DIY Maintenance: Learn How to Properly Lubricate Your Bathroom Exhaust Fan

Maintaining a bathroom exhaust fan is essential to keep bad odors out of any restroom. Many models are equipped with lubrication features, but oftentimes they can fail to perform due to negligence. Fortunately, providing proper maintenance to avoid this is a straightforward task that many homeowners can take advantage of. This article intends to guide you in the process of how to lubricate a bathroom exhaust fan.

Before starting, safety should be your top priority. Make sure to turn off the power in the main circuit breaker in order to avoid any accidents.

Afterwards, the process of lubricating involves doing a few steps. First, you need to remove the fan’s covering. If paint is covering any screws, try to remove them carefully. Then, you have to remove the motor and if the fan is hung from the ceiling, you may need the help of another person to perform a safer application of lubricant. Disconnect the power supply to the fan and any wiring connecting it, and take notes or a picture for reference when you have to put them back.

Next, you will have to clean any contaminants from the motor, preferably with something like a vacuum cleaner. Find the point where the shaft is connected to the motor and clean that area. Then, remove the fan’s blade and wash it with soap.

Finally, you can start lubricating the fan. Put in a few drops of number thirty oil on both ends of the shaft sticking out of the motor, swivel the shaft and cleanup any excess oil. Allow all parts to dry before you put everything back the way it was. Make sure all the screws are tightened properly and then turn the power back on to test the fan.

By following the above steps you will have a proper lubricant job done on your bathroom exhaust fan, helping it last longer and preventing any unpleasant odor from taking over the room. Keep in mind that the frequency of lubrication is important. For example, if you live in an area with high humidity or the fan is used frequently, you should lubricate it every three months. Having a well-maintained exhaust fan is a great way to keep your bathroom clean, comfortable, and smell free.