Like other household appliances, ceiling fans need to be cleaned periodically. If you do not clean the ceiling fan for a very long time, then dust and dirt accumulate on the blades, which are carried throughout the room after switching on and cover the furniture with a thick layer of dust, complicating the cleaning of the entire room. Fortunately, cleaning the fan is not difficult at all. Use the right tools and clean your ceiling fan every month.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Vacuuming
Step 1. Try to find a complete dust attachment
Many vacuum cleaners come with a dust extraction attachment that attaches to the hose, looks like a brush and allows you to easily clean the surfaces of dust without blowing it up on the sides. To clean the fan with a vacuum cleaner, you need such a nozzle. If the kit does not include a nozzle, then you can buy it for about 600 rubles.
For best results, use a wide and flat nozzle instead of a round one
Step 2. Extend the handle to reach the fan
Stand under the fan slightly to the side of the center and hold the handle of the vacuum cleaner at arm's length. If the room has very high ceilings, you are short, or the vacuum cleaner attachment is not curved, then you will need a stand to reach the upper surface of the blades. Make sure it is comfortable for you to move the vacuum cleaner hose along the length of the fan blade from this position.
If necessary, use a wooden box, stool, or ladder to reach the fan. If you use the stand while cleaning, move carefully so as not to lose your balance
Step 3. Walk the nozzle along the fan blades
Turn on the vacuum cleaner and start brushing the blades. The nozzle brush lifts dust from the surface, which is immediately sucked into the hose. To get started, slowly walk the entire length of the blade to the end, and then go back so as not to miss the dust.
Move smoothly and smoothly. Do not use sudden back and forth motion to avoid blowing dust around the room
Step 4. Collect the scattered dust
Even when using a vacuum cleaner, some of the dust from the blades may be carried around the room. Make sure no dust settles on the floor or furniture next to the fan. If necessary, remove dust with a cloth or vacuum cleaner.
Method 2 of 3: Cleaning with a long handle brush
Step 1. Buy a long-handled dusting brush
A magnetic brush works well. Such a brush attracts and retains dust thanks to a static charge, and the Swiffer brush is made of a special material that collects dust and does not allow it to scatter around. Magnetic brushes have a handle up to half a meter long, so they will be comfortable for a person of average height (but a stepladder may still be required). The Swiffer requires a handle extension, which is available at hardware stores for a fairly low price.
An extendable brush handle and a set of detachable attachments can be purchased for about 900 rubles
Step 2. Charge the magnetic brush
The brush must build up a static charge in order to attract dust. To do this, take a simple plastic bag and wrap the brush head in it, then move the brush back and forth in the bag to fluff up the pile and create a charge. The brush is now ready to “magnetize” and attract dust even without direct contact.
After using the brush, be careful when touching metal surfaces as there is a risk of getting a light shock from static electricity, which feels like a sharp prick
Step 3. Check that the brush or attachment is clean
When using a Swiffer or other long-handled brush, attach a clean attachment first. Used nozzles are already clogged and will not be able to collect dust from the fan blades, but they will help spread the dust around the room and make a mess. Attach a new accessory to the end of the long handle and start cleaning.
Step 4. Slowly collect dust from edge to edge of the blade
Hold the handle over your head and sweep the brush along the top of the blades. The material of the brush will collect even thick layers of dust in one pass and the fan will be clean again. Repeat for each blade.
Take your time so as not to coward the dust on yourself
Step 5. Change attachments as needed
If the fan is very dirty or the brush is clogged before cleaning is complete, pause and change the nozzle. Otherwise, there is a risk of simply sweeping the dust onto the floor. Replacement nozzles are inexpensive, so buy several at once to successfully clean your fan.
Method 3 of 3: Cleaning by hand
Step 1. Use a cloth or glove to clean up dust
Gloves for cleaning dust can be conveniently put on your hand and collect dust thanks to the protruding fibers of various heights, but if there are no gloves at home and there is no desire to go to the store, then a regular napkin will do. The glove is immediately ready for use, and the napkin needs to be slightly wetted so that it retains dust better.
Soft materials like cotton and composite materials like microfibers are much better at picking up dust (especially when wet)
Step 2. Use a stool or stepladder to reach the fan
You need to stand level with the fan to pick up dust with your hand. Carefully place a stool or stepladder under and slightly to the side of the fan. The advantage of manual cleaning is the ability to hold the blades so they do not bend. After cleaning one blade, just turn the fan and move on to the next blade.
Be extremely careful on the ladder. If possible, ask someone to back you up, and also do not step on the top step. If there is no one around, then move extremely carefully so as not to shake the ladder
Step 3. Apply dust remover spray
For best results, we recommend using a dust remover spray. Such a tool allows you to moisten the dust so that it does not scatter, and after cleaning, the surface remains clean and shiny. Apply a small amount of spray to each paddle. In this case, you do not need to moisten the napkin itself.
Some products contain wax that builds up on the surface and can become a problem over time. Obviously, these tools are not suitable for every material. Read the label information carefully before purchasing
Step 4. Wipe each blade clean
Run a tissue or glove over each fan blade in an even, straight motion. When cleaning by hand, a thick layer of dust cannot always be collected the first time, so periodically wash and wring out the cloth. Spray again if necessary and collect any remaining dust.
Advice
- After cleaning, use polish to apply a thin protective layer to the blades to slow down the dust settling.
- If a ceiling fan is combined with a light, turn off the light before cleaning.
- A broom or feather duster will work as well, but in this case, the dust will spread throughout the room.
Warnings
- Dust is an irritant that can cause choking and allergy symptoms. Avoid breathing dust and keep it out of your eyes.
- Be careful when using a stool or stepladder. The stool must be strong enough to support your weight. Do not step on wobbly or unstable structures.