Step 1
Turn the floor fan off and unplug it from the wall.
Step 2
Remove the screws from the floor fan’s front cover--also known as grill--with a screwdriver. Typically, you will need to Phillips head screwdriver. Place the screws in a safe location. After the screws have been removed, gently pull the cover off the rectangular housing. Repeat the process for the floor fan’s back grill.
Step 3
Remove the mounts or screws to disconnect the fan blades from the motor. Lay all the pieces out in front of you.
Step 4
Fill a bucket with 1 gallon of cool water. Add 1/4 cup of liquid dish soap. Mix the contents together thoroughly with a wooden spoon. Submerge a cloth in the mixture and wipe all parts of the fan--except the motor--with the cloth.
Step 5
Saturate an old toothbrush in the mixture and scrub the floor fan’s front and back cover. Continue scrubbing until you have thoroughly cleaned the grills.
Step 6
Wipe all fan parts dry with a towel.
Step 7
Brush dirt, dust, hair and other debris off the motor with a dry, soft-bristled brush. Do not allow the motor to get wet. Alternatively, use a can of air to blast away any dirt or dust on the motor housing.
Step 8
Place a drop of SAE 20 non-detergent oil into each oil port. Spray a lightweight lubricant on the shaft of the motor.
Step 9
Reassemble the floor fan. Attach the fan blades to the motor. Secure the front and back cover to the fan’s housing.