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How to Clean a Ceiling Fan

Updated: Dec 31, 2020

A ceiling fan can be a smart-looking, functional, and versatile addition to almost any room provided you have adequate ceiling height.

Fans that spin clockwise or counter-clockwise at the flip of a switch help to warm up the air in winter while generating more cooler air at reduced energy costs during the summer.  However, just like other appliances, ceiling fans can get quite dirty and dingy which not only detracts from their looks but can add a considerable amount of dust to the air while the fan is making its rounds.

What to do? Be proactive and keep it clean!



How to Clean Ceiling Fan Blades

  1. Turn off the fan and wait until the blades come to a complete stop.

  2. Dust fan blades with a soft, clean cloth or a specialized duster that simultaneously cleans the top and bottom of each fan blade.

  3. For a more thorough cleaning, place a sturdy step ladder beneath the fan and gently wipe each blade with a damp microfiber cloth before drying them off with a second clean cloth.

  4. Wipe down pull chains and the motor housing.

  5. Spray the motor housing with compressed air to remove dust and debris.

  6. Do not use abrasive cleaners, toxic chemicals, alcohol, baby wipes, or alkaline cleaners as they can scratch, discolor, stain, and even destroy the fan blades.

  7. Once the blades are thoroughly cleaned, spray a microfiber cloth with an anti-static, dust-repelling spray and wipe both sides of each blade. You also can make your own spray, mixing four parts water to one part fabric softener in a clean spray bottle.

How to Clean a Combo Ceiling Fan & Light Fixture

  1. With the fan and light turned off, remove the bulbs and glass shades by turning the mounting screws counter-clockwise.

  2. Fill the kitchen sink or a large basin with warm soapy water and let the glass shades soak, using a soft sponge to remove stubborn dirt or dust. Rinse and dry thoroughly.

  3. Carefully inspect the rubberized gasket around the base of each shade and replace it if you see signs of wear or damage.

  4. Replace the glass shades carefully and tighten the mounting screws to avoid rattling and shaking during fan operation.

  5. Replace the lightbulbs, sit back, relax, and enjoy the gentle breeze of your ceiling fan.

Here’s something else a ceiling fan can do – help lower your heating and cooling costs. When running clockwise, the fan pulls cool air upwards to help lighten the load on your central AC system. The opposite is true in the winter when a counter-clockwise rotation pushes warm air back down where you want it.

At GBT Heating & Cooling, we can do even more to reduce your heating and cooling costs, and it all starts with annual preventive maintenance. It’s so important that manufacturers sometimes cancel warranty coverage is maintenance isn’t performed as prescribed. So, if it’s been a year or longer since you had your heating or AC system cleaned and inspected, contact us today for the kind of service that provides added comfort and lower utility costs for our many area customers.

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