Ceiling fans have remained an essential part of many homes due to their ability to keep the air in the house cool during hot weather. However, your ceiling fans may not perform as expected if they’re dirty. When too much dirt accumulates in and on your ceiling fans, their blades won’t move freely, preventing the entire unit from delivering the needed service.

Therefore, you must regularly clean your ceiling fans to keep them performing optimally. Fortunately, cleaning your ceiling fans doesn’t have to be complicated, and it’s a simple exercise that doesn’t require special skills or too much time. This article offers you practical tips on how to clean a ceiling fan.

A Guide on Cleaning a Ceiling Fan

Experts recommend cleaning your ceiling fans after every three months, or even sooner, depending on where you live. If you live in an area with dust or sand, you should clean your ceiling fans after one or two months.

This exercise requires essential cleaning supplies, including an old pillowcase, a microfiber cloth, a can of compressed air, a stepping stool or a ladder, a mild multipurpose cleaner, and warm, soapy water. Here are the essential steps you need to take when cleaning your ceiling fans.

Dusting the Fan Blades

If the ceiling fans are running, turn them off. Put the stepping stool or ladder underneath the ceiling and use it to access the fan. Spray the old pillowcase with a small amount of the all-purpose cleaner and slip it over the fan blades.

Pull the pillowcase gently as you wipe the blades. Repeat this with every fan blade. You can also use the microfiber cloth to remove the remaining dirt along the edges of the fan blades.

Washing Glass Light Bulbs

The ceiling fan glass light bulbs also need to be wiped. So, turn them off and give them time to cool. Wipe the bulbs thoroughly with a dry microfiber cloth to get rid of dust and other dirt.

If the fans have glass globes, remove them after dusting. Wash them thoroughly in warm, soapy water and wipe them with a dry towel before reinstalling them.

Cleaning the Motor and the Pull Chain

With the microfiber cloth, wipe the fan’s motor and pull chain. Clear any dust trapped inside by spraying the motor compartment with compressed air. Test your ceiling fans to ensure they’re running normally and effectively.