How to Clean Ceiling Fans

With a ceiling fan, it's sometimes hard to see when dust or dirt has accumulated because it is much higher than eye level. A dirty ceiling fan can wobble, shake and burn out the motor. Also, dust can fly all over the room causing discomfort for everyone. Follow these steps to properly clean a ceiling fan and remember to clean it often, as dust or dirt can settle on the blades daily.

Things You'll Need

• Ladder or sturdy chair
• Paper towels
• Pledge or all-purpose cleaner
• Vacuum cleaner with hose attachment

Instructions

1. Make sure that the ceiling fan is turned off and that the blades have completely stopped moving.

2. Position the ladder or chair underneath the ceiling fan directly underneath one of the blades.

3. Spray some of the cleaner directly onto the papertowel. Start at the end of the blade closest to the center of the fan and drag the cloth back towards your body. Placing a hand underneath the blade will ensure that the blade does not move and is supported. Use your hand to catch larger pieces of dust.

4. Repeat the above step for each fan blade. When finished wipe around the body of the ceiling fan including the motor to remove any additional dust.

5. Finally, if the motor has dust or dirt built up on it, use the long vacuum cleaner hose to clean out the fan and remove all debris. This will help the motor run smoother as the air will be able to quickly run through it.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have not cleaned the fan for a while, then large pieces of dust may fall to the floor. You may need to place a large drop cloth on the floor underneath the fan or use a large sheet.

• There is a cleaning brush specifically made to clean ceiling fan blades. You may want to consider investing in this brush as it has an extended handle and the fan can be cleaned while standing on the floor. Using this brush on a weekly basis will prevent any major dirt build up.

• You may want to consider buying microfiber cloths. These cloths attract and keep dust preventing it from falling.

• If your ceiling fan is wobbling, this is a good time to tighten any screws which may prevent future wobbling.

• If your ceiling fan has a light fixture on it, then use caution removing the glass pieces to clean. Thoroughly clean the glass with window cleaner and now may be a good time to change the light bulb since you are up there.

• Never spray cleaning spray directly onto the blades as the spray may get into the motor and stick to the motor causing it not to run as well.

Resources

• Everything Ceiling Fans