Is Wax Paper Actually The Secret To Keeping Your Bathroom Fan Dust Free?

Your bathroom fan is essential for improving air circulation, extracting humidity, eliminating airborne bacteria, and getting rid of unpleasant smells. Unfortunately, the same device that clears the air in your bathroom also accumulates dust over time. Routine dusting is essential for keeping your bathroom fan in working order. Instead of dusting the old-fashioned way, some people swear by wax paper to keep their home dust-free, claiming that the paper's non-stick coating prevents dust from sticking to surfaces. Some even put wax paper on top of their fridge to keep dust at bay. The truth, however, is that there is little evidence to confirm that this trick really works. Because its effectiveness is still up for debate, we would not suggest putting all of your faith in the dust-fighting power of wax paper.

Neglecting to dust your bathroom fan isn't worth the risk, as it can lead to significant issues. A dust-choked extractor fan is not only inefficient but could actually worsen the air quality in your bathroom and lead to safety hazards. Thankfully, there is a much more effective way to remove the dust in your bathroom fan and prevent it from accumulating in the future.

First and foremost, tackling the dust problem in your bathroom will lead to less dust buildup in your exhaust fan. Believe it or not, the dustiest room in your home is actually your bathroom. Towels, bathmats, baseboards, and windowsills are magnets for dust, and all that bathroom counter clutter is not doing you any favors. Keeping your bathroom well-ventilated and regularly wiping down surfaces will help to keep dust from sticking to the bathroom fan. 

Of course, periodically cleaning the fan itself is essential. For this, you will need a screwdriver, microfiber cloths, mild soap, and a handheld vacuum (or you can try a trick to make cleaning your bathroom fan a breeze and use compressed air). Cut power to the bathroom at the circuit breaker and safely remove the cover, using a screwdriver if necessary. Disconnect the wires if the fan has lights. Wash and rinse the cover with mild soap and water and dry it with a clean cloth. Use your handheld vacuum or a soft brush to remove dust and debris around the motor. Vacuum thoroughly but gently, particularly around the blades. Once the cover is completely dry, set it into place and turn the power back on. You can also check the vent and the exterior ducts to ensure that there is no visible blockage. Repeat these steps once every six months or more often as needed. 

Bathroom fans attract dust because when they're run after a shower, moisture lingers on the fan blades and causes dust to stick more easily to their surfaces. Eventually, this buildup will make it harder for the fan to do its job, reducing its efficiency. The accumulated dust and dirt can also be recirculated into the air when the fan is running, worsening the air quality and making the bathroom even dustier.

A dust-clogged bathroom fan is not only a nuisance, but a health and safety hazard too. If your fan is unable to ventilate moisture properly, the excess humidity in the bathroom will create enough water vapor for bacteria to grow. This can lead to mold and mildew taking root, opening the door to a host of potential health problems. A severe enough blockage may also cause the motor in the fan to overheat, which could lead the fan to fail completely — or even start a fire. Regularly dusting your bathroom fan may seem like a bit of a hassle, but it's clearly worth the effort.