How to Clean Ceiling Fans
Follow these steps to clean your ceiling fans about once every two to three months, or as soon as you notice dust building up on the blades. It’s a good idea to dust and clean fans each spring and fall as you switch the direction of the blades, which helps keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
What You Need
- Step stool or ladder
- Old pillowcase
- Mild all-purpose cleaner
- Microfiber cloth
- Warm, soapy water
- Can of compressed air
Step 1: Dust fan blades with a pillowcase.
Turn the ceiling fan off, and place a step stool or ladder underneath if needed to reach the blades. Lightly spray the inside of an old pillowcase with a mild all-purpose cleaner or a solution of equal parts vinegar and water. Slip the pillowcase over one of the blades and gently pull as you wipe, trapping any dust or debris inside. Repeat with the other blades. If needed, run a microfiber cloth along the edges to catch any remaining buildup. When finished, take the pillowcase outside, turn it inside out, and shake out the dust. Then launder as usual.
Step 2: Wash glass light globes.
Make sure the light is turned off and completely cool, then wipe ceiling fan lightbulbs with a dry microfiber cloth to remove dust. If your fan has glass globes around the bulbs, remove these after dusting. Wash them in warm, soapy water and dry thoroughly before replacing them.
Step 3: Clean ceiling fan motor and pull chain.
Use a microfiber cloth to wipe the fan’s pull chain and motor. Spray the motor housing with compressed air to clear away any dust inside. Check that the fan blades are running in the correct direction (clockwise in the winter and counter-clockwise in the summer) and adjust if needed.
