Easy ways and hacks to help clean your ceiling fan
It's never too early to get a jumpstart on spring cleaning and prepare for the warmer months.
It's still pretty chilly in South Africa.
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While winter surrounds us, it might not be a bad time to consider everything that will need to be cleaned, sorted and organised when spring hits.
In these cold months, one piece of furniture isn't getting much use — your ceiling fan.
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Before you turn it on on the first hot night of the year, you might consider all the dust that has accumulated on the blades during winter.
But it always seems like a hassle and is never the easiest of jobs.
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Here are six tips to help you clean your ceiling fan:
1. Prep the room
Before cleaning the fan, take some time to cover the floor and furniture with old sheets or cloths.
Covering a space twice the width of the fan helps remove fallen dust more easily.
Remember to wear a mask and goggles to help prevent dust from entering your mouth, nose, or eyes. This will help avoid any unpleasant incidents.
A ladder or stepping stool is a much safer and more stable option.
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2. Use an old pillowcase
One of the easiest and least messy ways to clean a ceiling fan blade is using a pillowcase.
Simply put the pillowcase over the entirety of the blade and rub it. You might have to rub it a bit for any stubborn dust, but be careful not to break it.
Repeat this step with all blades.
When you're done, you can simply empty the pillowcase into a bin and throw it in the wash.
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3. Use a duster with a handle
If the pillowcase option isn't appealing, use a duster with an extended handle. Perfect for those hard-to-reach places.
There are also specialised ceiling fan dusters designed to wipe the bottom and top half of the blade simultaneously.
4. Don't forget to clean the whole fan
While the blades are the most obvious part to clean, other components are just as important.
Wash any glass fixtures in warm, soapy water. Wait for them to completely dry before putting them back in place.
Light bulbs just need a quick wipe.
Be sure to wipe down the pull chain and the motor with a cloth. To remove interior dust, spray compressed air into the device motor.
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5. Use cleaner to remove buildup
If your fan has a lot of buildup, you need to clean it properly with a damp cloth and all-purpose cleaner on each blade.
6. Make your own dust repellent
Repellents help minimise the frequency of dusting and can be real lifesavers. Add together one cup of water, 1/4 cup of white vinegar, 2 tablespoons of olive oil and a drop or two of dish soap and lightly spray the mixture on the fan.
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