Keep Bathroom Exhaust Fans Clean To Avoid Potential Fires

Bathroom exhaust fans can be a fire hazard when not properly taken care of.

Isaac Davis is the Gainesboro Fire Department Assistant Chief. He said the biggest issue comes from the fans not being cleaned enough.

“They collect a bunch of dust when you leave them on,” Davis said.  “And when it pulls the air up through it, it stirs up the dust and collects all around the electric motor and stuff like that.”

Davis said the process to clean the fan is simple, and usually just takes the removal of a couple of screws. He said individuals should take the fan down, and clean the dust out of the vents and around the motor. He said if it’s making any kind of strange noise or doesn’t seem to be working right, it should be replaced.

Davis said his department doesn’t respond to these calls often, but it’s important to make sure folks keep this in mind. He said bathroom exhaust fans are often something that’s overlooked when it comes to fire safety, and any prevention helps.