How to Clean a Really Dirty Ceiling Fan

Clean a dirty ceiling fan with compressed air.

Ceiling fans tend to get neglected in home cleaning--until you look up and notice the cobwebs circling the blades. To clean a dirty ceiling fan thoroughly, you need to remove as much dust as possible from within the fan motor. A buildup of dust and dirt can affect the efficiency of the motor. Clean ceiling fans regularly to keep their maintenance from becoming a daunting task.

Things You'll Need

• Step stool or ladder
• Rag
• Dust spray
• Compressed air
• Cloth
• Furniture polish

Instructions

1. Place a sturdy step stool or ladder under the ceiling fan. Saturate a clean rag with dust spray.

2. Dust the ceiling fan with the rag, starting at the very top of the fixture. Wipe the top of the fan blades, then the bottom. Fold the rag to reveal a clean area as you continue wiping. Clean the light fixture in this manner, if the ceiling fan has one.

3. Fill a small bucket with warm water and 1 tsp. liquid dish soap. Wet a sponge with the soapy water and wring out the excess. Wipe the outer area of the fan, blades and light fixture with the sponge. Rinse the sponge in the water as needed to clean the ceiling fan completely.

4. Empty the soapy water from the bucket and fill with clean water. Rinse the soap from the sponge. Dip the sponge in the clean water and wipe soap from the entire fan. Dry the fan with a clean cloth after removing all soap residue.

5. Position the nozzle of a can of compressed air into any openings on the sides of the ceiling fan. Spray the compressed air into the openings to remove any trapped dust surrounding the fan motor.

6. Spray a clean cloth with furniture polish. Wipe the ceiling fan and the blades with the cloth.

Tips & Warnings

• Have another person hold the ladder or step stool to avoid accidents.

References

• Mrs. Clean USA: How to Clean Your Ceiling Fan