Cleaning the ventilation fan is a hassle and tends to be postponed, but old oil stains can be untouchable. It explains in detail the guideline for cleaning the ventilation fan, the cleaning method that keeps it clean, the recommended detergent and cleaning procedure, and the disadvantages if you do not clean the ventilation fan.
Guideline for cleaning the fan
As a guideline, the frequency of cleaning, which involves removing the parts of the ventilation fan, is once every three months. Since the ventilation fan is located high on the wall, cleaning is a hassle and tends to be postponed. First of all, let’s start with what you can do, being conscious of the guideline for cleaning the ventilation fan.
Replacement guideline for disposable filters
The frequency of replacing the disposable filter is about 1 month. For range hoods that are concerned about oil stains, you can easily prevent dirt on the ventilation fan body by using a disposable filter. The browning of the filter is caused by the cooking oil being inhaled with the steam and accumulating as oxidized oil. When the smell of cooking persists for more than half a day, it is also a good time to replace the filter.
How to clean the bathroom exhaust fan
If the removable filter is included, we recommend removing dust once a month. Since the bathroom is a place where water is used, there is concern about the growth of mold in addition to dust. In recent years, the number of households with bathroom heaters and ventilation fans has increased, and there are many opportunities to dry clothes in the bathroom. It is important to make the circulation of air smooth and to devise ways not to block the entrance.
How to clean the bathroom ventilation fan
Vacuum the bathroom ventilation fan once every two to three months. If you feel that the smell is still present even after cleaning the toilet, it is possible that the dust on the ventilation fan is blocking the air intake. If you leave the dust as it is, it will lead to the occurrence of black mold. It is also a sign of cleaning when the noise of the ventilation fan becomes louder than before.
Guideline for cleaning the 24-hour ventilation system
What is a 24-hour ventilation system?
24-hour ventilation system plays an important role in controlling and circulating the air in your home. Since July 2003, all buildings are required to have a 24-hour ventilation system due to revisions to the Building Standards Law. It’s so quiet you’ll forget it exists, but it’s working 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, so it’s dirty with dust and dead insects.
Requires filter replacement every few years
The standard for cleaning the 24-hour ventilation system varies depending on the manufacturer, but in general, it is ideal to clean it once every two to three months, just like the ventilation fans in bathrooms and toilets. In addition, it is necessary to replace the filter once every 2 to 3 years. Cotton-like filters cannot be washed with water. Be careful not to wash it with water as it will cause odor and bacteria to increase. Be sure to check the manual when replacing the filter, and replace it as soon as it is time to replace it.
Some people may turn off the ventilation system because they are worried about their electricity bills, but basically keep it on 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
How to clean the ventilation fan (1) Spray cleaner
Spray the cleaner on a removable ventilation fan cover and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Oil stains on kitchen range hoods are acidic, so they can be easily removed with an alkaline detergent. Old oil stains that stick to the surface will come out after a while after spraying. Spray-type cleaners are all you need to do is spray them on the dirt, so it’s convenient to always have one on hand.
what to prepare
- Alkaline spray (mildly alkaline or neutral detergent can be substituted)
- kitchen paper
- Plastic spatula (can be purchased at 100 yen shop)
- A dry cloth (preferably microfiber)
- mask
cleaning procedure
- wear a mask
- Spray the front and sides of the ventilation fan with a spray-type detergent.
- Use a plastic spatula to move left and right (catch the falling detergent with kitchen paper)
- Wipe off with kitchen paper or cloth
If you use a plastic spatula, you can evenly remove the old oil on the range hood that is difficult to remove by wiping with a rag, saving you time!
Recommended natural detergent
baking soda
The baking soda in Soap Bubble Soap can be used not only to remove stains from ventilation fans and gas stoves, but also to deodorize food waste, cutting boards, and refrigerators. Wear rubber gloves when using for a long time.
Sodium sesquicarbonate
Sodium sesquicarbonate is a product that has become a hot topic on TV and the Internet in recent years for its detergency. It is a natural cleaner that cleanly removes dirt with the power of alkali. One bag (500g) is equivalent to about 100 500mL spray bottles. Easily removes finger marks and kitchen oil stains.
make baking soda water
what to prepare
- baking soda
- spray container
- A dry cloth (preferably microfiber)
How to make baking soda water
Baking soda water does not last long and needs to be used up within a day, but it is recommended for those who prefer natural detergents. Baking soda is difficult to dissolve in water, so prepare a cup of hot water at 40°C and add 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda to dissolve it. Sodium sesquicarbonate can be substituted for baking soda.
Alkaline ingredients can discolor aluminum and other materials, so be sure to check the ingredients and use the correct amount!
How to clean the ventilation fan ② Clean the filter using convenient goods
A dedicated brush is useful when removing dust from bathrooms, toilets, and 24-hour ventilation system covers. Dust in fine grooves can also be removed. If you don’t have a special brush, you can use a disposable chopstick wrapped in cloth. If you clean with a brush, dust will fly, so spread newspaper on the floor and don’t forget to wear a mask.
what to prepare
- Dedicated brush (Available at 100-yen shops, etc.)
- newspaper
- rubber gloves
- mask
- Neutral detergent
- toothbrush
- sponge
- dust cloth
cleaning procedure
- Lay down newspaper to keep the floor clean
- Remove dust from the ventilation fan cover and filter with a special brush
- washing with water
- spray neutral detergent
- scrub with a toothbrush
- Rinse
Recommended cleaner
Alkaline electrolytic water foam spray
An alkaline electrolyzed water cleaner that uses a unique method to electrolyze water. Even old dirt that cannot be removed by wiping with water can be removed by floating electrolyte bubbles. It is characterized by containing many environmentally friendly ingredients without using surfactants. It also has a disinfecting and deodorizing effect that removes the bacteria that cause odors. It’s just a spray, so it’s also recommended for those who are new to natural cleaning.
Attach the filter to the fan cover
By attaching a filter to the ventilation fan cover, you can reduce the frequency of cleaning by removing parts. Regular replacement of the filter is necessary, but it is nice to be able to throw away the collected dust all at once. It is difficult to vacuum a ventilation fan that is installed in a high position. Make good use of disposable filters and aim for a clean and comfortable space.
How to clean the ventilation fan (3) Soak and wash
Use a kitchen sink to disassemble the removable parts and wash them once every two to three months. Household range hoods that are often used for cooking or use a lot of oil have stubborn oil stains that cannot be removed with just a spray cleaner. Washing is effective to remove such stubborn stains.
what to prepare
- Neutral detergent
- rubber gloves
- A container or bag large enough to hold the filter
- dust cloth
Soaking and washing procedure
- remove the fan filter
- A container containing a filter pours hot water into the bag
- add neutral detergent
- put on
- Rinse
- wipe with a cloth
- return filter
The soaking wash will surprisingly remove dirt, so cleaning will be fun!
Disadvantages of not cleaning the ventilation fan
Disadvantages ① Decline in ventilation capacity
When dust accumulates on the ventilation fan, it will not run smoothly. Dust on the filter blocks the air flow and stagnates the air. Breathing dirty air, especially in a highly airtight house, can lead to health hazards such as sick house syndrome, and can have adverse effects on the body, such as causing allergic reactions such as mold and house dust.
Cons: Higher electricity bills
When the ventilation capacity declines, more power is used when operating than usual, so power consumption rises, resulting in an increase in electricity bills. Be careful if the sound of the ventilation fan, which was quiet at first, becomes louder. It may be due to a malfunction or end of life, but it is also possible that the filter is clogged.
Disadvantage 3: May cause failure
The lifespan of ventilation fans is basically about 10 years, but it may last as long as 15 to 20 years. The range in lifespan seems to be related not only to the quality of the product, but also to regular cleaning. Fans with accumulated dust work harder than normal fans and can have a shorter lifespan. Let’s do our best not to accumulate dust.
Other measures
Installation of a slim range hood
In recent years, range hoods with flat ventilation fan covers have become mainstream. An “oil tray” is installed to collect oil stains, and the usual maintenance is just a quick wipe. There is no need to remove the fan or replace the filter. Replacing the old exhaust fan is one of the measures to make cleaning easier.
ask a professional
If there are parts that are difficult to remove or cannot be disassembled in the first place, it is better not to force cleaning. There is also a professional cleaning agency service, so it would be nice to use it.
Practice clean cleaning
Dirty ventilation fans reduce the efficiency of the machine, and poor air circulation can lead to health hazards. It is a very time-consuming task to clean the accumulated dirt. Try to clean the dirt on the ventilation fan regularly, and make a choice that suits the situation, such as asking a professional contractor once a year, and spend every day comfortably.