When was the last time you cleaned your ceiling fan?

Now that Spring has sprung, we’re all starting to turn on our ceiling fans. Before you do, think about all that dust that has accumulated over the winter months and how it will affect your allergies.

Ceiling fan blades are landing strips for dust and allergens, which the fan spreads throughout the entire room. Like any other home appliance, regularly cleaning a ceiling fan is important to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Light maintenance such as replacing blades and keeping the ceiling fan from shaking, wobbling, or squeaking is necessary to keep the fan running smoothly.

There are several different ways to properly clean a ceiling fan’s blades:

Vacuuming the blades may be a quick way to deal with grabbing the light dust that has accumulated on the blades. Use your vacuum’s brush attachment to carefully vacuum the top and bottom of each blade. The accumulation of dust is a common concern for ceiling fans because it can create shaking or cause the motor to run too hot. One way to limit the dust is to periodically blow out any visible parts of the motor with a can of compressed air.

If the blades have a thick layer of dust, follow up with a damp microfiber cloth and wipe the top and bottom of each blade. You can also slip on an old pillowcase over the blades and grab the gunk as you pull it off. Just shake the case outside so dust doesn’t fly all over, or throw the case in the laundry. Be sure to place equal pressure on the cloth, folding the cloth over the blade from the center top and bottom. Slowly pull the cloth outward. Do not twist, lift, or pull down on the blades. Be gentle!
Thoroughly rinse the cloth to ensure you are not just transferring dust from one blade to another. Using a feather duster or curved duster attachment made especially for ceiling fans after the blades have been dried can also be helpful. Whatever you do, be sure to use these techniques for cleaning a ceiling fan gently so you do not bend the blades, and never use an ammonia or bleach-based cleaner or any harsh cleaner on the blades. The finish can be damaged and warping may occur.

While you’re at it, reverse the blade direction so they’ll move clockwise and push air straight down, creating a cooling breeze and relief from warm weather.

These techniques can also be used to remove dust and debris from the base of the ceiling fan as well as the light fixtures. It only takes some very simple cleaning and maintenance to extend the life of your ceiling fans and keep your family breathing easier.

If you need some trusted professionals to help you keep your Scottsdale area home running efficiently, sign up for our FREE Homekeepr app today! You will have access to trusted professionals in the Scottsdale/Phoenix metro area and get maintenance reminders and tips that are customized for your home every month!

Barbara Woyak

Frustrated by a bad experience, Barbara began her real estate career with a goal of providing exceptional service. Our motto is "A Name Friends Recommend." If you have a great experience then you will want your friends and family to have that same great experience.

Ceiling Fan Cleaning | Breathe Easier

When was the last time you cleaned your ceiling fan?

Now that Spring has sprung, we’re all starting to turn on our ceiling fans. Before you do, think about all that dust that has accumulated over the winter months and how it will affect your allergies.

There are several different ways to properly clean a ceiling fan’s blades:

While you’re at it, reverse the blade direction so they’ll move clockwise and push air straight down, creating a cooling breeze and relief from warm weather.

These techniques can also be used to remove dust and debris from the base of the ceiling fan as well as the light fixtures. It only takes some very simple cleaning and maintenance to extend the life of your ceiling fans and keep your family breathing easier.