Whether mounted on the ceiling, floor, or wall; fans keep you cool in the summer and circulate warm air in the winter. They can also emphasize your traditional look with old fashioned detail or highlight a modern interior with cutting edge design.

But if allowed to get dirty, they can spread unhealthful dust around or collect enough grime around their mechanisms to impede correct functioning. An excellent time to get your fans spotless is during the spring cleaning of your home. Here are a few suggestions.

Vacuuming the Ceiling Fan

You may clean ceiling fans less often because they're out of reach. However, a step-stool or ladder makes reaching the blades more convenient, or your vacuum cleaner may already include an extension that allows you to reach your fan with your feet on the ground.

You can then attach the dusting attachment, which contains a brush, to the end of the vacuum tube. Move the attachment along the entire blade once to suck up any dust particles and loosen ones that are stuck. Then sweep the attachment again to pick up the loosened and stray particles. While you have the vacuum out go ahead and sweep up any dust particles that have fallen to the floor. 

Using a Pillowcase

Another convenient way to take care of a ceiling fan is to use a pillowcase. Use a ladder or step-stool to get close to the blades and then slip your pillowcase completely over the blade. Pull the case slowly backward, which not only dislodges the dust but keeps it in the case to prevent it from settling on the floor.

Repeat this process with each blade. Finish up by wiping the blades with a clean cloth to eliminate any remaining particles. Shake both the pillowcase and cloth outdoors or over a trashcan to eliminate as much of the dust as possible. Then put both in the washing machine.

Cleaning by Hand

Cleaning by hand works best for fans within easy reach, such as those standing on tables or floors, or attached to walls. Coat the blades with a dusting spray. Then use either a simple cloth or a dusting glove, which cleans unusual shapes more easily, to wipe the dust away. Wipe each blade clean with straight strokes. For caked-on dirt, you may need to spray and dust several times.

Taking Care of Table Fans

You may clean table fans more often because the dirt is more visible and they're easier to reach. Remove the grill and hose it down at least twice a year, using a brush to remove grime. Then use either a feather duster or vacuum cleaner with a dusting attachment to take care of the blades.

A Clean Reveal

Did your spring cleaning reveal that some of your fans aren't working properly? Or are just simply outdated?  In those cases, you may want a new fan to solve the problem. Contact us today so you can take advantage of our Dot sales, which slashes 30% off selected items in the store.