The Household Appliance You Should Be Cleaning In The Fall (But Probably Aren't)

As summer ends, thoughts often turn to fall cleaning to get the house ready for winter, which could entail more than you expect. The household appliance you should be cleaning in the fall (but probably aren't) is your fan. After keeping the house cool all summer, seasonal fans need attention. The ceiling fan cleaning mistake you're likely guilty of making is only wiping it down once a year, and any portable fans equally deserve a refresh at this point.

Fans are essential equipment for cooling the house in the warmer months of the year and maintaining circulation to prevent stale air. Frequent use results in dust and dirt building up on the fan, and periodic cleaning is necessary for indoor air quality and reliable fan performance. Whether you have box fans, tower fans, pedestal fans, or desk fans, the end of the summer season is the perfect time for cleaning before they are packed away until next year.

Ceiling fans, meanwhile, are among the most likely places you are forgetting to clean because they are above eye level and out of sight, but they still need attention every week or so, depending on how dusty they get. Fall cleaning is also the perfect time to switch the direction of the ceiling fan. Since you're up there wiping away dust anyways, you can quickly reverse the blades to improve warm air circulation in the fall and winter months. 

Fall is a great time to thoroughly clean seasonal fans. They should be cleaned before putting them away and again in the spring to remove any dust, dirt, or bacteria that may have accumulated in storage. Choosing the right cleaning method depends on the type of fan, as certain styles have odd shapes and constructions that make them more challenging to manage.  

Fans should always be unplugged before cleaning. Use a damp microfiber cloth to remove surface dust from your box fan or pedestal fan. When the grills can be removed, take them apart and clean the inside of the fan and the blades before putting the fan back together. If the grills aren't removable, use the soft brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to remove dust and dirt.

The easiest way to clean a tower fan is to use the brush attachment for your vacuum cleaner, compressed air, disinfectant, and a microfiber cloth. The vacuum cleaner can be used to remove most of the buildup on the surface of the fan. Use the compressed air to dust the inside of the fan after removing the cover, and give the components a final cleaning with the spray and microfiber cloth. After finishing your fall cleaning, store your fan in an upright position, ideally elevated off the ground and covered in a plastic bag that will protect against moisture, dust, and impacts.