How To Clean A Ceiling Fan

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Picture of Ceiling Fan - Tipnut.comRegular Weekly Maintenance:

  • Use dusting mitts, fresh cloths or cover your hands in socks turned inside out, lightly spray with cleaner and run your hands along the blade edges as well as top and bottom of each blade.

By doing this weekly you won’t have to worry about grime and grease buildup.

If the fan hasn’t been washed in awhile, try this:

  • First turn off the power to the fan. Also read the instructions that came with it before starting–some recommend not using soap or cleaners of any kind.
  • If you have a soft brush attachment for your vacuum, you can use that to remove the dust.
  • If the blades have grease buildup or are grimy, first dip the mitts or socks in household cleaner or warm, soapy water and squeeze out excess (you don’t want any liquid dripping in case it gets into the motor or warps the blades) then gently scrub out the grime spots. Make sure to use one hand to stabilize the end of the blade when wiping–be careful when handling so you don’t break it.
  • If your ceiling fan has lights, carefully remove each globe and wash gently in soapy water, then rinse. If the glass is thin or fragile, allow to air dry instead of towel drying. Once they’re completely dry, reattach carefully–making sure each screw is located properly around the raised lip. Make sure each lamp is secure and not loose or wobbling before removing hand and moving on to the next lamp.
  • If you notice dust around the motor, lightly wipe with a dusting cloth or carefully vacuum–get as close as you can with the vacuum but do not touch the base.
  • Once everything’s back in place, turn the ceiling fan on and look for any blade or lamp wobbling. If there is, turn off the power and tighten the screws where needed.

Published: January 20, 2007

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One Comment to “How To Clean A Ceiling Fan”
  1. Jennifer says:

    When you do get all the dusty grimy buildup, if you use a pillow case to just slip over the blade and slide all the gunk off, it helps clean it without dropping all the mess on the floor.


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