Tower fans have literary taken over the fan market due to their powerful performance. These fans help to shift the air passing through them and some of them have air treatment properties. Tower fans tend to gather dirt and dust inside, just like every other fan. If this dust and dirt are allowed to build up, it will affect the performance and the operation of the tower fan. The nature of their construction makes them somehow problematic to clean.
If you use your tower fan regularly, it should be deep cleaned every two months. Start by vacuuming the fan to remove any loose dust and dirt. Then, use compressed air to blow out any remaining debris from the fan. This will help to keep the airflow unobstructed and maintain optimal performance.
You will see all the steps in this article below. It will also guide you on how often you should clean or maintain your tower fan.
The Cleaning Requirements
Same to ceiling fans, cleaning a tower fan helps to improve the air circulation process as well as the overall maintenance of the tower fan. A well-maintained fan will save you energy costs usually incurred in cooling your home. When the tower fan functions at peak performance, you won’t need to crank up your AC unit. This ensures durability as you will be able to use your fan for long before needing to replace the parts. To be able to clean it effectively, there are a number of tools that you will need. They include a cleaning brush, can of compressed air, mask to wear, eye-wear, screwdriver, and a small bowl.
Some of the tools, like the eye-wear and a mask, are not mandatory tools. A simple can that contains compressed air may enable you to clean the fan without necessarily taking it apart. In case you are sensitive to any of the cleaning agents, then a protective gear would be ideal inclusion in your set of tools. The basic materials you will need are the brush and the air compressor. The screwdriver will be useful if you need to take the unit apart. In doing so, you will have to follow the manufacturer’s instructions so that you don’t break the tower fan. Some models require a specific type of fabric to clean them and hence it is important to be aware of such requirements.
How To Clean a Tower Fan
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to properly maintain a tower fan in simple steps:
1. Unplug Your Tower Fan
Begin by unplugging your tower fan. While this step may seem obvious, it is important to ensure that the fan is disconnected from the power source before initiating the cleaning process.
By leaving the fan plugged in, there is a risk of accidentally turning it on, which can be hazardous due to the presence of sharp spinning blades.
Tunning the fan while cleaning it can result in a significant mess. Cleaning involves get rid of accumulated dust, and if the fan is turned on before you remove that dust, the dust will disperse, leading to a larger and more difficult cleanup task.
Once you have successfully unplugged your tower fan, you are ready to proceed to the next step!
2. Take The Fan Outside
Tower fans tend to accumulate a considerable amount of dust over time due to regular usage. To prevent reintroducing this dust and debris into your living space, it is preferable to clean the fan outdoors, if possible.
While you can still use an option to clean the fan indoors, it is recommended to bring it outside.
This is primarily due to the potential for a significant amount of dust to be released during the cleaning process, depending on the level of dirtiness. By cleaning the fan outdoors, you can minimize the dispersion of dust throughout your home.
In the event that outdoor cleaning is not possible, such as during rainy weather or limited space availability, you may proceed with indoor cleaning. However, it is advised to vacuum your home afterward to eliminate any dust fallout resulting from the fan cleaning process.
You should avoid cleaning your tower fan outdoors if:
- It’s raining outside
- It’s windy
- You don’t have any clean surfaces to do the job
3. Unscrew The Tower Fan If Necessary
It is important to note that not all fans need unscrewing for proper cleaning. The need to unscrew will be different depending on the specific model. Before proceeding, check the user manual of your particular fan to confirm whether unscrewing is required or not.
If your tower fan does not require unscrewing, you can skip this step altogether and proceed to the next one.
However, if unscrewing is necessary, follow the basic instructions outlined in this section. Once the fan is unscrewed, you can clean all the vents using a vacuum cleaner. After that, you can utilize a can of compressed air to remove any stubborn dust from the remaining parts.
Next, use a damp cloth to wipe the components until they are thoroughly clean, and then reassemble the fan by screwing it back together.
After reassembly, it is necessary to wipe the exterior of the fan with a damp cloth. Ensure that you thoroughly clean every part, aiming for a dust-free surface. The fan is now ready to be used again or safely stored away for the season.
4. Remove the Filter If Necessary
Check if your tower fan has a filter, as not all models include one. If your fan does have a filter, it is necessary to periodically remove and clean it. Neglecting to do so will result in a buildup of dust and debris, leading to clogging. This, in turn, reduces the fan’s performance, strains the motor, and increases electricity consumption.
To begin, locate the filter in your fan, if there is one.
In most cases, it can be found near the back or bottom of the fan, sometimes concealed behind a cover. Take a moment to verify whether your fan is equipped with a filter.
Before proceeding with any other cleaning tasks, remove the filter. Depending on the design, some filters can be easily detached without the need for screws, while others may require specific tools for removal.
5. Clean The Filter
Begin by using a vacuum cleaner on the dirty side of the filter to get rid of loose dust. In most cases, a vacuum will effectively remove the majority of dust particles. For the remaining dust, you can clean it off using a cloth and a bucket of water.
Alternatively, if the filter is made of plastic and can be safely exposed to water, another method is to clean it in the bathtub. Place the filters in the bathtub with the dirty side facing downwards.
Then, using the shower head, spray water on the filters. This will allow the dust to be washed away, ensuring it drains through the bathtub drain instead of spreading elsewhere.
Remember to thoroughly dry the filters before reinserting them into the fan. However, if the filters are not removable, do not clean them with water. Instead, rely on a vacuum cleaner and compressed air to eliminate dust buildup.
6. Vacuum All Vents of Fan
Your fan will have vents so proceed to vacuum all the vents of your fan, including both the front and back vents. Begin by vacuuming the front vent, ensuring thorough removal of as much dust as possible. It may be necessary to pass over the vent multiple times to capture all, or at least the majority, of the dust particles.
Once the front vent is cleaned, shift your attention to the back vent. Apply the same method as before, using the vacuum to extract loose dust from the back vent. To access hard-to-reach areas, it is advisable to employ a small nozzle attachment.
If available, a brush nozzle is ideal, but if not, any small-sized nozzle suitable for adequately cleaning the vents will suffice. In the absence of a brush nozzle, you can use a regular brush while vacuuming to prevent the dispersal of dust particles.
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7. Spray Compressed Air Into Vents
After completing the vacuuming process, proceed to spray compressed air into all the air vents. Compressed air acts as a powerful burst of air, serving as the opposite of a vacuum cleaner. This technique is particularly effective in removing dust from hard-to-reach areas that may not have been fully accessible with a vacuum. Typically, bottles of compressed air come equipped with small straws, allowing you to reach into tight corners effortlessly.
You can find compressed air at most hardware stores or conveniently purchased online.
Once you have obtained the compressed air, direct it into the vents where you have previously vacuumed. This action will effectively eliminate any dust particles that may be stuck on the fan blades within the vents. For optimal results, utilize the compressed air on both sides of the fan.
8. Plug The Tower Fan Back In And Turn It On
After using the compress air, reconnect the tower fan by plugging it back in and turning it on. If you previously cleaned the fan outdoors, you can now bring it inside.
However, it is important to note that turning on the fan at this stage does not indicate that the cleaning process is complete. The purpose of this step is to allow any remaining loose dust to exit the vents. When the fan is switched on, the rotation of the blades will help expel the loose dust from the fan.
Since some dust may be released during this step, it is advisable to keep a vacuum cleaner close to the vents to prevent it from dispersing throughout your home.
You need to leave the fan running for a few minutes, typically around 2 to 3 minutes should suffice. After a few minutes have elapsed, switch off the fan and unplug it once again. By this point, the fan should appear significantly cleaner, with no remaining dust inside the vents.
9. Wipe The Tower Fan With A Damp Cloth
The next step is to take a damp cloth and proceed to wipe down the tower fan. It is recommended to unplug the fan once again before proceeding with this step. While it is possible to use a mild cleaning agent by spraying it onto the cloth, a damp cloth alone will be enough.
When wiping the fan, you should pay attention to the external components, including the top section. Thoroughly wipe all visible surfaces to eliminate any dirt or accumulated dust. Once the wiping process is complete, allow the fan to air dry before plugging it back in for use.
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10. Put The Filters Back In
If you had previously removed the filters, it is now time to put them back in place. Reinstalling the filters is typically a straightforward process that involves reversing the steps taken earlier. Ensure that all screws, fasteners, and panels are properly secured to prevent any potential rattling or squeaking noises.
How Often Should You Clean a Tower Fan?
To maintain optimal performance, you should deep clean a tower fan once every two months when using it regularly. However, if the fan is not used frequently, a cleaning frequency of once every 10-12 weeks is sufficient. Additionally, a visible buildup of dust in the vents serves as a good indicator that it needs cleaning.
Regularly wiping away visible dust from the exterior of the fan and vacuuming the vents on a regular basis can help maintain a cleaner inside. While incorporating fan cleaning into your routine floor vacuuming sessions can keep the fan relatively clean, it is important to note that dust can still accumulate in hard-to-reach areas, leading to periodic deep cleaning.
Allowing the vents, blades, and filters to become clogged with dust and debris creates an ideal breeding ground for mold and bacteria, particularly in environments with high humidity. When the fan is turned on, it can disperse these contaminants, potentially leading to various health issues.
A dirty tower fan not only operates less efficiently but also places greater strain on the motor, increasing the risk of premature wear and potential failure. Additionally, a dirty fan consumes more electricity.
In instances where your home experiences excessive dust accumulation, more frequent vacuuming of the fan may be required, more than the recommended once-a-month cleaning schedule.
Do You Have to Use a Vacuum to Clean a Tower Fan?
Using a vacuum cleaner is highly recommended for you to clean a tower fan as it is the most effective method for removing a significant amount of dust. Without using a vacuum, it becomes difficult to thoroughly eliminate all the dust, resulting in a less comprehensive cleaning of the fan. To achieve the highest level of cleanliness, it is necessary to use a vacuum cleaner.
Fortunately, you do not require a large, overly powerful vacuum to effectively clean your tower fan. In fact, smaller vacuums are preferable as they offer greater ease in terms of use. Having a vacuum with a small nozzle or brush attachment will facilitate the cleaning process.
When dealing with the frequency of vacuuming, it is typically sufficient to do so once a month. However, some individuals may find that vacuuming their tower fan every eight weeks is satisfactory, making it a relatively low-effort task.
What Happens If You Don’t Properly Maintain a Tower Fan?
If your tower fan is not properly maintained, it will accumulate dust and dirt over time. As a result, the fan’s ability to function effectively will be compromised, leading to a decline in overall performance. To ensure optimal performance, it is essential to prioritize proper maintenance for a tower fan.
When dust accumulates in the vents of a tower fan, it restricts the airflow, resulting in reduced air emission. If you notice a decrease in the amount of air being expelled by your fan, it is likely due to excessive dust buildup.
By thoroughly cleaning your fan using the steps outlined in this article, you can restore its proper functionality.
Final Words
It is very essential to do the proper maintenance for keeping a tower fan in optimal working condition and maintaining its original appearance. By following the steps provided in this guide, you can ensure that your fan looks brand new and remains free from dust with each cleaning session.
To maintain your tower fan, it is recommended to perform weekly maintenance tasks such as wiping and using compressed air. Additionally, a monthly deep clean should be conducted, incorporating the above-mentioned steps along with the use of a vacuum to thoroughly get rid of all traces of dust.