Getting a fan out to cope with the heat seems like a good idea, but forgetting one important step after months in the loft could lead to new problems

13:48, Thu, May 28, 2026 Updated: 13:56, Thu, May 28, 2026

Man suffers from heat at home

Most people will be bringing out their fans to cope with the heat (Image: Getty)

With the recent sweltering weather, many Brits will have pulled out their electric fans that have been sitting in the loft or a cupboard for months. But millions could be forgetting to do one important thing before switching them on.

Former science teacher Sam Morris told Which? that many households could rid their rooms of one problem but add another. To stop fans from creating new issues, Brits should remember a simple step when setting up their summer lifeline.

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The physics expert said: "It's wise to dust and vacuum before you set up your fan for summer. This is because a fan circulates air around a room, so any dust or pollen that's in the air will be circulated, too – not what you want if you suffer from allergies.

"When not in use, a fan itself can gather dust, which will get blown around the room when you switch it on." Even if homeowners are investing in a whole new device, it's best to give it a quick clean before switching it on.

Sam said: "If you're using your fan for the first time in a while, give it a quick clean. Instructions will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer but will normally involve using a soft, dry cloth to wipe over the surfaces.

How to clean an electric fan

You may need to unscrew the fan's back panel to access and clean the blades with a cloth. Make sure you don't accidentally bend the blades or get liquid in the motor.

Some fans can't be cleaned, which isn't ideal for allergy sufferers. To clean a fan you can't open, first vacuum all the intake and exhaust vents using a soft brush attachment to pull out loose dust.

Next, use a compressed air can or a long, thin tool wrapped in a damp microfiber cloth to gently wipe between the grilles. To save time and work for when the fan is no longer needed, store it in its box or bag to protect it from dust.

Close-up of Hand Adjusting Knob on Fan Grille for Cleaning

Trapped dust in fan blades can add new issues to hot rooms (Image: Getty)

How long will this heat last?

The Met Office reports that, from Friday, temperatures will continue to ease and turn fresher as the hot spell breaks. Most will see a noticeable drop from the hot conditions of recent days, but it will still be above average for many, with peaks of 28°C for some parts of the UK.

Met Office, Chief Forecaster Chris Bulmer said: "We’re now starting to see this spell of very hot weather break down. While parts of the southeast could still reach highs of 32°C on Thursday, many areas will begin to feel fresher conditions moving in through Friday and into the weekend as a weak cold front moves southeast and becomes more established across most of the UK by Saturday.

"As the heat starts to ease, the weather will also turn more changeable, with some showers and thunderstorms possible. By the weekend, temperatures should be much closer to average for the time of year with accompanying rainfall for many through the weekend and into the start of next week."