Crime & Safety
The forgotten cleaning job that could be the cause of mould
Well, you might want to pay attention.
The extractor fan in your bathroom is more important than many people realise, helping to remove moisture, odours and airborne particles from the air.
However, if it becomes clogged with dust, it can quickly lose efficiency and even lead to mould, mildew or, in extreme cases, a potential fire hazard.
James Chapman, Director at Bella Bathrooms, explained that regular cleaning is key to keeping it working safely.
He said: “Your bathroom extractor fan plays a crucial role in controlling moisture levels and improving air quality, but it’s often overlooked when it comes to cleaning.”
He added: “If dust builds up inside the fan, it can reduce airflow and put extra strain on the motor, which over time could lead to overheating.”
For this reason, experts recommend cleaning your extractor fan at least once every six months to keep it in good working order.
How to clean a bathroom extractor fan
Before getting started, it’s important to switch off the power to the fan. This can be done using the wall switch, or for extra safety, at the circuit breaker.
James said: “Always make sure the power is turned off before removing the cover, as this will prevent any risk of electric shock while cleaning.”
You will need:
- Warm water
- Washing-up liquid
- Microfibre cloth
- Vacuum with attachments
- Old toothbrush
And here are the steps to follow:
To begin, gently pull down on the fan cover and squeeze the clips or wires holding it in place to release it. If your fan has a light attached, you may need to disconnect the wiring before fully removing the cover.
Once removed, fill your bathroom sink with warm water and add a few drops of washing-up liquid. Place the cover into the water and allow it to soak for a few minutes.
After soaking, scrub the cover using a cloth or soft brush to remove any dirt and dust, then leave it on a towel to dry.
James said: “If your fan cover includes electrical components such as a light, avoid submerging it in water. Instead, use a vacuum and a damp cloth to clean it safely.”
Next, use a vacuum with a crevice attachment to remove dust from inside the fan. You can then switch to a brush attachment to carefully clean around the motor and internal components.
For more stubborn dust, an old toothbrush can be used to loosen debris gently, but be careful not to apply too much pressure.
Once the dust has been removed, wipe the interior with a slightly damp microfibre cloth to pick up any remaining residue.
For an even deeper clean, you may be able to remove the fan unit itself. In many cases, this is held in place by a couple of screws, while some models can simply be unplugged and lifted out.
James explained: “If your fan requires a deep clean, removing the motor from the housing allows you to properly clear out built-up dust that a surface clean might miss.”
After removing the unit, vacuum it using a brush attachment or take it outside and use compressed air to blow away dust. Finish by wiping it down with a damp microfibre cloth.
Once everything is clean and dry, reassemble the fan and restore power.
To keep your bathroom well-ventilated and prevent future build-up, make sure to run your extractor fan during and after showers, and clean it regularly to maintain performance.
Oxford Stand Up To Racism has accused Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, of inciting the ‘awful violent scenes’ in Southampton on Tuesday night (June 2).
The city where 18-year-old Henry Nowak died and where his killer, Vickrum Digwa, lived became a scene of destruction after hundreds descended to smash car windows, hurl bricks and cause eleven officers and a police dog to be injured.
READ MORE: New date set for Tommy Robinson appearance in Oxford
Following the disorder, the chief of Hampshire police said those involved were ‘determined to spark fear and division’.
Yaxley-Lennon, who has been jailed multiple times for a variety of offences including when he was imprisoned in October 2024 for contempt of caught, addressed the crowd at the riot.
He said: “I heard someone say this wasn’t about race, this is about race.
“A white boy who done nothing was handcuffed, a murderer in possession of a knife who stabbed someone five times isn’t.”
Oxford Stand Up to Racism is now renewing its call for the Oxford Union to withdraw its invitation for the ‘riot agitator’ to speak on June 17 on the subject of Islam.
He was originally due to speak at the historic debating society on Thursday, May 28 before his appearance was postponed over security concerns and after massive backlash.
READ MORE: Major emergency response in Oxford as paramedics on scene
Ian McKendrick, a member of the anti-racism group, said: “Despite Henry Nowak’s family clearly requesting that his death should not be used to promote further hatred, Robinson was at the centre of protests in Southampton last night and clearly inciting violence.
“Giving him a televised platform at the Oxford Union legitimises hate and violence, and gives him the opportunity to incite violence to an audience of millions.
“It does not promote free speech – instead, it promotes fear and intimidation among minoritised communities.
“Already we have seen Oxford fascists alongside Robinson in Southampton and now mobilising to bring more hate onto Oxford’s streets.”
Members of Raise the Colours: Oxfordshire were called to attend the Southampton protest on Tuesday night, with the leader of the group posting on Facebook to ask followers to join the ‘justice for Henry Nowak’ protest.
Mr McKendrick added: “There is a concerted effort by far right leaders and fascist groups to incite outrage and bring people on to the streets to riot.
READ MORE: Traffic chaos in Witney amid report of ‘major incident’
“We risk an explosion of violence similar to what we saw around the Southport murders across the UK.
“We’re calling on Oxford to say a clear ‘no’ to this hate and division by protesting against Yaxley-Lennon’s appearance at the Oxford Union.”
Faith and civic leaders of Oxford already wrote to the Oxford Union asking it to rescind the controversial figure’s invitation, and hundreds have signed an open letter calling for the same.
A reported incident at a junction in Witney is causing traffic chaos in the town, with drivers coming off the A40 and elsewhere stuck in long queues.
Source link
An incident occurred in St Aldate’s, outside the entrance to Christ Church Meadows, at about 4pm on Tuesday, June 2.
At least three ambulances were responding to what appeared to be a medical emergency on the pavement.
READ MORE: Oxfordshire footbridge over A-road a collapse risk for years
An individual was scene on a stretcher being cared for by paramedics.
An eyewitness said the incident occurred opposite the Alice Shop, and the medical teams ‘evacuated’ the person.
Apart from the pavement briefly being blocked while the first responders dealt with the emergency, it did not appear to affect traffic or block the road in busy St Aldate’s.
South Central Ambulance Service has been contacted for comment.
-
Crime & Safety3 weeks agoWaitrose supermarkets across UK shut due to ‘critical error’
-
Crime & Safety3 weeks agoMan arrested in connection with rape in Oxfordshire town
-
Crime & Safety4 weeks agoHow to spend a day in Harpsden among UK’s poshest villages
-
Crime & Safety3 weeks agoBanbury woman jailed after lying to police about kidnapped children
-
Oxford Events3 weeks agoStage Watch: Somerset House enters the comedy arena with major new festival Laughterama
-
Crime & Safety3 weeks agoStrictly Come Dancing new hosts reportedly Emma Willis
-
Business & Technology4 weeks agoCBI posts 14% revenue rise as payment services grow
-
Crime & Safety3 weeks agoUK Hantavirus update as 22 ship passengers moved to hospital