How to dust ceiling fans properly.
Ceiling fans are a funny part of the home because, even though they are often used on a daily basis, we tend to forget about them when we start cleaning up. Then, once it dawns on us that we haven’t touched the ceiling fans for months, we discover what could be an entire civilization of dust and dirt living on top of the blades. Leaving dust and debris on a ceiling fan can be severely detrimental to your indoor air quality because every time you switch on a fan, some of the dust will fly off into the air. We’re going to help you solve that problem by teaching you how to dust ceiling fans the right way.
The Six-Step Process to Dust Ceiling Fans
Learning how to dust ceiling fans isn’t the most difficult job in the world, yet many homes suffer from dirty blades. You can clean up your blades and avoid contaminating your home’s indoor air quality by following this simple six-step process:
Do a Little Prep Work
The first thing you want to do is to perform a little prep work. Even though you can clean up any dust that falls onto the floor, it’s a lot easier if you’re already prepared for it. What we mean is that you should lay down an old sheet so that while you’re cleaning the fan, dust will have a place to settle. Then, you just need to gather up the sheet, shake the dust off, and throw it in the washing machine.
Set Up a Sturdy Stool or Ladder
Next, grab your step stool or step ladder and put it on top of the sheet. This is a vital part of the process, and it’s one that you must absolutely take very seriously. Your ceiling fan might not be too high, but you don’t want to fall and hit your head on the floor or anything else. Plus, you’re out in the open and the ladder won’t be leaning against anything. So, if it’s old or rickety, get a new one.
Clean the Blades with a Pillowcase
Cleaning ceiling fan blades with a pillowcase is a classic technique that’s effective when there’s a lot of dust build-up or if the blades are really big. Simply slip a pillowcase over the blades one at a time and use it to wipe the dust off the sides, top, and bottom. Then, take it outside, turn it inside out, shake out the dust, and toss it into a wash cycle.
Wipe Down with a Duster
You can wipe down blades with an extendable duster or brush attachment, either on its own or in conjunction with the pillowcase technique. In some cases, this could negate the need for a step stool or step ladder. You should always choose a microfiber duster that will collect the dust instead of spreading it around in the air.
Clean the Sides of the Blades
Many people are so focused on cleaning the top of the blades that they often miss the sides. This is definitely a mistake because the sides of the blades are often just as dirty as the rest of the ceiling fan. You can use an all-purpose cleaner to wipe away the dust or reach for some disinfecting wipes. Either way, just make sure you don’t skip this step.
Clean the Globes/Lights
Most ceiling fans have a light fixture attached, so you definitely want to clean this as well. If it has a glass globe, remove it, wash it in warm, soapy water, and then replace it once it’s dried. You should also wipe the dust off the lights using a dry, microfiber cloth.
Clean the Pull Chain & Motor
Lastly, it’s time to clean the pull chain and motor, both of which can be covered with dust, too. You can start by wiping off the dust with a microfiber cloth. Then, spray small spurts of compressed air into the motor housing. This will remove interior dust that’s not only unsightly but can easily become dislodged while the ceiling fan is on.
Contact Maid Impressions for More Help on How to Dust Ceiling Fans
Maid Impressions offers house cleaning in Clearwater, Dunedin, Palm Harbor, and the surrounding areas. Our cleaning system is a favorite of the local community and can improve the look of your home. If you have questions about how to dust ceiling fans or need to request a quote, contact us at (727) 222-6019 today.
