How to Clean a Ceiling Fan (3 Easy Steps)

How to Clean a Ceiling Fan (3 Easy Steps)

***We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links at no additional cost to you.

According to the Department of Energy, a ceiling fan can make you feel up to 4 degrees cooler, even if you are already running your air conditioner.

However, keeping your fan clean is essential to getting the most out of it. So let’s start cleaning your ceiling fan.

How to Clean a Ceiling Fan

Cleaning fan blades at least once each cooling season will help ensure that air moves as efficiently as possible.

It is also possible for a ceiling fan that is covered in dust or pollen to fling particles around the room as it whirrs. A kitchen fan can become a dust magnet with cooking grease.  

Therefore, it’s crucial to keep your fan clean, especially if you use it all year round.

Also check: 8 Best Bladeless Ceiling Fan with Light

Step 1. Cover the nearest furnitures

Cover any furniture under or near the fan with a drop cloth or old sheets. If possible, cover a space approximately twice as wide as the fan’s full width.

Make sure the ladder is positioned so you can see the top of the blades. Then remove the light globes carefully.

Step 2. Remove the dust

You can use a duster or cloth to remove loose dust. With a long-handled U-shaped brush, you can clean both sides of the blades at once. Such a brush can be purchased from a hardware store or home improvement center.

You may also remove dirt and dust by pulling an old pillowcase back and forth over the blades.

You may want to check: 10 Best Bladeless Fans to Keep You Cool

Step 3. Wash the blades

Each blade should be cleaned with a damp cloth or sponge soaked in an all-purpose cleaner. Make sure you don’t spray liquid on the fan and don’t apply excessive pressure, as this can bend its blades.

Light globes should be hand-washed in a sink and allowed to dry completely before replacing. You should let your fan’s blades dry completely before turning it on again. Damp blades attract dust.

There you have it!

If cleaning the ceiling fan is one of your least favorite chores, try waxing the blades with car wax, which will help prevent dust from sticking to them in the first place.

Are Ceiling Fans Better than Floor Fans?

Due to their larger surface area and longer blades, ceiling fans can be effectively used in large rooms. Because they are usually installed on the ceiling, they do not take up any space on the ground. 

In contrast to ceiling fans, tower fans have a compact design.

Also check: Dyson Fans: Which is a Better Choice?

Advantages of Ceiling Fan

a living room with a huge ceiling fan

In hot countries, ceiling fans are the easiest and most economical way to cool down. In reality, ceiling fans do not reduce the air temperature in the room, but rather circulate the air within it, causing it to cool.

Ceiling fans provide the following benefits:

  • A ceiling fan creates a brisk atmosphere in the room.
  • Compared to an air conditioner, ceiling fans are a cheaper initial investment. Additionally, a ceiling fan consumes less power than an air conditioner, which will reduce your electricity bills.
  • In cases where air conditioners are the primary source of cooling, ceiling fans can serve as a backup.
  • Since ceiling fans are installed in the ceiling, they are not within reach of children, so they are safer to use than pedestal or table fans.
  • In comparison to any other cooling appliance, ceiling fans offer a wide variety of choices.
  • While providing dependable and efficient performance, ceiling fans can enhance the décor of the room.

How to Clean Dirty Ceiling Fans With No Mess [Video]

FAQs

How often should you clean ceiling fans?

You will breathe in dusty air sooner or later if your kitchen fan is dusty. As soon as you see dust accumulating on the blades, wipe them down. Every three months or so, clean your fan’s blades and body with an all-purpose cleaner.  

How do you clean a fan without opening it?

You can clean a fan without taking it apart by using air compressors. The rest can be cleaned by wiping it with a damp cloth. You may have a bit of a challenge getting through the grills. To clean the insides and the blades, you can use a stick or a screwdriver, along with a damp cloth.  

How do you clean a ceiling fan with vinegar?

For easy cleaning of a ceiling fan, spray glass cleaner or vinegar mixed with half water, half vinegar on the inside of a pillowcase. Apply gentle pressure to the floor while pulling the pillowcase off one arm of the fan. Your pillowcase will remove the dust from the blade.

Looking for more recommendations? Check out our related posts below!

Best Dyson Fan Alternatives
Best Bladeless Fans to Keep You Cool
Best Bladeless Ceiling Fan with Light
Dyson Fans: Which is a Better Choice?

Disclaimer: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Avatar photo
About the Author

Chris and Ann

Hi there! howtoCleanHome is a site where you can check some tips, and tricks on how to clean your home. As they always say, "nothing beats a clean home."

You May Also Like