How to Clean an Oscillating Fan

We all have them… the fans to keep us cool. Some are floor type, others are on a stand and oscillating, or move from side to side. We use it day in and day out, but how often do we clean it? Do you know how?
They don’t need cleaned everyday, but they do need a good cleaning about every few months.

Some fans have screws to keep the front guards on; these are usually in the floor square fans. The fans on stands normally have the plastic snap things that just snap off and on. We had some cleaning to do the other day, and my husband did the fans.

Of course, you unplug it first, and then you take off the front guard. Then if there is a knob holding the blades on, you unscrew that to take the blades off and clean. Then in the back of the fan, there is a screw that holds the back of the fan on, take this out and you can take the back guard off to clean.

Now, you take the 2 screen guards and the blades out to wherever you want to clean them, we use the kitchen sinks. Put in some soapy hot water, and wash and rinse these, then allow to dry. Then take the cleaning rag or cloth and clean the stand and outside of motor. Try not to get water in the motor however. Then take a paint brush or something and brush the dirt out of the motor, blowing on it as you go.

Then when all the parts are thoroughly dried, start putting it back together. First the back guard, screw it back on. Then put on the blades and knob to hold it in place. Then snap the front guard on, snapping in all the way around. Plug in the fan and see if it works.

Square Floor Fans

Cleaning a square-boxed fan is basically the same, except you have more screws to keep track of as you take it apart. Find a small bowl or dish for these screws so you do not lose them. To take the blades off this type, there may be a nut holding the blades on, rather than a knob. Take a paint brush or something to get as much dirt out of the motor as you can, blowing on it as you go. When you have it all put together, plug in and see if it works.

When you are able to keep the fans cleaned, they last longer and can be used for years to come. Also, when at times during the year you do not use the fans due to seasonal changes, put a trash bag over the fan part for storage, keeping the screens and all, intact.