Cleaning or dusting fans can be a daunting task. Whether you need to clean your ceiling fan or your oscillating fan, there are some simple steps you can take today to accomplish this task.
Ceiling Fans
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You can dust your ceiling fan with a dry microfiber cloth, a Swiffer sheet, dusting wand, or an extendable ceiling fan duster. If you have multiple ceiling fans and high ceilings, purchasing an extendable fan duster may be a wise investment for you.
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Another popular trick to dust ceiling fans is to take an old pillowcase, slip it over each blade of the ceiling fan, and then wipe down the blade as you slide it off. This will capture the dust and prevent it from falling down on your head or your floor.
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Regular dusting of your ceiling fans will prevent grimy buildup from occurring.
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Ceiling fans that are in kitchens or dining rooms might acquire a grimy build up due to air borne oil particles from cooking. If this is the case, you will need to do more than just dusting. Start with a damp cloth and wipe down each blade to remove as much dirt as possible, next, spray a multi-surface cleaner or degreaser (a few squirts of dish soap in a spray bottle filled with water can work well in a pinch) onto the rag or cloth of your choice and gently scrub the fan blades. Wipe any residue away and then dry when you are finished. If this method does not work, you may need to try something stronger, like Greased Lightening.
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Fluffy dusters and feather dusters can be useful to capture dust from the other nooks and crannies that you’ll find on decorative fan bases. You can also use a paintbrush or a can of compressed air spray for these areas as well.
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Another method is to simply use your soft bristle attachment on your vacuum cleaner or a hand held cordless vacuum to quickly suck the dust away. This is a handy way to get rid of large quantities of dust.
Oscillating and Stationary Fans
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When tackling a dusty oscillating or stationary fan, your first step will be trying to take the “cage” part of the fan apart. On many oscillating fans, this is as easy as turning the clamps that are on the edges of the cage. You can simply remove the side of the cage that is removable, and then clean each blade (front and back) in a similar manner as described above.
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If you are not able to take apart that cage to reach the blades, you will need to use a can of air spray. Simply aim for the blades and spray the dust away. Try to do this task outdoors and you won’t have to clean up after yourself. If you need to work inside, you will need to sweep or vacuum your work area when you are finished.
Safety First
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If you need to use a ladder to reach your ceiling fan, please make sure you are using your ladder correctly and using a spotter if necessary.
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Remember to unplug your oscillating or stationary fans before working on them.
By Laura Reznicki