Most exhaust fans do not die of old age. They die of grease. A fan that never gets cleaned slowly chokes on its own grime. The blades get heavy, the motor works harder, and one day it just stops. The sad part is that cleaning takes fifteen minutes. The damage happens when people clean the wrong way, splash water into the motor, and kill the fan faster than the grease ever would.

Short answer: Switch off the main power. Remove the fan cover and blades. Wash the blades and cover in warm soapy water, dry them fully, and wipe the motor housing with a damp cloth only. Never pour or spray water into the motor. Clean every 4 to 6 weeks if you cook Indian food daily.

Last updated: September 2026. Cleaning products and prices can change. Always switch off the main power before you start.

What's in this post

• Safety first, read this before anything
• What you need
• Step by step cleaning
• What never to do
• How often to clean
• Quick frequency table
• Common questions

Safety First

Switch off the main power at the board. Not just the wall switch. The main board. If your fan is on a high wall and you need a ladder, make sure someone is around. Do not stand on a chair with wheels. Do not clean while the fan is even slightly moving. If the fan is wired in a way you do not understand, call an electrician to disconnect it first. This is not being over careful. It is the difference between a clean fan and a hospital visit.

What You Need

Nothing expensive. You probably already have most of it.

• A screwdriver that matches your fan's screws
• Warm water in a bucket
• A few drops of dish soap
• A soft cloth or sponge
• An old toothbrush for the corners
• A dry cloth for drying
• Optional: a small brush for the shutter grills

Do not use strong acids, bleach

or harsh bathroom cleaners. They damage the paint and the plastic. Mild dish soap is enough for kitchen grease.

Step by Step Cleaning

Step 1: Power off and wait.

Switch off the main power. Wait a minute. This is not just for safety. It also lets the fan settle so nothing moves while you work.

Step 2: Remove the cover or grill.

Most exhaust fans have a front cover or a grill held by small screws or clips. Some models have a snap fit. Check your model's manual or the product page if you are not sure. Keep the screws in a small bowl so they do not roll away.

Step 3: Remove the blades.

On many fans, the blade assembly comes off with a single nut or a pull clip at the centre. Turn it gently. If it does not come off easily, do not force it. Some models are not meant to be fully removed by the user. In that case, clean the blades in place.

Step 4: Wash the blades and cover.

Soak them in warm water with a few drops of dish soap. Let them sit for five to ten minutes. The grease softens. Then wipe with a soft cloth or sponge. Use the old toothbrush for the tight corners where grease builds up. Do not scrub hard with anything metal. It scratches the surface, and scratched surfaces collect grease faster next time.

Step 5: Dry fully.

This step matters more than people think. Water left on the blades throws off the balance and can drip into the motor. Dry everything with a clean cloth. Let the parts air dry for a few extra minutes before refitting.

Step 6: Clean the motor housing, carefully.

The motor sits behind the blades. Wipe the outside of the motor housing with a damp cloth. Damp, not wet. Do not spray anything directly at the motor. Do not pour water anywhere near it. Water inside a motor causes rust and short circuits. If you see thick grease on the housing, wipe it gently with a soapy damp cloth, then wipe again with a clean damp cloth. Nothing more.

Step 7: Clean the shutter and duct opening.

The backdraft shutter is the flap that opens when the fan runs. Grease on the shutter makes it stick, which reduces airflow. Wipe it clean. If your fan is ducted, check the duct opening for dust and insect nests. Do not push anything deep into the duct.

Step 8: Refit and test.

Put the blades back, then the cover. Tighten screws gently. Do not overtighten, since this can crack plastic parts. Switch on the power and run the fan. Listen for any new sound. A slight wobble after cleaning usually means the blades are not seated evenly. Switch off, refit, and test again.

What Never to Do

These are the mistakes that kill fans. Read them twice.

1. Never spray water into the motor. This is the number one cause of fan death after a cleaning attempt. Water and motors do not mix.
2. Never use a pressure washer. Not even on the blades. It bends them and forces water into places you cannot dry.
3. Never clean while the power is on. Obvious, but it happens.
4. Never use acid based cleaners. They eat through paint and plastic.
5. Never force a blade assembly that will not come off. Some models are not user serviceable. Clean them in place.
6. Never refit wet blades. Water throws the balance off and can drip into the motor.
7. Never skip drying the shutter. A wet shutter sticks, which defeats the whole point of cleaning.

If you are not confident about removing the blades, watch our guide on DIY vs professional exhaust fan installation. The same safety rules apply to cleaning as to fitting.

How Often to Clean

This depends on how much you cook.

Daily Indian cooking with frying and tadka: Every 4 to 6 weeks. Grease builds fast. Waiting longer means harder cleaning and more strain on the motor.

Light cooking, mostly boiling and steaming: Every 2 to 3 months. Less grease, less buildup.

Fan in a bathroom or utility room: Every 3 to 4 months. Dust is the main issue, not grease.

Second home or guest room fan: Every time before the season starts, plus a monthly run for ten minutes to stop dust settling.

Quick weekly habit: Once a week, wipe the outer cover with a dry cloth. It takes thirty seconds and stretches the time between deep cleans.

If you want the bigger picture on airflow and ventilation, read our home ventilation systems guide for India.

Quick Frequency Table

Screenshot this. Tape it inside a kitchen cabinet if it helps.

Common Questions

How do I clean an exhaust fan without removing it?

If your model's blades do not come off, clean them in place with a damp soapy cloth. Wipe the cover and shutter the same way. Never spray water at the fan. Clean in place more often, since you cannot reach every corner.

Can I wash exhaust fan blades with water?

Yes, once they are removed. Wash them in warm soapy water, then dry fully before refitting. Never wash the motor or the fan body with running water.

What happens if water gets into the exhaust fan motor?

Water causes rust and short circuits. The fan may hum, trip the breaker, or stop working entirely. If water enters the motor, stop using the fan and call an electrician before switching it on again.

How often should I clean my kitchen exhaust fan in India?

Every 4 to 6 weeks if you cook Indian food daily with frying. Every 2 to 3 months if your cooking is lighter. Indian kitchens produce more grease than most, so do not stretch this too far.

Can I use a vacuum cleaner on my exhaust fan?

A vacuum with a brush attachment is fine on the outer cover and the duct opening. Do not push the vacuum into the motor area. Never use a wet vacuum on any part of the fan.

Your Next Step

Switch off the main power and clean your fan this week. Focus on the blades, the shutter and the outer cover. Wipe the motor housing with a damp cloth only. If your fan is old, noisy, and this is the third deep clean in a year, compare repair cost against a new fan before spending more. For heavy use kitchens, the Wadbros Tornado exhaust fan handles regular Indian cooking well when cleaned on schedule. You can see the range on the MR Homes exhaust fan collection. If low running cost matters, look at BLDC models like the Wadbros Storm BLDC. The MR Homes team is available 24/7 if you want help choosing a replacement