Just sorting out which fans are still working this summer..
One is a table fan, the sort that rotates..

It was cutting out intermittently last summer, and now wouldn't switch on at all.

So I gave it a good dusting, then started dismantling the base
to inspect the internal wiring.
That's when loosening the screws released a light brown fluid
which flowed out the joins...
So I immediately stopped trying to take the base apart.

What's that then, motor lubricant ?.
what else could be a source of liquid...???

I decided to cut the cable off and put it out for recycling.
But I'm still curious what that goo was...

I'm used to sweaty batteries buggering up devices, but this is a new one for me...