Over time, ceiling fan blades can accumulate a decent amount of dust if they aren’t frequently cleaned. Dirt, dust and dander add up quickly, and when the fan is in use, these allergens will be spread throughout the room. Too much built-up dust will eventually cause damage to the fan’s motor.
Avoid the mess by simply dusting off your ceiling fan’s blades once a month. This home hack will take less than five minutes – all you need is a pillowcase and a step ladder.
Step 1: Prep the area
First make sure your ceiling fan is easily accessible. Move furniture if necessary and lay a sheet on the ground to collect excess dust. Position your step ladder on sturdy ground. You’ll want to be positioned with your head above the blades, that way you won’t end up inhaling the dust that falls.
Step 2: Wipe away dust
Cover the blade with the pillow case. Apply pressure – but not too much – to collect all the dust on top of the blade. Be careful not to bend the blade. Repeat for each blade. Wipe with a clean cloth to take care of any dust left behind.
Most of the dust will end up inside the pillowcase. When you’re all finished, take the pillowcase and sheet outside to shake it out.
This method avoids using harsh chemicals or abrasives that can damage the blade’s finish. To help minimize future buildup, use a dust-repelling cleaning spray on the blades. If your ceiling fan’s blades turn out to be dirtier than expected, use a damp cloth or soapy solution to take care of the grime.
It’s as easy as that! Keeping your ceiling fan and its blades dust-free is important for keeping the air clean. Use this method as often as necessary to keep dust, dander and other allergens away.
