Simple Ways to Clean a Ceiling Fan That Aren't Messy

As a short-ish person, cleaning a ceiling fan hasn't always been my favorite thing, even though I realize doing it is absolutely necessary if I don't want to blow dust and cobwebs all around the room every time I turn it on. But I'm also not super fond of showering myself with ceiling fan blade debris when I clean it. These ceiling fan cleaning hacks make it a lot easier to get your fan clean without getting yourself dirty. 

Clean Your Ceiling Fan in 60 Seconds

Friends, this is the best ceiling fan cleaning hack ever. It's fast, easy, and I don't wind up an unholy mess. To do it, you'll need:

• Old pillowcase
• Stepstool
• Clean microfiber cloth

Here's what to do:

1. Turn off the ceiling fan. 
2. Stand on a stepstool so you can reach the blades.
3. Wrap the pillowcase over the blade.
4. Pull the pillowcase down the blade.
5. Do this to each blade.
6. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the blades and fixture to catch any remaining dust.
7. Shake the dust out of the pillowcase outside and throw it in the wash.

So What if You Can't Reach It With a Stepstool?

If your ceiling fan hangs from super-high ceilings — like 10 feet or more — you'll probably need a duster with a telescoping pole and something to cover your head and face like a hat or a bandana or a mask or something so you don't wind up sputtering on any debris you knock off the blades. You'll also want to put a drop cloth or sheet under the fan to catch any falling debris.

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1. Lay down the sheet and suit up.
2. Apply the extender to the fan duster.
3. Run duster over the blades.
4. Swipe the duster across the fixture to remove any loose dust.
5. Shake out the sheet outdoors and vacuum underneath to catch anything the sheet missed.

When Your Ceiling Fan Is So Dirty It Needs Washing

Sometimes, stuff other than dust and cobwebs wind up on your ceiling fan blades, and you need to actually wash the fan. To clean it, you'll need:

• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• Dish soap (Dawn recommended)
• Water
• Microfiber cloth
• Lint-free cloth
• Spray bottle
• Screwdriver
• Sponge
• Magic eraser

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While you can buy a commercial all-purpose cleaner, why waste your money when white vinegar works just as well?

1. Remove dust as noted above.
2. Mix 1 cup of white vinegar and 3-4 drops of dish soap in a water bottle.
3. Fill with warm water.
4. Shake to mix.
5. Spray down the bottom and tops of the fan blades.
6. Wipe them down with a cloth.
7. Repeat until all fan blades are sparkling.
8. Spray and wipe down the fixture.

If the blades have greasy build-up on them:

1. Unscrew the 2 screws holding up the fan blades.
2. Pull the blade down.
3. Mix 1 cup of white vinegar, 2 tablespoons of Dawn, 1 tablespoon of baking soda, and 1 cup of water.
4. Shake to mix.
5. Wipe down the blade with a dry microfiber cloth to remove any dust.
6. Spray down the blade.
7. Allow it to sit for a minute or two.
8. Wipe down the blade with a sponge, removing any grease and grime.
9. Use a wet magic eraser on stubborn grease.
10. Repeat for each blade until all blades are clean.
11. Screw the blades back up into the fan.

Clean the Fixture

Some ceiling fans have a light in the center with a glass globe or another fixture. After a while, you might notice dirt and dust building up on the inside of the globe. When you notice the dirt building up, grab:

• Dish soap
• Cloth
• Screwdriver
• Step stool

Be careful when you remove the fixture so you don't damage the glass.

1. Turn off the light on the fan and let it cool.
2. Get a good grasp on the globe.
3. Loosen up the screws holding the globe onto the fan.
4. Once the globe is off, dust the light area.
5. Check the bulb and replace it if needed.
6. Put the globe in soapy water.
7. Wash it out with a sponge, removing all the grime inside.
8. Allow it to dry completely.
9. Replace the globe and tighten the screws.
10. Make sure the screws are secure, so it doesn't fall off.

Quick Way to Clean a Ceiling Fan Pull Chain and Motor

As you are cleaning the globe or fan blades, you might notice some dust accumulation on the motor and chain of your fan. Don't just let it accumulate. Grab a few supplies and get cleaning.

• Vacuum with hose attachment
• Cloth
• Dish soap
• Paintbrush
• Step stool
• Sheet

You've got your supplies at the ready. You just need a little instruction for quickly and easily getting your fan motor in tip-top shape.

1. Put down an old sheet.
2. Climb up the step stool to get as close to the fan as possible.
3. Take the vacuum attachment and clean around the motor housing above the blades.
4. Use the paintbrush to knock off the dust from the vents.
5. Lift the housing, if possible, and gently vacuum out the motor.
6. Dampen a cloth and add a drop of dish soap.
7. Wipe around the motor and down the chain to remove all grime.
8. Allow it to dry completely.
9. Take the sheet outside to shake it out.

Clean a Ceiling Fan Remote

Some ceiling fans come with a remote. You don't want to neglect the remote when it comes time for cleaning. Just grab:

• Rubbing alcohol
• Cotton balls
• Cotton swabs

Dirt and grime on a ceiling fan remote can be pretty gross. But you don't want to harm the electronics by getting it too wet.

1. Dampen the cotton ball. Do not drench it.
2. Wipe down the remote.
3. Use cotton swabs to get any crud stuck around buttons.
4. Allow it to air dry.

Clean a Ceiling Fan in a Jiffy

If you keep up on your ceiling fans, they can last for a lifetime. However, you don't want to let dust and grime accumulate. Dirt and grease can gum up your motor and cause you to take a trip to the store for a new one. Now that you know how to get them clean, it's time to get to work.