Like any other decorative appliance, ceiling fans need to be properly cleaned and maintained to look and perform their best. Additionally, even fans that have been properly cared for may need to be replaced at some point. Here’s what you need to know about cleaning and maintaining your ceiling fan as well as signs that repair or replacement may be necessary.
What is the Best Way to Clean Ceiling Fans?
Cleaning a ceiling fan is a simple task, and the process can be completed easily with several common household items. In case it’s not obvious, your ceiling fan should be turned off and completely stopped before beginning any cleaning task.
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Dust or vacuum the blades. Using a soft cloth or duster, lightly brush along the length of the fan blades to remove surface dust or cobwebs. A ladder may make this task easier if your ceiling fan is in a hard to reach position. Special extendable microfiber dusters are also available that allow you to dust your fan without a ladder or step stool.
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Wipe the blades. Once loose surface dust has been removed, use a damp cloth to wipe down the blades. This will remove stubborn dust left behind in the initial cleaning step. If using a cleaning product, ensure that the product is safe to use on the ceiling fan’s finish.
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Dry the blades. If any water remains on the blades after cleaning, be sure to dry the blades using a clean, dry cloth. This will prevent streaks and water spots from forming.
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Clean the fan motor. If your fan motor has accumulated any dust, be sure to use a soft cloth, duster or vacuum to remove buildup. To protect sensitive electrical components, do not use water or cleaning products while cleaning the motor.
Neglected or infrequently cleaned ceiling fans may require extra care. If your fan is still dirty after an initial cleaning, consider repeating the steps for a more thorough result.
Ceiling Fans and Dust
Ceiling fans are like magnets for dust—literally. This is due to the fact that, as blades rotate, they may build up a static charge. This can lead to faster dust buildup.
How Do You Clean Thick Dust Off a Ceiling Fan?
The best defense is a good offense. Clean your fan regularly to keep thick dust off your ceiling fan blades and motor. Make cleaning your ceiling fan part of your regular cleaning routine, and you’ll be able to prevent excessive dust buildup.
What Repels Dust on Ceiling Fans?
There’s no single good solution for completely stopping dust from accumulating on your ceiling fan. However, there are several strategies you can employ to minimize dust buildup.
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Clean your home’s air filters regularly. Dirty air filters can increase the amount of dust circulating in your home.
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Consider closing your windows. On dry, dusty or windy days, dirt and dust particles can enter your home more easily if your windows are open.
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Use dust-repellent sprays. There are products on the market designed to repel dust on various product surfaces. Just be sure to check the product's manufacturer guidelines to ensure proper use.
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Dust surfaces regularly. In addition to cleaning your ceiling fan, be sure to dust the rest of your furniture and decor to reduce the amount of dust circulating in your home.
Do Outdoor Ceiling Fans Require Extra Care?
Cleaning and maintenance is especially important for outdoor ceiling fans. While outdoor ceiling fans are built to withstand some exposure to the elements, they still require care and attention to maximize their lifespan. Dirt and dust buildup should be removed regularly from these units.
Regular maintenance is even more necessary for outdoor ceiling fans in coastal areas and salty environments. In these conditions, dust can hold trapped salt particles suspended in the air. This can accelerate corrosion on ceiling fan components when dust accumulates, resulting in a dramatically shortened lifespan for your fan.
Ceiling Fan Maintenance
Simple maintenance tasks like balancing your ceiling fan can keep it operating at its best. Other signs your ceiling fan may need to be repaired include nonfunctional pull cords or a slower than expected rotation speed.
Depending on your mechanical skills, you may be able to address some issues yourself. However, electrical issues should be approached with caution or handled by a professional to ensure safety.
Eventually, you may see signs it’s time to replace your ceiling fan. These may include unusual sounds, excessive movement and shaking or just poor energy efficiency. These issues can all be addressed with a new indoor ceiling fan from Dan’s Fan City.
Find the Best Ceiling Fan for Your Room
If you’re looking to replace an existing ceiling fan or add a fan in a new location, we’re here to help at Dan’s Fan City. Check out our ceiling fan buying guide to see what you need to know before making your purchase. You can also check out our custom fan designer tool to find the perfect fan for your room.
If you have any questions, our team is available to assist you. Contact us today and we’ll answer any ceiling fan questions you may have.