Jun 16, 2022
How to Clean Ceiling Fans Safely
Ceiling fans can be a great way to stay cool during summer. They circulate air throughout the room, helping you feel cooler without turning on your air conditioner. If you have high ceilings or vaulted ceilings, consider installing one of these fans in each room of your home to save money on cooling costs. HomeOps Electric can help with ceiling fan replacement or repairs.
Not only are ceiling fans a great way to cool your home, and they move air around the room, allowing you to turn down your air conditioning and save money on utility bills. They also provide an attractive focal point for any room.
How To Clean a Ceiling Fan
It's essential to clean your ceiling fan regularly so that it continues to work correctly and safely. To clean a ceiling fan:
- Start by shutting the fan off.
- Use a vacuum cleaner attachment or soft cloth to remove dust from the blades and other surfaces of the fan blades.
- If necessary, dampen a soft cloth with mild soap and water and wipe down the entire fan blade assembly.
- Wipe down all visible surfaces of the fan with a dry towel or cloth to remove excess moisture from the cleaning solution or water used during this process.
How To Clean a Greasy Ceiling Fan
Clean Your Greasy Ceiling Fan with These Tips:
- Turn off the power to the fan by flipping off its circuit breaker or shutting it off before cleaning it. Before attempting any electrical work on your home, you should always check that the power is off.
- Remove any blades from the fan using a screwdriver or nut driver if they are removable. If they are not removable, skip this step and proceed with step 3 below.
- Use a soft brush or vacuum cleaner attachment to dust away any cobwebs or dirt clinging to the fan's blades -- paying particular attention to areas where dust tends to collect (such as around corners).
- Remove a layer of grime with a damp microfiber cloth.
- Repeat this process on each blade as often as possible until the blades are dry to the touch.
How To Clean a Ceiling Fan On a High Ceiling
Turn off the power to the room where the ceiling fan is located before cleaning it. This is an essential step because even if you think you may not get any electrical shock from touching the fan blades or motor, you never know when something might go wrong. If the power is off, then there won't be any danger of getting shocked while working on your ceiling fan.
- Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove any loose particles from the blades and motor housing. Do not use anything that has sharp edges like scissors or screwdrivers because they may damage the blades or housing of your ceiling fan.
- Wipe down the blades with a damp cloth and then dry with another clean cloth before putting them back together on top of your ceiling.
- The safest way to clean high-ceiling fans is by using compressed air to blow dust and cobwebs off them. A compressed air canister designed for dusting computer keyboards works well. You'll also want some cotton swabs or paper towels so that you can wipe down any dust spots that remain after blowing them off with compressed air.
How To Clean Non-Traditional Fan Blades
If your ceiling fan has blades made from a material other than wood, you will need to take extra precautions when cleaning. Many newer fans have blades made from metal or plastic, and these materials are more durable than the traditional wooden blades, but they are still susceptible to damage from water and dust.
Metal blades can rust if they get wet and then dry out, so you should always avoid using any harsh chemicals on these types of fans.
Harsh chemicals and water can also damage plastic blades, so you mustn't use bleach or strong household cleaners on your ceiling fan.
Here are some tips for cleaning non-traditional fan blades:
- Dust the blades with a dry cloth before you begin. This will prevent dust from falling on other surfaces when removing the blades from your ceiling fan.
- Gently pull off each blade, starting with the one closest to the motor. (This way, if you drop one of them, it won't fall far.)
- Wipe each blade with a damp cloth or sponge and mild soap or detergent. Rinse well with warm water and dry completely before replacing your ceiling fan.
- If any dust or grime remains after washing, try using an aerosol furniture polish containing silicone oils or silica dusting sprays like Pledge Multi-Surface Polish Spray Silicone Duster, which helps polish away surface dirt without leaving lint behind like powders do.
Ceiling Fan Replacement or Repair
If you've ever cleaned your ceiling fans and wondered how safe it is to do, check out these tips from the experts at HomeOps Electric. Not only will you learn more about ceiling fan cleaning in general, but you'll also have the knowledge needed to clean your blades safely. In some instances, you may need to replace or repair your ceiling fans, and HomeOps Electric can help.