While most people choose to replace their ceiling fan, there are plenty of reasons why you should clean it instead. Regularly cleaning your ceiling fan will keep the house cleaner and extend the life of the fan.
Step by Step Guide To Clean Your Ceiling Fan with Vacuum
Simple steps to clean your ceiling fan:
- Before you start dusting make sure that all electrical supply has been turned off at the circuit breaker box. The easiest way to ensure every room in your house is safe before you start cleaning is to follow a simple rule: “If in doubt, turn it off.” This will not only protect you from injury but also damage to your expensive ceiling fan.
- The first step of the process is to detach the blade that requires cleaning. Most blades can simply be lifted straight up and removed; however some models may require you to remove screws located underneath the main body of the fan before they can be lifted away.
- Use a vacuum cleaner attachment with soft bristles for this part. Some vacuums come with dusting brushes designed specifically for this purpose, otherwise an old paint brush or cheesecloth will work equally as well. Start by dusting around each blade and gradually working your way along until you have dusted each section.
- If the blade is made from plastic you will likely find that dust accumulates in small grooves around the edge of the fan. Use a cotton swab to clean this area, being extremely careful not to press too hard or you may damage delicate internal parts of your ceiling fan.
- For more delicate plastic blades we recommend using a feather duster instead of a vacuum. This is because the fan blades are extremely unlikely to scratch and will be blown clean in no time at all, without any need for vigorous brushing or strong airflow near electrical parts.
- If your ceiling fans blade covers are removable they will also require cleaning. Follow the same steps as you did when dusting off the blades, however do not detach them from the fan.
- When finished use a dry cloth to remove any excess dust that m
ay have lingered on your ceiling fan. Although most of the dust will be gone it is important that you still take some time to clean every single bit. - Some people like to use a solution of dishwashing soap and warm water as the final step, however we feel this is unnecessary as most dirt particles will be long gone by now. This can lead to build up on your fan over time which leads to even more problems. If you still wish to try out this method make sure that you rinse your ceiling fan thoroughly before leaving it to dry.
- Once the fan is completely dry replace its blades and ensure it is turned on correctly at all times. If you have any issues with your fan while dusting or immediately afterwards, do not attempt to fix them yourself. Seek a professional to resolve these problems as often small faults can lead to larger problems.
How do I collect all the dust from my ceiling fan?
Ceiling fans are tough, because they hide stray dust in the gaps and crevices.
To make sure you collect all of it, use a vacuum hose which has a brush attachment. Make sure the brush attachment loosens slightly and this will allow you to maneuver it and begin brushing in the difficult to reach places.
What if my ceiling fan blades don’t detach?
Some ceiling fans have blades that are permanent. If a fan blade does not dethatch from the main frame, use a dusting attachment or any long handled vacuum attachment, with linear strokes.
This should shake off any settled dust onto the floor.
If you don’t have the attachments go with compressed air which can be sprayed into gaps and prevent dust from hiding inside.
You can then use any vacuum method to clean up the floor, where the dust has fallen.
How do I clean my ceiling fan when I can’t reach it?
For those of you with high ceilings, I feel your pain.
While most people can use a step stool to reach their ceiling fan, I recommend getting a full sized step ladder.
This should allow you to reach the ceiling. If not you may have to call a professional.
How long does it take to clean a ceiling fan?
Depending on the height and what tools you have, the time will vary. You can clean fan blades quickly in just 2-3 minutes.
If like some of my friends, it’s been over a decade without cleaning, you might need to do some deep cleaning which could take 4-5 minutes as you have to deal with more dust.
To speed up cleaning efficency try to keep these tools in your household:
- Long handled duster
- Microfiber cloth
- Old pillowcase
- Cleaning solution to make soapy water
- Dusting attachment for your vacuum cleaner