Ceiling fans are great for cooling down your home, but like any other appliance, they gather dust which can trigger allergies. With Spring just around the corner, now is the time to include your ceiling fan in your Spring cleaning plans. Unfortunately, too many people neglect their ceiling fans. Rather than enjoying cool, crisp airflow when first turned on, they are greeted with a cloud of dust. Today we are going to discuss how to clean your ceiling fan and why it is so important.
Why Should I Clean My Ceiling Fan?
It is incredibly important to keep your ceiling fan clean. Not only does this help ensure a longer life for your fan, it also keeps the air in your home cleaner. This is especially important if you live with young children, the elderly, or those with breathing issues like asthma.
Further, dust is one of the main culprits when it comes to wobbly ceiling fans! If a large amount of dust is allowed to build up on the blades, this can affect the speed of the fan. This, in turn, causes the blades to wobble and puts strain on the fan’s motor. Dust can also build up on the fan’s motor, which can not only cause a safety issue but could affect your warranty.
As a result, it is incredibly important to ensure your ceiling fan is clean and dust free throughout the year, especially if you are using your summer/winter mode!
How to Clean a Ceiling Fan
Let’s be honest, cleaning isn’t the most exciting job in the world. And no two cleaning jobs are the same. But, like cleaning your bathroom exhaust fans, it is a job that must be done. And done safely! There are several ways you can clean your ceiling fan, depending on what you have at home and your comfort.
But, above all, you must ensure that your fan is switched off during the cleaning process. If you have breathing issues, allergies or are sensitive to dust, we recommend that you cover your face with a face mask or bandana.
The Pillowcase Cleaning Method
For this method you will need a step ladder and an old pillowcase. Carefully position your ladder under the ceiling fan. Once you have climbed high enough to safely reach the fan, cover the first fan blade with the pillowcase.
Apply careful pressure (so you don’t damage the blades) and slowly pull the pillowcase back. Take your time pulling the pillowcase back to ensure you keep the dust and dirt trapped inside.
Repeat for all your fan blades, shaking out the pillowcase (outside) if the blades are heavily covered in dust. Once you have finished, you can shake the pillowcase out (again) outside to prevent the need for extra cleaning. Once you have shaken the pillowcase out, you can simply wash the case in warm water or in your washing machine.
Clean a Ceiling Fan with the Duster Method
This method is especially good for cleaning high ceiling fans. You will need an old sheet and a long duster (with extender arm). We also highly recommend a face covering for this method.
Place the sheet on the floor beneath the ceiling fan. This will help catch the dust and prevent the need for extra cleaning. Place the duster directly on top of the fan and begin dusting downwards. You should also clean the motor housing at this point. Dust away from yourself to prevent being covered in dust. Continue dusting away from you until you have cleaned the motor housing and the top of each fan blade.
Once done, repeat the process for the bottom of the fan blades – believe it or not, dust can also cling here. Once finished, carefully pick up the sheet from under the fan and shake the dust loose outside. Like the pillowcase method, you can now wash the sheet in warm water or in a washing machine.
The Cloth Wipe Method
If your fans are particularly dirty or greasy because they haven’t been cleaned, this is the method for you. You will need an old sheet, a cloth or baby wipes, a step ladder and a mineral spirit (odourless is best).
Like the duster method, we once again recommend a face covering for this method. Place the sheet on the floor beneath the fan. Place the step ladder in a position that will let you easily access the ceiling fan and fan blades.
Check the ceiling fan. If it is just dirty, rather than greasy, then a cloth or baby wipes alone will be enough. Simply wipe down the blades – top and bottom – to remove any dirt or dust.
If your ceiling fan is also greasy, however, you will need to use the mineral spirit or a similar degreaser. Pour a small amount onto your cloth or baby wipe. It should be damp but not soaked. Gently wipe the blades down, top and bottom, to remove the built up grease. Dispose of the cloth or wipes and shake the sheet outside. The sheet can then be washed in warm water or in a washing machine.
How to Clean a Ceiling Fan with a Vacuum Attachment
This final method is perfect for those who don’t have a spare sheet, pillowcase or duster available. You will need a stepladder and your vacuum cleaner with the extended attachment attached. Place the step ladder safely under the ceiling fan then turn your vacuum cleaner on. Climb the ladder and use the vacuum to carefully pick up the dust from the fan blades.
You should run the attachment along the blade in straight lines to avoiding making a mess. Repeat this process for each blade until all are clean. You can then use the vacuum cleaner to tidy up any dust or dirt that has fallen to the floor.
Ensuring your ceiling fan is clean year round is important to ensuring your home is a nice and clean environment. It will also help prolong the life of your ceiling fan and prevent common ceiling fan issues, like wobbling.
Looking to replace an older ceiling fan as Spring approaches? Looking to prepare for the Summer ahead? Explore Martec’s range of indoor and outdoor ceiling fans today!
