How long to run a fan after a shower?

Author: Susie Bogan  |  Last update: Thursday, February 19, 2026

To prevent moisture problems in your bathroom, you should turn on the bathroom fan when showering or taking a bath. The fan should be left running at least 30-54 minutes (or longer) afterwards to get rid of any excess moisture.

How long should a fan run after a shower?

Well, depending on the size of your bathroom, the time may vary a little, but the general consensus is that leaving the fan running for about 20 minutes after a shower is long enough to remove the moisture from your bathroom.

Is it okay to use a fan after a shower?

When you are showering, run your ventilation fan for at least 30 minutes AFTER the shower. If you can set it on a timer, so you don't forget, that's the ideal solution if your house is so humid 👍 #ventilation.

How long should I vent after a shower?

Run the fan for 20 minutes after your shower

This give the fan time to completely dry the room. If you're in a hurry in the mornings and you don't have time to leave it on that long, or you know you'll forget to turn it off afterward, you can get a fan with a timer that shuts itself off.

How to air out the bathroom after a shower?

Air Out the Bathroom, Every Time: Be sure to turn on the fan before you even start your shower. When you're done, leave the shower door ajar or the curtain pushed open to help air out humidity.

STEAMY - How long should an extractor timer ⏱ fan run for?

How to ventilate after a shower?

The best way to remove excess moisture from the room is to install an extractor fan. They will help to keep things well ventilated and moisture free after hot showers or baths. Another option to consider, particularly in smaller or windowless bathrooms, are dehumidifiers.

How do I cool down my bathroom after a shower?

Alternatively, an extractor fan can also do the trick – switch it on before taking a shower or bath, and leave it running for at least 15 minutes after finishing. Another nifty trick is to leave the bathroom door open to allow air to circulate more freely.

How long can you leave a bathroom fan running?

Since most exhaust fans are designed to run for 10-20 minutes, they can be safely run for much longer, and it is important to note that in most cases, extended use may cause damage to your heating system and lead to other problems.

Should you keep the bathroom door open or closed after a shower?

Keep doors closed all the time.

After you shower, the interior space is at its wettest point. Try to keep the doors open for a half hour or so until the steam clears. If you have a fan in your bathroom, make sure to turn it on and let the air circulate.

Should you let your body air dry after a shower?

Yes, that's right. Air-drying your face and body is a step you may not have considered adding to your skin care routine, but it's definitely one worth considering. Air-drying might just help address quite a few skin care concerns you're dealing with, so why not learn more?

When should you not use a fan?

When indoor air temperatures are hotter than about 95 °F: Fan use may cause your body to gain heat instead of lose it. On very hot, humid days, sweat evaporates off the skin slower than normal, and fans make it even more difficult for the body to lose heat by sweating.

What happens if I leave bathroom fan on all night?

Your Bathroom Fan Is a Fire Hazard

From there, it's so easy to forget about the bathroom fan completely! There are consequences for leaving the fan on too long, though. Leaving the exhaust fan running for an extensive period of time can cause significant wear to the motor and may cause a fire.

How far should a bathroom fan be from the shower?

One Foot In, One Foot Out – Ideally, you should place a bathroom fan in the ceiling about 1 foot from the shower and between the shower and the door.

How long to run fans after water damage?

After water damage, running fans for at least 24 hours is recommended. The duration could change depending on the water damage and humidity extent. It's critical to monitor the humidity levels and keep the fans running until they stabilize.

Is it okay to run a bathroom fan on 24/7?

Electrical Safety: Modern bathroom fans are designed to run safely for extended periods.

How long can a fan run continuously?

"Most electrical fans are designed to be able to run continuously for several hours at a time, for example overnight or during the day, but you'll also need to keep in mind doing that continuously for long periods can cause wear and tear on the motor and other components, shortening its lifespan," continues David.

Why do people close bathroom door when not in use?

If the door is opened at this time, the bacteria and odor in the bathroom will spread to every corner of the home, and the home environment will become more and more dirty! Therefore, it is recommended that when not in use, it is best to close the door and turn on the exhaust fan for ventilation.

Is it better to leave shower curtain open or closed after shower?

remember to leave the shower curtain open to dry so it doesn't get moldy!

Why do you have to open the window after a shower?

To let moisture escape, leave your bathroom window open during showering and for at least 15 minutes after. If your bathroom doesn't have any windows, leave the door open instead. Some plants, including spider plants and snake plants, can also help remove moisture from the air.

How long to run a fan after showering?

The fan should be left running at least 30-54 minutes (or longer) afterwards to get rid of any excess moisture. Getting a timer for your bathroom fan can help ensure that your bathroom stays well-ventilated.

Do bathroom fans use a lot of electricity?

Finally, the average bathroom fan with a basic light fixture will use 36 watts of energy. Depending on which manufacturer you go with, you could see a watt usage of 10 to 50. The bottom line, the less you use the fan, the less electricity will be consumed.

What is the code for venting a bathroom fan?

To fulfill the local exhaust airflow requirements of ASHRAE 62.2 (2010) and the International Residential Code (IRC 2021, Section M1507), bathroom fans should have a mechanical exhaust capacity of ≥ 50 cfm for intermittent operation or ≥ 20 cfm of ventilation when operated continuously.

Why does it take me so long to cool down after a shower?

She explains that a hot shower or bath limits our body's ability to cool down, leaving us feeling even more sweaty than before. “Wearing heavyweight fabrics can also prevent your body from breathing in a much more efficient manner during a workout, and that can trigger post-workout perspiration,” she says.

How do you dry bathroom walls after showering?

In this guide, we'll talk you through the steps you can take to get rid of that unwanted mist.
  1. Use an Extractor Fan. One of the simplest solutions to remove condensation is to open a window. ...
  2. Wipe Surface Dry. ...
  3. Install Wall Panels. ...
  4. Use a Dehumidifier. ...
  5. Have a Cooler Shower. ...
  6. Demistable Mirrors. ...
  7. Regular Cleaning. ...
  8. Use Anti-Fog Spray.

How to make a bathroom less hot?

Ventilation Tips for Keeping Your Bathroom Cool
  1. Crack the Windows. If your bathroom has windows, this is one of the most effective ways to ventilate your bathroom. ...
  2. Keep Your Bathroom Door Open When Not in Use. ...
  3. Exhaust Fans. ...
  4. Other Types of Fans.

Previous article
Does peroxide remove drugs from hair?
Next article
What size outlet does a washer need?