How to Properly Clean a Ceiling Fan
In the summer, one of the most used appliances in our home is the ceiling fan. It provides comfort and relief on very hot days. However, with continuous use of the ceiling fan, excessive dirt begins to accumulate on it. The performance of the fans also affects with it , and that is when we begin looking for ways for how to properly clean a ceiling fan.
Dusty fans not only affect the performance, but also this dust is not good for health. Often, it is one of the overlooked tasks in household chores. When a fan is being used on a daily basis, then with the passage of time, more dust accumulates on it. And it becomes difficult to clean a fan then. However, if the ceiling fan is cleaned regularly by following the proper steps, then this difficult task becomes easy.
In the guide, we will see a step by step method on how to properly clean a ceiling fan and how to keep ceiling fans clean to prevent excess dirt from building up.
How to Properly Clean a Ceiling Fan
Safety comes first, along with learning how to properly clean a ceiling fan. You should also know about the safety measures to take when cleaning a ceiling fan.
- You should always turn off the fan before starting with the cleaning process and let it come to a complete rest.
- Wear cleaning gloves to avoid getting dust into your hands.
- To avoid inhaling the dust particles, wear a mask.
Now, let’s see the step-by-step guide on how to properly clean a ceiling fan.
Step 1: Remove the Dust
The first step in how to properly clean a ceiling fan is to remove the dust from the fan, but how to clean dust off a ceiling fan? There are many ways to do it, and we will see 3 of the most commonly used methods to clean dust off a ceiling fan.
Pillow Case Dusting
Pillow case to clean ceiling fan might sound odd to you, and you must be wondering how to clean a ceiling fan with a pillow case. Well, pillowcase dusting is the easiest method for removing dust from a ceiling fan.
What Do You Have to Do?
- Take an old pillowcase.
- Step on a ladder to reach the fan blades.
- Then place the pillowcase on one of the blades in the same way as you cover the pillow.
- Now pull the pillow case outward by applying a little pressure. This will trap the dust inside the pillowcase.
- Repeat the process if some dust remains on the blade.
- Remove the dust from the blades in a similar way.
Soft Duster
The pillowcase method can be used to clean fan blades and is very effective. If you want to remove dust from the fan canopy and down rod, then you can try this method.
What Do You Have to Do?
- First of all, place an old cloth under the fan so all the dust falls on it.
- Then take a long handled soft duster and move it entirely on the fan blades, canopy, and down rod.
- Move the duster on both sides of the blades.
- When all the dust is removed, then take that cloth outside and shake off all the dust.
Vacuum Cleaner
Using a vacuum cleaner with a flat dust attachment or a portable vacuum cleaner is also effective in removing dirt from the fan. Although the vacuum cleaner will catch all the dirt, if the fan is very dirty to be in a safe side place an old cloth under the fan.
What Do You Have to Do?
- Step onto the ladder to reach the fan blades.
- Run the vacuum cleaner slowly over the fan blade by making sure that it is trapping the dust.
- Remove dust from other blades in a similar way.
Step 2: Wipe
Now that the dust is removed, wipe the entire fan to make sure no dust particles remain on the fan.
Microfiber Cloth
A microfiber cloth is a very effective way to trap any remaining dust particles.
What Do You Have to Do?
- Damp the microfiber cloth.
- Step onto the ladder to reach the fan blades.
- Run the damp microfiber cloth across all the blades one by one.
- After wiping the blades, run the microfiber cloth on the canopy and rod to clean them as well.
Make sure that the cloth is damp and not wet to avoid damaging the fan motor.
If you don’t have a microfiber cloth, then you can use a cleaning cloth in a similar way.
Step 3: Clean
After removing the dust and wiping, now comes the actual part of cleaning a ceiling fan.
Soap And Cleaning Cloth
In this step of how to properly clean a ceiling fan, you have to use soap to remove any grease from the fan and give it a new look.
What Do You Have to Do?
- Take a spray bottle, add water, and a few drops of dishwashing soap to create a foamy solution.
- Take a cleaning cloth to clean the fan.
- Step onto the ladder to reach the fan blades.
- Spray the solution over the cloth and then gently rub it across the fan blades. Clean both sides of the fan blades in this way.
- Slightly rub this cloth on the canopy and on the rod.
- Then, take a dry cloth and run it across the entire fan to make sure that no moisture remains on the fan.
Microfiber Cleaner
If there are any stubborn spots on the fan, then you use a microfiber cleaner.
What Do You Have to Do?
You can follow the same steps as mentioned above for cleaning with soap and a cleaning cloth, but use a microfiber cleaner in place of a cleaning cloth.
Do not spray the solution on the fan directly; first spray it on the cloth and then use it.
How to Keep Ceiling Fans Clean?
Learning how to properly clean a ceiling fan is one thing and keeping them clean is another thing. Let’s see how to keep ceiling fans clean:
- To avoid getting the dust build up, it is advisable to dust the ceiling fan every 2-3 weeks.
- Use a dust repellent cleaner to remove the dirt easily.
- Try to keep the door and windows closed on dusty days.
- Do not keep running the fan unnecessarily, as long running can cause more dirt to build easily.
By following the above-mentioned steps and using the right methods, you can easily clean your ceiling fan. Learning how to properly clean a ceiling fan not only makes it clean and look new but also ensures the durability of the fan. Regular cleaning of the ceiling fans improves the air quality and keeps them running smoothly. Adding ceiling fan cleaning to your monthly cleaning routine can prevent it from building up excess dirt. All you have to do is follow the three steps: Dust → Wipe → Clean.
Read Also: How to Clean Oven With Baking Soda?
FAQ
How to clean ceiling fans with vinegar?
To clean ceiling fans with vinegar , mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto a microfiber cloth (not directly on the fan) and wipe each blade gently to remove dust and grease. For sticky buildup, let the solution sit for a minute before wiping.
How to clean the enclosed ceiling fan?
To clean an enclosed ceiling fan, use a screwdriver to remove the fan’s cover. Use a soft duster to remove the dust and then wipe the blades and inner parts with a damp microfiber cloth. For greasy buildup, use a mild soap or vinegar-water solution. Make sure all parts are completely dry before reattaching the cover and turning the fan back on.
How to clean fan blades without getting dust everywhere?
To clean fan blades without getting dust everywhere, use a pillowcase trick. It will trap all the dust inside the pillowcase instead of falling. Afterward, shake the dust out outdoors and wash the pillowcase. This method keeps your room clean and reduces airborne particles.