Hunter humidifier 33251 - is there any way grill on the top covering the fan can be removed in order to clean fan blades?

Try using WD-40 or sewing machine oil on the bit that the blades are independent from the motor usually just a small opening that you can try to spray some lubricant in there which will reduce friction and noise by lubing up the bearing and decreasing wear if that helps you will then know what the underlying issues are and if you need further action

Not sure how long you have had this humidifier. If the motor is getting louder it probably needs a new motor. It is possible if it is making a fan blade noise that something is hitting the fan blade. If that is happening try to open enough to see if the fan blade (impeller) is being impeded.

I picked up a Sunbeam Humidifier model 1118 for $7 (which was $7 too much) second hand. It wasn't until I got home that I noticed it was filthy-dirty inside...(dirtier than shown in the photos) the reservoir, the bottom tray, AND the fan chamber all needed major cleaning.

A quick Google search told me that the grill is "not removable", and the unit is "not user serviceable". Companies do this/say this for two reasons:

a) They want you to throw it away and buy a new one, landfills and plastic filling our oceans be darned
b) They want to protect themselves from lawsuits, should someone injure themselves servicing their product (or in this instance, cutting their fingers off on the fan blade).

Imagine if all of that design know-how was put into making the product serviceable, cleanable, and long-lasting, rather than ensuring it can't be opened or repaired by the average joe.

Me, I've opened and repaired enough gadgets to think differently.

You CAN remove the grille.
Carefully insert a series of flat-head screwdrivers between the grill and the body a few inches apart, wedging the grill edge away from the body.
There are slits in the body (see photos) that will allow you to get under the grill edge and pry it right out when enough of it has been detached from the anchoring groove.
But be gentle while you're doing it.
The Grille is plastic and flexible; it will bend, but if you use too much force you will damage either the grill or the body.

The photos also show how the grill is anchored to the body - via a groove in the grille edge.

You can put the grille back after cleaning the blades and fan chamber much the same way; pressing down, and if required: prying the side of the grill inwards with a flat head screwdriver.
Mine snapped right back into place with a bit of downward pressure.

you have to pop the cover off of the top if there are not screws holding the cover on then it should pop off with a screwdriver or you can use compressed air in a can that they sell in stores for cleaning computers

We were having the same problem. Here is how I fixed it but its hard to explain...
I took the main white part off and laid it side ways on a table looking inside there is a tube that goes from the top towards the main fan then connects to a plastic part that is shaped like a "p" In the middle part of the "p" you an see I tiny little gear. I manually turned the gear with a paper clip a few times and it worked. I had no idea what I was doing but I was determined!!!

just remove it, then rinse it in warm soapy water, let it dry and then replace!

take the tank off and the fan unit housing. inside you'll see a circular filter that goes into the water sump. make sure it isn't falling apart and hitting the fan blades.

If someone put it togetherm you can take it apart.
See if the dicharge grill slides up and the bottom vcan be pulled out like a window screen. If so, ,other panels may also do so in order to access the internals, Unplug unit when in the water or around fan. Do not run unit without panels in place. Any fan cleaning use something like 409 spray and rinse off with a spray bottle also. Keep water out of all and any electrical. Rinse and leave no cleaner in humidifier to be mixed with misting. Good Luck

I have a Holmes cool-mist One-Touch Humidifier, and you can't reach the blades to clean them, and you can't take the console apart. I finally decided to use two spray bottles and clean and them rinse the Humidifer while holding the console upside down and over a sink. The one bottle you could fill with any mild cleaner plus a lot of water to dilute the cleaner. Maybe dishwashing liquid (not the dishwasher stuff), or a little bit of ammonia, or rubbing alcohol, or vinegar. Spray that on the blades while the machine is upside down, and a lot of sooty dirt drips out. Then rinse with another spray bottle full of plain water. Leave the console upside down on a towel to drip-dry. This is also how you can clean silk flowers that collect dust.

From The Hunter 3322 manual.
1. Turn the humidifier ‘OFF’ and unplug the unit.
2. Lift the main housing and remove the water dispersion tray and the PermaWick™ Filters. The motor is attached to the main housing. Do not place the motor near water. Do not use a wet towel on the motor or motor housing as electrical shock may occur.
3. The PermaWick™ Filter should be cleaned in a vinegar and water solution to remove any mineral buildup. Place in a solution of one (1) gallon of water and eight (8) ounces of undiluted white vinegar. Allow the filter to soak for 20 minutes.
4. After soaking, rinse it several times with clean water. Place the PermaWick™ Filter in a location where it can drip dry while you clean the other parts of your humidifier.
5. Remove the water tank from the base and empty any water that is left in the tank. Soak the base in a mixture of one (1) gallon of water and eight (8) ounces of vinegar for 20 minutes.
6. After soaking, wipe the base with a soft cloth or sponge to remove any mineral build up. Rinse with clean water several times. If you are planning on storing the humidifier, be sure the base is completely dry.
7. Fill the water tank with one (1) gallon of water and eight ounces of undiluted white vinegar. Replace the tank cap and shake the tank vigorously until all interior surfaces of the tank have been exposed to the water/vinegar mixture.
8. Empty the tank of the water/vinegar mixture. Rinse it several times with clean water and then replace the tank cap. If you are planning on storing the humidifier, dry it inside and out, leaving the cap off to allow the tank to completely dry. Continue to clean the other parts of your humidifier.
9. Remove the water diffuser cap by squeezing the two tabs as shown in Figure 3. Rinse the cap in clean water to remove any debris. If the cap contains hard water residue, soak it in a mixture of one (1) quart of water and two (2) ounces of vinegar for 20 minutes. 41553-01 01/03/2008 6 © 2008 Hunter Fan Company
Rinse well and reinstall the water diffuser cap. Do not expose motor or other electrical components to water.
10. Wipe the surfaces of the main housing with a soft cloth.
11. Once all the parts are clean, reassemble the humidifier, and follow the USING YOURHUMIDIFIERto continue use. If you are storing the humidifier, make sure the parts are completely dry, reassemble, and store in a dry location