You have to take the fan apart. They didn't design it with the convenience of the customer who likes to keep things clean in mind, so you have to get out a bunch of screwdrivers and stuff and roll around on the ground and fight with it until you get it apart. I posted a lengthy post on how to get this model apart, as I just did mine yesterday. Just look for my name on the Lasko models like this one. But be careful and don't try it if you don't think you can pull it off without getting hurt.