades and motors. The motor then works extra hard to counteract this, which ultimately leads to a shorter lifespan. So, if you wanna make sure you don’t have to buy a new fan every season, you’d better start cleaning.
How to clean a desk fan
First things first, don’t electrocute yourself. Sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised, so please make sure you unplug and (I really shouldn’t have to say this) turn off the fan before you start cleaning. When using liquids like water and cleaning solutions, make sure you steer clear of any plugs or sockets.
Many desk fans allow you to remove the front grille and blades for easier cleaning. If you assembled your fan yourself, you’ll probably remember how you did this, but if it came already put together, refer to your owners’ manual to ensure you remove it safely, and in a manner that allows you to put it back together again. Some fans may have screws holding the grille in place, in which case you’ll need to grab a screwdriver, while others might simply snap on/off.
Use a soft cloth or brush to remove the dust and built-up grime from the blades. Then follow up with a damp cloth using either a mild soapy solution or a gentle multisurface cleaner for that deep-clean effect. To ensure you get into every nook and cranny of the grille, you can use either a brush or a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove dust from the intricate crevices. When cleaning the fan’s motor, it’s important not to get this area wet: simply use a dry microfibre cloth or brush and wipe away the dirt.
Once every component is dry, you can begin to reassemble. It’s essential you let it dry first to reduce any risk of electrical issues. Once you’re ready, plug it back in and enjoy your cleaner, cooler air.
Tools for cleaning a desk fan
AIDEA AIDEA Microfibre Cloth Pack of 8
Method Washing Up Liquid, Green Tea & Citrus
How to clean a tower fan
Tower fans are a popular space-saving fan option that evenly distribute cool air around your space to great effect, however they’re also very good at harbouring grime. Their slick, enclosed design makes them slightly harder to access and clean than other models, but not impossible.
Start by unplugging the appliance and giving it a dust, using a feather duster or microfibre cloth to dislodge any surface-level dirt on the outside of the slats. You can also use a handheld brush for any stubborn dust clusters. Then use the nozzle feature of your vacuum – even better if it has a brush attachment – to draw out all the muck that lurks inside. Run the nozzle up and down the slats until they look nicely cleaned out.
If you think your fan’s in need of a deeper clean (perhaps it’s spent one too many winters in the attic), there are a couple more methods you can try. Compressed air, such as the Groov-e Air Duster can, can be a really handy tool for expelling all the stubborn dust without dismantling the fan. But failing that, sometimes it’s best to just open it up and have a look. You can use a screwdriver to pry off the cage and give the inside a thorough wipe down with a damp microfibre cloth and cleaning solution, if needed, again avoiding any electrical components. Just make sure you have those instructions handy for reassembling and allow time for everything to air-dry fully.
Tools for cleaning tower fans
Method All Purpose Cleaner
How to clean a bladeless fan
For high-tech bladeless fans, such as Dyson or Shark, you’re in luck, as this involves fewer steps and much less DIY. For models like this, all you’ll need is a damp microfibre cloth. Once again, make sure the appliance is unplugged, turned off and cleaned well away from any plugs or cables.
Then simply give it a wipe: you can use a multisurface anti-bac spray for this or simply water, as many models like Dyson’s Hot + Cool or Philips’ 3-in-1 air purifier, for instance, clean the air as they cool it. And if your fan does double as an air purifier, this would also be a good opportunity to check the filter – making sure your fan is dust-free inside and out.
How to clean a handheld electric fan
Handheld electric fans have sky-rocketed in popularity this year. You can’t go on a train or bus in the country without seeing them, and I can see why. They’re rechargeable, fit in a handbag and help prevent the morning commute sweats. But they still need cleaning too, if not more. Their use on public transport and the fact that we grip them with our sweaty little hands makes them a hotbed for bacteria. Bacteria that we then happily blow right back in our faces.
It’s advised to limit use of liquids when cleaning an electric hand fan, as this can put them out of action. Instead, use a dry brush, such as a clean makeup brush, to remove any dust and grime from the slats or grille. If you can dismantle it, go ahead and use the same method as with the desk fan, just be very cautious using any damp materials or products. If you can’t remove the grille, a can of compressed air should do the trick. I’d also recommend a regular external wipe-down with an anti-bac wipe, focusing on the handle to get rid of all that built-up sweat and grime.
Our experts' top desk fans
Pros
- Easy to move thanks to carry handle
- Rated best for energy efficiency in testing
- Quiet
Cons
- Need a screwdriver to detach the grille for cleaning
Score: 91/100
Powerful, portable and quiet, this desk fan is a worthy winner. There are 12 air speeds as well as three different settings, including a night mode, which automatically turns the display off to help you get a good night’s sleep while keeping you cool. It also comes with a three-year warranty for peace of mind.
Pros
- Quiet
- Has a tiltable head
- Touch controls are responsive
Cons
- Can’t be disassembled for cleaning
Score: 89/100
Despite the more affordable price tag, this Philips fan impressed thanks to its powerful wind strength across the three speed settings. Sadly, it doesn’t oscillate (despite the manual claiming it does), but it’s still a reliable fan if you don’t need to share it with others in the room.
Pros
- One of the most powerful fans we tested
- Wireless and portable
- Comes in lots of colours
Cons
- The water tank requires frequent cleaning with vinegar
- No timer
Score: 88/100
If you find regular fans just don’t cut it in a heatwave, try this misting option from Shark. The lightweight fan sprays you with fine water droplets as it blows air for an extra cooling effect …let’s just say our testers were big fans. It doesn’t oscillate but it’s still a smart buy for hot days.
