What Kind Of Cleaner Is Best For Scrubbing Dirty Ceiling Fans?

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Ceiling fans are an absolute necessity if you live in an area that gets hot during the summer. But they can also be a source of frustration when it comes time to clean them. And whatever you do, make sure you've done your regular dusting before switching their direction when the seasons change, or you could end up with a face full of fluff. There are a lot of different hacks out there that people swear by to keep your ceiling fan dust-free, but what if you want to clean them thoroughly? Sometimes the simplest cleaners are the best, and in this case, it's the truth — a solution of dish soap and water is all you need to get that gross fan super clean. Avoid abrasive chemical cleaners, as they can harm the finish on your ceiling fan's blades. 

Ceiling fans get ridiculously dirty in what seems like a short period of time. The reason this happens is that they are literally dust magnets. When the blades move through the air, they create static electricity, which attracts dust particles. For dusting, a tool made specifically for ceiling fans like this Heonay ceiling fan duster, can make the job easier. It wipes both sides of the blade at once, and the extension pole means you may not need a ladder. 

If you happen to have a ceiling fan in a kitchen, dust may be the least of your worries. Grease can be spread through the air and land on your ceiling fan blades — resulting in a sticky, grimy, dusty mess. That's why it's so important to frequently dust and thoroughly clean this allergen spreader. 

To clean your ceiling fan, start by laying a sheet on the floor under the fan to catch falling dust. Make sure the fan is turned off and the blades have stopped moving. Set up a stable stepstool or ladder if necessary. Prepare two bowls — one with warm water and a couple drops of dish soap, the other with just warm water — and have two microfiber cloths ready. 

Next, dip one cloth into the soapy water, wring it out well, and hold each blade in place as you wipe from base to tip (do this gently so the blades don't warp or break). After scrubbing all the blades, use the second cloth dipped in plain water to remove any soap residue. If there's excess moisture, follow up with a dry cloth. Some people also like the genius hack of wiping blades with a dryer sheet afterward — it helps repel dust and keeps the fan cleaner longer.

Deep cleaning your ceiling fan can seem like an ordeal, but you only need to do it once a month, or as needed. Dusting your blades, however, should be added to your weekly list of chores to keep your home clean. This is one task that shouldn't be neglected, because the cleanliness of your fan directly impacts your home's air quality. A regular cleaning will help your ceiling fan run efficiently, and keep your air fresher without turning into a dreaded cleaning chore.