The brush attachment will help pull the dust out from inside your fan without scratching the casing. If you don’t have a vacuum with a brush attachment, use a similar soft-bristled tool, such as a dust brush or a microfiber duster.

Since dust and debris may spray out of the vent, use compressed air outside or in a well-ventilated area.

You can try running your vacuum over the vents again, but it may not suction up the dust deeper in the blades.

Avoid using any water or liquid cleaners on your fan so you don’t damage the internal electronics.

Avoid cleaning or opening up your fan while it’s still connected to power so you don’t get injured or shocked.

The number of screws you need to remove depends on the fan’s make and model. Some tower fans aren’t manufactured to be disassembled. Check the manual for any warnings before you take apart your fan. For example, if you’re cleaning a Vornado fan, opening it up voids the warranty. [7] X Research source

Some tower fans have a top panel holding the front and back ends together. Pry the top panel up first to make loosening the other panels easier. Avoid pulling the panels apart right after you finish separating them since they may have hidden tabs holding them together. Don’t force the panels apart if they aren’t separating since you could crack or break them. Check for any screws that you may have missed and if there aren’t any, take your fan to a professional repair shop.

If the tabs break, the tower fan’s panels won’t fit back together properly and it could make the fan rattle when you run it. Work slowly and patiently to avoid damaging the casing.

You do not need to remove the fan blades to clean them. Just moving the compressed air up and down over them will work dust out from all of the nooks and crannies. Laying the fan down makes the work a little easier. If your fan has a stand attached, consider unscrewing it temporarily to rest the fan on a flat surface.

If you don’t have a vacuum brush, use a microfiber cloth. You can also use a standard dusting brush. [12] X Expert Source Alicia SokolowskiGreen Cleaning Specialist Expert Interview. 15 September 2020.

If you have trouble brushing and vacuuming at the same time, have someone else hold the vacuum hose for you. Clean your tower fan outdoors if you don’t have a vacuum to prevent dust and debris from getting into your home.

If your fan squeaks or makes a lot of noise, the bearings are most likely the cause. These components are responsible for spinning the blade column. You do not have to take apart any of the fan’s electronic parts to lubricate the bearings. Check your fan’s user manual to see if the bearings need lubrication. Some fans are already permanently lubricated so they don’t require any additional attention.