In the warm summer months, your fan blades work hard to push air down to give a wind chill effect and make the room feel cooler. However, in winter, the opposite rotation of the blades can draw cool air up towards the ceiling and force the warm air down into the space. While some fans are easy to change with a remote, others require you to get out your step ladder and manually flip the switch. But before you do that, we recommend removing any dust and grime from the blades. Our cleaning tips can make this process quick and easy.

Safety first

Make sure your fan is switched off before starting your clean. Use a sturdy step ladder or stool to reach your ceiling fan. You can also open any curtains or blinds to give yourself plenty of light while cleaning. 

This method can minimise how much dust escapes into your room. The first step is to place one blade inside the pillowcase, then use your fingers to hold the opening closed. Slide the pillowcase along the blade, removing the dust from the surface and trapping it inside. Repeat this step on each blade. Once finished, you can take the pillowcase outside and shake out the dust before washing it in the machine. 

Cleaning with a pillowcase

Cleaning with a duster

If you prefer to use a duster or your ceiling fan is too high to reach with a cloth, the dust will fall on the ground. You’ll want to place a drop cloth down or vacuum your room after cleaning. You can also wear a hat to prevent dust from dropping in your hair. A duster with an extendable handle is ideal for this method, especially if it has a curved end and microfibre cloth attached, as you can clean the top and bottom of the blades. 

Cleaning with a microfibre cloth and soapy water

Sometimes a fan needs more than a duster to ensure it is clean. If your fan is located near the kitchen or has a build-up of grime on top, you may need to wipe the blades down using a microfibre cloth and cleaning solution or warm soapy water. Be sure to spray your solution onto your cloth rather than your fan. If you’re using soapy water, wring your cloth out fully, so it is not dripping liquid. Apply gentle pressure to the blade as you wipe and give your cloth a quick rinse in water before doing the next one. Allow the blades to dry fully before turning on your fan.

Hire a domestic cleaner

If you have a busy schedule, don’t want to stand on a stool to clean, or prefer someone else to take care of the dust and grime, our cleaners provide a professional and personalised service. We have an extensive range of cleaning tips and will provide a comprehensive service so you can enjoy a clean home.