Even during the warm seasons when fans are always moving, they still manage to gather dust. Cleaning them is one of those household jobs many of us put off because they’re hard to reach and a bit awkward. We’ve gathered our top tips to make the job easier for you.
So, how do you clean a ceiling fan? Before we dive in, below are some general tips.
- Always turn off the power before cleaning or doing any maintenance work on your fan. This is for your safety and to avoid any damage.
- For efficiency and ease, wipe the blades from the centre and towards you to the end.
- Wear a mask to avoid breathing in any allergens, dust, and bacteria.
- Save your floor vacuuming for after you’ve cleaned the fans (or lay down a sheet).
- If necessary, use a stable ladder or step stool.
How often should I clean my fans?
A good general rule of thumb is to clean your fans monthly. You might also like to do a light vacuum fortnightly to reduce dust build up and make it easier when you do a deeper clean. Regular cleaning will reduce allergens in the air, keeps your home looking great, and can extend the lifetime of your fan.
Removing dust from fan blades
When removing dust from your fan blades, gently vacuum the blades first with a soft brush attachment and lowest suction setting. Avoid wobbling the blades as this can warp them or cause an imbalance. This can make your fan noisy, affect airflow, and put more strain on the motor. Next, use a microfibre cloth to gently wipe each blade, using your other hand to steady the fan. You could also slide an old pillowcase over the blade and softly press down as you slide it off to trap the dust.
Removing dirt and grease
In some areas, such as near kitchens or outdoor spaces, you might have a build-up of dirt and grease. Once you’ve removed dust from the blades with a vacuum and dry cloth, use a damp cloth with mild dishwashing soap and warm water. Wipe each blade thoroughly but gently and avoid using excess water as this can cause rust on metal parts. Finish up by using a dry cloth to wipe the blades and remove any streaks.
Cleaning the motor housing
How do you clean a ceiling fan motor? There are steps you can take to help protect the motor, but it’s best to leave any motor maintenance to a technician when they come in for periodic servicing. Here’s what you can do in the meantime. Using a soft-bristled brush to clean dust off any vents and smaller parts can help prevent build up that negatively effects the motor. You may also be able to carefully clear these out using a vacuum cleaner.
Check the balance
Once you have finished cleaning, double check the balance of the blades by looking for signs of wobbling and listening for noise. As we mentioned earlier, if your blades are out of balance, they can cause wear on the motor which affects the lifespan of your fan.
Maintenance tips
If your fan is making noise, it might mean screws are loose, the blades are imbalanced, or the motor is worn out. The first place to start is to see if any screws can be tightened to see if that fixes the problem. If you still can’t solve the problem, contact a service technician. Organising an annual professional service can help extend the life of your fans and keep them performing at their best.
If your light isn’t working, read our step-by-step guide on how to safely change a ceiling fan light bulb or fixture. This includes safety tips as well as the tools you’ll need and 9 steps you can follow to do it yourself. It might be easier than you think.
No matter where you live, dust is going to build up. The best way to make cleaning your fans less of a hassle is to do it regularly and keep it simple. You don’t need expensive cleaning products, just the right method and some everyday household items!
