can i take the whole thing apart to clean the inside of the motor housing? it's super dusty in there.

Diagnosis

The Rowenta VU5670 Turbo Silence is designed with a high-efficiency airflow system that utilizes internal acoustic dampening. This means the motor housing is lined with a specific sound-absorbing foam and tight tolerances to reduce decibels. Unfortunately, this design creates a "static trap" where fine particulate matter and household dust are sucked into the motor vents and cling to the foam and the motor's cooling fins. Over time, this dust buildup acts as an insulator, trapping heat within the motor windings. If you notice the fan smelling slightly "burnt" or if the motor housing feels excessively hot to the touch after an hour of operation, the dust has likely compromised the thermal dissipation. You can confirm this by shining a flashlight through the rear vents; if you see grey, felt-like clumps obstructing the airflow to the motor, a deep clean is mandatory to prevent the thermal fuse from blowing.

How to Fix It

To perform a full deep clean of the motor housing, follow these precise steps. Ensure the unit is completely unplugged from the wall outlet before starting.

1. Remove the Front Grille: Locate the perimeter clip or the locking screw at the bottom of the rim. Carefully unclip the front grille and set it aside.
2. Detach the Fan Blade: In the center of the blade, there is a plastic spinner nut. Note that this is a reverse-thread; you must turn it clockwise (to the right) to loosen and remove it. Pull the blade assembly straight off the drive shaft.
3. Remove the Rear Grille: Twist the rear grille counter-clockwise to unlock it from the motor housing.
4. Open the Motor Housing: Locate the 4 to 6 Phillips-head screws securing the plastic motor shell. These are often recessed. Remove them and carefully pull the plastic cowling apart. Be cautious not to pinch the wires leading to the control panel.
5. Clean the Internal Components: Do not use water inside the housing. Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove the bulk of the dust from the motor windings and the acoustic foam. For stubborn clumps, use a can of compressed air, spraying in short bursts from the center outward.
6. Wipe the Shaft: Use a lint-free cloth dampened with a small amount of isopropyl alcohol to clean the motor shaft where the blade sits. This ensures a snug fit and prevents vibration.
7. Reassemble: Snap the housing back together, tighten the screws, reinstall the rear grille, slide the blade onto the shaft, tighten the reverse-thread nut counter-clockwise, and snap the front grille back into place.

If That Didn't Work

• Lubricate the Bearings: If the fan is noisy even after cleaning, the dust may have entered the bearing race. Apply two drops of high-grade sewing machine oil or synthetic lubricant (like 3-in-1) to the front and rear motor bearings. Do not use WD-40, as it is a solvent, not a long-term lubricant.
• Deep Clean the Acoustic Foam: If the foam lining is heavily soiled, you can carefully peel it back and use a vacuum with a crevice tool. If the foam has degraded or crumbled, avoid replacing it with standard sponge; it must be open-cell acoustic foam to maintain the "Silence" rating.
• Address Electrical Contact Dust: If the speed buttons are sticking, spray a small amount of electronic contact cleaner (like DeoxIT) into the switch assembly. This removes the conductive dust that can cause intermittent power failure.
• External Vent Clearing: If you cannot fully disassemble the shell, use a flexible duster or a vacuum nozzle on the highest setting specifically around the intake slits on the back of the motor housing to pull out "dust bunnies."

Heads Up

• Reverse Thread Warning: Always remember that the blade nut is reverse-threaded. Forcing it counter-clockwise to loosen will strip the plastic threads and permanently damage the assembly.
• Static Hazard: Avoid using overly synthetic cloths inside the motor housing, as this can create static discharge that may damage the control board.
• Overheating Risk: Never operate the fan without the motor housing installed, as the internal airflow is designed to cool the motor through the specific geometry of the shell.
• Maintenance Cycle: For the VU5670, a deep clean should be performed every 12 months if used in a dusty environment or a home with pets to ensure the motor lifespan is maximized.