Welcome to Week 19 of our 52-Week Cleaning, Organizing, and Decluttering Challenge! This week, we’re tackling a spot most people overlook: your bathroom exhaust fans and vents. Plus, we’ll deep clean shower heads, faucets, walls, and grout-turning your bathroom into a true sanctuary.
Week 19: Bathroom – Clean Exhaust Fans & Vents
- Dust and clean exhaust fans in bathrooms.
- Deep clean and disinfect the showerhead and faucet.
- Wipe down bathroom walls and corners.
- Clean grout and caulking.
Why Clean Exhaust Fans?
A dusty fan can’t do its job-removing humidity and odors-leading to mold, mildew, and poor air quality. Regular cleaning keeps your bathroom fresh and your fan running efficiently.
If you’re getting a new bathroom ceiling exhaust fan, ask your contractor to get this one that has a light: [a d] Broan-NuTone® BEL8 Bathroom Exhaust Fan w/LED Light, 80 CFM, ENERGY STAR® Exhaust Fan, 1.5 Sones. Amazon creator ad link https://amzn.to/4k8KQF0
Step-by-Step: Bathroom Exhaust Fan & Vent Cleaning
- Turn Off Power: Always start by switching off the fan and the bathroom’s circuit breaker for safety.
- Remove the Cover: Most covers pop off with gentle pressure; some need a screwdriver. If your fan has a light, disconnect it before cleaning.
- Clean the Cover: Soak it in warm, soapy water (use a gentle dish soap or castile soap for eco-friendly cleaning). For covers with lights or electronics, wipe with a damp microfiber cloth-never submerge.
- Vacuum the Fan: Use a vacuum with a brush or crevice tool to remove dust from the fan blades and housing. For stubborn grime, a soft brush or old toothbrush works wonders.
- Wipe Down: Finish with a damp microfiber cloth to remove any remaining dust. Let all parts dry thoroughly before reassembling.
Expert Tip: If your fan is extra dirty, use compressed air to blow dust out of the motor–just do this outside to avoid a mess.


Deep Clean: Showerheads, Faucets, Walls, and Grout
- Showerhead & Faucet: Soak in a mix of white vinegar and water to dissolve mineral buildup. For stubborn spots, scrub with a toothbrush and a sprinkle of baking soda. If you’re an Amazon shopper you can see that 10,000+ shower heads in this style were bought last month (and with good reviews)! [a d] AquaCare High Pressure 8-mode Handheld Shower Head – Anti-clog Nozzles, Built-in Power Wash to Clean Tub, Tile & Pets, Extra Long 6 ft. Stainless Steel Hose, Wall & Overhead Brackets. Amazon creator ad link https://amzn.to/3GXRxeM
- Walls & Corners: Start high and work down. Use a microfiber duster or electrostatic duster for dust, then wipe with a damp cloth. Focus on corners where mildew hides.[a d] MagicFiber Microfiber Cleaning Cloth – 12 Pack, Large 13″ x13” Highly Absorbent Streak-Free Micro Fiber Cleaning Rags Towels for House, Car, Windows, Housekeeping, Household Dusting, Kitchen. Amazon creator ad link to this specific product https://amzn.to/4kmSZqs
[a d] Amazon Basics Microfiber Cleaning Cloths, Lint Free, Absorbent, Streak Free, Non-Abrasive, Reusable and Washable, Pack of 24, Multicolor, 16″ x 12″. Amazon creator ad link to this specific Amazon Basics product https://amzn.to/43mqDqe
[a d] MRS. MEYER’S CLEAN DAY Vinegar Gel Cleaning Spray, Bathroom Use, No-Rinse Formula, Plant-Derived Cleaning Ingredients, Apple Blossom, 16 Fl Oz, Pack of 1. Amazon creator ad link https://amzn.to/3YzUR66
- Grout & Caulking: Apply a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide for whitening and disinfecting. For tough stains, try a soft scrub brush or an electronic scrubber for less elbow grease. Save some money and buy a big jug of the hydrogen peroxide. [a d] 3% Hydrogen Peroxide – Versatile All-Natural Cleaner – Made in USA – 1 Gallon (128 Fl Oz). Amazon creator ad link https://amzn.to/4k8vS1V
- Life Hack: A Mr. Clean Magic Eraser or similar melamine sponge is perfect for scuff marks and soap scum on tiles and grout.
Must-Have Products
- Microfiber dusters with extension wands–reach every corner [a d] Microfiber Feather Duster Extendable Duster with 100 inches Extra Long Pole, Bendable Head & Long Handle Dusters for Cleaning Ceiling Fan, High Ceiling, Blinds, Furniture & Cars Gray. Amazon creator ad link https://amzn.to/44v2VZA
- Vacuum with brush and crevice tools–for thorough dust removal. If your vacuum doesn’t have these tools, check for universal vacuum attachments such as this. [a d] Replacement Vacuum Attachments & Brushes plus Universal Adapter Kit Compatible with Shop Vacs 2-1/4” 1-7/8” 1-3/8” 1-1/4 Inch- Flexible Vacuum Crevice Attachment Tool for Shop Vac Accessories. Amazon creator ad link https://amzn.to/4keBzvs
- Castile soap, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide-natural, effective, and multi-purpose. Try this citrus-scented Castile soap in your favorite soap pump! [a ] Adams Handmade Soap Thick Organic Castile Liquid Hand Soap 1 Gallon Refill – Citrus Medley. Amazon creator ad link https://amzn.to/43k33tE
- Electric scrub brushes–for effortless grout cleaning. Amazon shows that 10,000+ of this scrub brush were sold last month! [a d] Electric Spin Scrubber, Cordless, 90-Mins Work Time, 3 Adjustable Sizes, 2 Speeds. Amazon creator ad link https://amzn.to/4m2OvGp
- Magic Erasers–for quick grime removal. [a d] Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Original Cleaning Pads, 6 count. Amazon creator ad link https://amzn.to/3SpfC0C
Keep an eye out for my Amazon links throughout my blog to tried-and-true tools–clicking helps support the blog at no extra cost to you!
[a d] For odors! Fill a cute baking soda holder for each smelly area of your home! Arm & Hammer Baking Soda Fridge-n-Freezer Odor Absorber, Orange 14 oz, Pack of 12. Amazon creator ad link https://amzn.to/3RXTw5f
Thank You & What’s Next
Thank you for reading, and for supporting the blog by clicking my affiliate links! Your clicks help me keep sharing expert tips and life hacks every week.
Next Week (week 20 already!): We’ll tackle the bedroom–decluttering under beds, cleaning side tables, and refreshing your sleep sanctuary. Don’t miss it!
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