How to Clean Your Ceiling Fan

Ah, another winter largely spent indoors. A time to pour a hot cup of cocoa, grab a good book, curl up under a cozy blanket, and turn on the ceiling fan. If that last part surprised you, you’re not alone. Many homeowners don’t realize that the same fixture that helps keep you cool with its gentle breeze in the summer can help keep you warm during the colder months.

Heat rises, right? We all get that. So, running a ceiling fan in reverse helps push that trapped warm air down toward the center of a room, where you need it most. In fact, doing so allows you to turn the thermostat down by a degree or two, saving you money on your home heating costs.

But to serve you no matter what the season, your ceiling fan needs a little TLC. Here’s how to clean it to maintain maximum performance all day long.

Ceiling Fan Blades

1. Make sure the ceiling fan is off and the blades have come to a complete stop before cleaning.
2. Dust blades weekly using either a pole duster that slides over the fan blades or a clean, soft cloth.
3. Every change of season or more frequently if necessary, give the blades a deep clean with a damp microfiber cloth. Wipe up any water streaks with a dry cloth.
4. Avoid pressing down on the blades to avoid damage.
5. Carefully wipe the motor housing and pull the chains with a clean, dry cloth.
6. Spray the motor housing with compressed air, if needed, to remove dust that has settled on the interior.
7. Never use abrasive cleaners, alcohol, or bleach as they can permanently discolor the finish on the fan blades.
8. Once clean, spray an anti-static dust repellant on a clean microfiber cloth and wipe both sides of the blades.

Ceiling Fan Light Fixture

1. Make sure the fan and light are turned off. Better yet, cut power to the fixture to prevent accidental electric shock.
2. Remove the bulbs and take off the glass shades.
3. Wash glass shades in a sink or large basin filled with warm soapy water, rinse clean and wipe dry or allow to air dry thoroughly.
4. Carefully inspect the rubber gasket around the base of each shade and replace if needed.
5. Replace the shades and screw in the mounting screws just “finger tight” so they won’t shake while the fan is in use. Be careful not to over-tighten.
6. Replace the lightbulbs, perhaps with more energy-efficient LEDs.

If your ceiling fan isn’t doing much to help cool you off or keep you warm, it isn’t the problem. Instead, it means your heating system, AC system, or both need professional attention. To reclaim the whole-house comfort you depend on, contact Correct Temp today. We won’t let you down.