Cleaning a Ceiling Fan

A ceiling fan is great for boosting the airflow throughout the room and with the help of an air conditioner it helps keep the room temperature just right. There are some climates where all that is needed to maintain a comfortable temperature is just a ceiling fan. Another advantage to using a ceiling fan is that it costs less than running an air conditioner by itself. With proper care and light maintenance it can last a long time.

Cleaning the ceiling fan is important, especially if it is run all year long. Dust seems to collect on the blades and the motor housing. With time the dust will collect inside the motor housing which makes the motor work harder, eventually wearing out the motor before it's time.

For simple dusting and simple maintenance a dust cloth or a lamb's wool duster and even a vacuum cleaner can quickly remove the dust. Before starting to dust you will want to turn the fan off and keep it off while you are cleaning. Vacuum the blades and the motor housing thoroughly. Use a damp cloth and wipe off the blades. A cloth or duster should be able to remove most of the stubborn soil. If the dirt on the blade is tacky, a damp cloth should be able to remove it.

Caution: When cleaning your ceiling fan, never spray water or any other liquid into the motor housing. Doing so could cause an electrical short and damage your fan's motor.

To help keep the blades dust free after they are clean, buff some hard car wax onto the blades. This helps to prevent dust from sticking onto the ceiling fan blades.

If you are using your fan year-round then you should clean it about four times a year. Make it a point to clean when the seasons change; it's an easy reminder. Those who use their fans only in the summertime should clean it just before you start to use it in the summer and then again after it's been used for the summer.

Most ceiling fans that are now on the market are self-lubricating. Still, some may require a squirt of a lightweight lubricant to the motor shaft. Look at your owner's manual to see if your fan needs to be lubricated every once in awhile.

While you are cleaning the blades check to be sure that all the screws are tight. If they aren't, now is the time to tighten them. It will help your fan operate more efficiently and last longer.

Some fans have light fixtures attached to them. When the light globes cool down take them off and wipe them out with a damp cloth. Usually this is all that has to be done to clean the globe. If wiping the globe doesn't get it clean, place a towel in to the sink and put the globe on top of the towel. This will help to prevent the globe from chipping. Wash with mild soap and water, then dry the light fixture completely. Be sure to replace the light fixture on the fan and that it is secured tightly.

Your ceiling fan is now clean and ready for you to enjoy. Sit back and enjoy the breeze from your ceiling fan.