How to clean a ceiling fan without dust going everywhere
To clean a ceiling fan, switch it off at the wall, lay an old sheet on whatever is underneath, and stand on a sturdy step stool. Slide an old pillowcase over one blade, press gently on the top, and pull it back slowly so the dust drops into the pillowcase instead of onto the bed. Then wipe each blade with a damp microfiber cloth and dry it. Do the motor housing and light last.
A fan that's been running all summer throws dust every time you turn it on. Cleaning it first stops that.
What do you need?
- An old pillowcase
- A sturdy step stool or step ladder with a top rail, on a flat floor
- Microfiber cloths and a bowl of warm water with a few drops of dish soap
- An extendable fan duster, if you'd rather stay on the floor
- An old sheet or drop cloth
- A vacuum with a brush attachment
How do you clean a ceiling fan, step by step?
- Switch it off and wait until the blades stop. Turn off the light too, and let the bulbs cool.
- Cover the floor or furniture below with an old sheet.
- Set up the step stool so you're standing at about blade height, not stretching. Move it for each blade rather than reaching across.
- Pillowcase each blade. Slide it over the blade to the base, press lightly on the top, and pull it back slowly. Shake it out into the trash between blades if it fills up.
- Wipe each blade with a damp microfiber cloth, top and bottom, holding the blade near the base so it doesn't bend. Dry it with a second cloth.
- Wipe the motor housing and the downrod with a barely damp cloth. Keep water away from the motor and the switch housing.
- The light: wipe the shades or glass with a damp cloth once they're cool, or take them down and wash them in the sink if they come off easily.
- Fold up the sheet and take it outside, then vacuum the floor.
How do you reach a high ceiling fan?
A fan on a tall ceiling can be out of easy reach. An extendable duster with a blade-shaped head clips over the top and bottom of each blade and lets you dust from the floor. For a full wipe, use a step ladder that's rated for your weight, on a flat floor, with someone holding it. If the fan is well above what you can reach from a ladder safely, leave it for someone with the right equipment.
How do you clean a greasy kitchen fan?
Kitchen fans collect a sticky mix of dust and cooking grease. Dust them first, then wipe with warm water and dish soap on a microfiber cloth, rinse with a plain damp cloth, and dry. For stubborn spots, let the soapy cloth sit on the blade for a minute. Don't soak wood or particleboard blades, which can warp.
How often should you clean a ceiling fan?
| What | How often |
|---|---|
| Dust the blades | Every two to four weeks while the fan is in use |
| Full wipe, blades and housing | Start and end of the season |
| Light shades | Every few months |
| Kitchen fan degrease | Every month or two |
While you're up there, flip the direction switch on the motor housing for the season, if your fan has one. Our dusting guide covers the rest of the room, top to bottom.
Want help keeping up?
Book House Cleaning or Deep Cleaning online. If ceiling fans or high spots are a priority, ask about them when you book and put them in your booking notes.
FAQ
How do you clean ceiling fan blades? Switch the fan off, slide an old pillowcase over one blade, and pull it back slowly while pressing gently on the top. The dust falls into the pillowcase instead of onto the room. Shake it out outside or into the trash.
How do you clean a ceiling fan without a ladder? Use an extendable duster made for fan blades, the kind that wraps over the top and bottom of the blade. It reaches from the floor on a standard ceiling. For a high ceiling, a longer pole helps, and the light kit can wait for someone with the right step stool.
How often should you clean a ceiling fan? Dust the blades every two to four weeks while the fan is in use, and give it a full wipe at the start and end of the season. Kitchen fans may need a degreasing wipe more often.
How do you get grease off a ceiling fan? After the dust is off, wipe each blade with warm water and a few drops of dish soap on a microfiber cloth, then go over it again with a cloth dampened with plain water, and dry it. Don't soak wood or particleboard blades.
Book a cleaning
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