Does Bathroom Fan Remove Smell? (Solved)

We all know that bathrooms can get a bit smelly, from showers to…well, other things. 

That’s why most bathrooms have a fan in the ceiling. But does this fan actually get rid of bad smells, or is it just making noise?  

Yes it does! Bathroom fans remove smells along with moisture from the bathroom.

In this post, I’ll break down if your bathroom fan removes smells in more detail and give you some tips to make it much more effective.

What Causes Bathroom Smells?

Bathrooms can start to smell pretty bad after a while, and most of the time, those smells come from too much moisture building up in the bathroom.

When the air is really humid, it creates the perfect environment for mold, mildew, and bacteria to grow and spread.

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And those little germs are the main reason that your bathroom stinks.

Plus, the stuff you flush down the toilet can also leave a lingering smell.

Not having good ventilation makes these smell problems even worse. If there’s not enough airflow, the moisture and smell get stuck inside the bathroom by building up over time.

How Does a Bathroom Fan Work?

A bathroom fan works by sucking out all the damp, stale air from the bathroom and bringing in fresh, dry air from outside or other parts of your house.

As the fan blade spins rapidly, it creates a low-pressure zone around the blades. This low pressure acts like a vacuum, sucking in air from the surrounding area.

This suction pulls in moist, humid air from the bathroom, typically near the ceiling where hot air and steam tend to rise.

This keeps the air moving in the bathroom by stopping any moisture from building up.

As the fan runs, it gets rid of the stinky air and replaces it with fresh air by making the bathroom feel clean, comfy, and smell-free.

And since bathroom fans run all the time, it makes it harder for mold, mildew, and bacteria to grow and cause bad smells like those.

Will A Fan Eliminate All Bathroom Smells?

A bathroom fan is very effective for removing most bathroom smells, but it won’t necessarily eliminate all of them.

Fans are effective at removing odors that are caused by excessive moisture and humidity.

And it will struggle to eliminate more stubborn smells that originate from other sources.

For example, if the smells are coming from unclean surfaces within the bathroom, such as soap scum buildup or mildew growth, a fan alone won’t be enough. 

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And if the bathroom has a clogged drain or other areas where bacteria can thrive and produce foul smells, the fan won’t help.

In such cases, a fan can help to ventilate the space and remove SOME of the odors, but it won’t address the main issue.

You have to do things like cleaning, unclogging drains, and addressing any potential sources of bacterial to get rid of the smell completely

Tips for Making a Bathroom Fan More Effective

Here are some tips to maximize the effectiveness of a bathroom fan to remove smell:

Run It For 20-30 Mins After Showering

After you’re done with your shower, let the bathroom fan run for another 20-30 minutes.

This gives it enough time to get rid of the extra moisture and smells that hang around after.

Plus, it’s a good habit to prevent mold and mildew, and keep your bathroom smelling fresh.

Make Sure It’s Properly Ducted Outside

Make sure your bathroom fan is set up to send the moist, smelly air outside your home, not just moving it around in your bathroom or, even worse, into your attic.

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If it’s not properly set up, it could cause damage over time. 

So, it’s best to have it vented outside.

Check The Power & Clean Regularly

Regularly check if the fan is getting power and clean it. Dust and grime can build up over time and make your fan less effective, or even cause it to smell bad.

So, give it a good clean now and then to keep it working well.

Use Higher CFM If It Doesn’t Remove Smells

If your bathroom still smells even when the fan is on, you might need a stronger fan.

Look for one with a higher CFM rating (cubic feet per minute), which means it can provide more powerful ventilation and do a better job at getting rid of smells.

This could be especially helpful if you have a big bathroom or if it tends to get smelly.

Combine With Air Fresheners & Cleaning

While a fan is great for getting rid of smells caused by moisture, it’s also a good idea to clean your bathroom regularly and use air fresheners.

Cleaning can get rid of smells from other sources, and air fresheners can make your bathroom smell nice all the time.

So, using a fan, cleaning, and air fresheners together can help keep your bathroom smelling fresh and clean.