Spring is officially here, and if you’re like us, that means diving into spring cleaning! As temperatures begin to rise, your ceiling fan will get more and more use, so one great project to add to your spring cleaning to-do list is cleaning it. A dirty ceiling fan runs far less efficiently than a clean one, and you don’t want it scattering clumps of dust and dirt throughout your room. A little time and effort now could save you headaches down the road. Here are some tips for cleaning your ceiling fan.
Tools Needed
Before you start cleaning, you will need to gather the right tools to do the job. Start with a step stool or ladder that will allow you to reach the ceiling fan. If your fan is too high for you to reach on a ladder, you may want to invest in an extendable duster that can be found at a home improvement store or home store like Bed, Bath & Beyond.
For cleaning, you’ll want to have the following on hand:
- Old pillowcase
- Mild all-purpose cleaner
- Microfiber cloth
- Warm, soapy water
- Can of compressed air
Cleaning the Blades
A quick and easy trick to dust the blades of a ceiling fan is to use an old pillowcase. Start by lightly spraying the inside of the pillowcase with the mild all-purpose cleaner (or a solution of equal parts vinegar and water). Then, slip the pillowcase over one of the blades and gently pull it off, wiping as you go. This will remove the dust and trap it inside the pillowcase. Repeat with the other blades. If dust remains along the edges, run a microfiber cloth or a Swiffer duster along the edges to remove any remaining buildup. When you are finished, take the pillowcase outside, turn it inside out, and shake out the dust, then throw it in your laundry.
Dusting the Lightbulbs
Make sure the ceiling fan is turned off and the light bulbs are completely cool, then use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe dust off of the light bulbs.
Cleaning Glass Fixtures
If your ceiling fan has glass fixtures over the bulbs, remove them after dusting, then wash them in warm, soapy water. Dry completely before reinstalling them on your ceiling fan. Note: Wait until all elements of the ceiling fan have been cleaned before putting glass fixtures back on to avoid additional dust and dirt getting on the freshly cleaned glass.
Cleaning the Motor and Pull Chain
The ceiling fan motor and pull chain are often forgotten in the cleaning process, but it is important to tackle these items while cleaning. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe both down, then spray the motor housing with compressed air to clean out any dust that may be inside.
While you are on your step stool or ladder cleaning the fan, now is also a good time to check the direction of the blades. For spring/summer, you want blades spinning counterclockwise, which creates a downdraft that redistributes cool air around the room.
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