Dirty ceiling fan? 5 cleaning hacks you should know about

Your fan is, undeniably, the dirtiest appliance in your room. And let’s not even try to hide it. Even if you’re a clean freak or someone who barely uses one, there’s a good chance it is filthy. But there’s no need to blame yourself, as the blades of a fan are prone to dust bunnies and dirt regardless.

Of course, a good practice to ensure this doesn’t happen is to make sure you clean the appliance every now and then. If cleaning the fan looks like a tedious process, we have five hacks to help you tackle this.

When should you clean your ceiling fan?

One look at your ceiling fan will probably be enough to alert you if it needs a good cleaning. Pay attention to the blades of your fan; a dirty blade will most likely be laced with dirt, which will also, in turn, affect the efficiency of your appliance. If you regularly keep your windows open or live in an arid region, you might even have to pay attention to your fan every once in 10 days. In any other case, a good thumb rule is to clean your fan at least once a month.

5 easy ways to clean your ceiling fan

Cleaning a fan may seem daunting because it may be installed at a height or look cumbersome to attend to. However, there are a few easy ways to tackle this, and we have five tips to get you started.

1. Use a hair dryer
2. Dust it with a pillowcase
3. Use a long-handed duster
4. With a hand-dusting glove
5. Degreaser and microfibre cloth

1. Use a hair dryer

A hair dryer will effectively get rid of dust bunnies that have settled on the blades of your fan. That said, it is best to know that this will only work as long as the dust on your fan is not solidified.

This method is best for occasional cleaning and is not advisable if you haven’t attended to your fan for a while. And, of course, it is always a good idea to protect your floor, upholstery and bedsheets with newspapers or a waste cloth so as to not soil any of it.

2. Dust it with a pillowcase

You may have seen this hack on Instagram Reels and we’re here to tell you — it works. Look for an old pillowcase and lightly spray it with equal parts of vinegar and water. You may even use an all-purpose mild cleaning liquid.

Use a ladder to go closer to the appliance and slip the pillowcase onto one blade. Once done, gently scoop up the dust within the case and repeat this with the remaining other blades. The pillowcase will collect the debris within it and you will only need to empty it once you’re done cleaning.

3. Use a long-handed duster

A long-handed duster never fails, especially when it comes to hard-to-reach places. If you’re struggling to clean your fan, a broom might probably end up damaging the appliance. A duster can gently sweep the dust off your blades and also ensure you’re not harming the appliance (or yourself!) in the process. Once you’re done, don’t forget to vacuum the floor to pick up dirt particles scattered on it.

4. With a hand-dusting glove

The best way to clean a fan is with your hand, but we’re sure you don’t want to get your hands dirty. A hand-dusting glove gives you the freedom to wipe away stubborn dust from any nooks and crevices within your appliance.

It’s also a good idea to use a glove to ensure you’re covering all parts of the fan and not just mopping what is accessible to your broom or duster. However, before you do, ensure your safety and only tend to spots that you’re comfortable cleaning.

5. Degreaser and microfibre cloth

A degreaser can help loosen up any solidified dust on your fan’s blades. Use a paper towel to shake off any debris on the appliance, and then use a degreaser on the blades to remove the sticky grime. A microfibre cloth can also pick up particles that you may miss out on. This is especially helpful if you have days of dirt buildup on your fan and have neglected to clean it.

ALSO READ: How to choose the right size ceiling fan for your home

Cleaning your ceiling fan becomes important when you realise the amount of dust you’re breathing in with the circulated air. And apart from the obvious health benefits, dirt can also cause your appliance to overwork and get you those outrageous bills at the end of every month. So, if this article doesn’t push you to put your procrastinating mind at bay, we don’t know what will!

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