Cleaning Fans

Fans, whether they are ceiling, box, or oscillating, are practically a necessity for anyone who doesn't have central air conditioning. These wonderful devices allow a majority of the people in the United States the ability to cool their homes during the hot summer and autumn months of the year. However, if proper care isn't taken to help keep these items clean, they can actually end up creating a huge mess throughout your home. Cleaning fans is a fairly easy task, if you use one of these simple methods.

• Air compressors. A great method for quickly cleaning box and oscillating fans is to actually use an air compressor. Take the fan outside, so that you don't end up getting dirt and dust everywhere in your home. Ensure that the compressor is plugged in, and begin to blow off the dirt and grime. Admittedly, this method works best if you use it before the fans get too caked with dirt and dust bunnies, but it will get rid of light and moderate amounts of dirt and dust. If you don't have an air compressor, then simply use a can of compressed air. Be sure that you also brace the fan blades so that they will not spin when you clean them off.
• Damp rags. An easy way to clean ceiling fans is to use a damp rag, and wipe the blades down. You may need to get onto a chair to reach the blades, but a damp (not wet) rag will be able to get rid of most of the dirt and grime on ceiling fan blades. After you have wiped each blade, be sure that you rinse out and wring the rag so that it is clean and damp again. You may need to repeat the process a few times to ensure that you have not missed anything, so the process could take a while to complete.
• Deep cleaning. Be sure that you have the power turned off to the area of the house that has the ceiling fan before you use this method. For deep cleaning of a ceiling fan, prepare a large bowl and add two tablespoons of liquid detergent. Mix in a cup of water, and then put a clean rag or washcloth into the mixture. Apply the cleaning agent to the blades of the fan and the exterior of the motor housing. Allow the mixture to sit on the blades for about 10 minutes, and then wipe away with a clean damp rag. You should have no problem getting your fan blades clean, but you may want to repeat the entire process two more times before you call it a day. Allow the ceiling fan to completely dry before you turn the power back on.
• Feather duster. Another method for cleaning fans is to use a feather duster. The best kind to use are the ones that have microfiber "feathers" as they have a tendency to suck up and attract the dirt. Wipe it along the blades you will begin to get them clean. With the box and oscillating types of fans, you should run the feather duster along the outside of "cage" that houses the fans, and then in between each part of the "cage" to make sure that you get everything clean.
• Vacuum. Vacuums can also be a huge help when cleaning fans. These items will allow you to remove most, if not all, of the dirt and dust that is there. Go over the fans with the soft bristled hose attachment, and check to see if there is still any dirt left. If there is, then you may need to use another of the methods listed here, if not then your work is complete.