How to Clean a Ceiling Fan in 3 Simple Steps
No special tools are required—just a ladder, an all-purpose cleaner, and a little time
When you shop through retailer links on our site, we may earn affiliate commissions. 100% of the fees we collect are used to support our nonprofit mission. Learn more.
If you’ve noticed your ceiling fan is less effective, it may be due for a cleaning. Dirty fan blades don’t move air as efficiently, as the extra weight can slow down the fan’s speed. Alongside other tips gleaned from CR’s book “How to Clean Practically Anything,” you should try to clean all household fans at least once every cooling season.
How to Clean a Ceiling Fan
Follow these steps to clean your ceiling fan, taking care to use safety on ladders, step stools, or other tools you may need to reach the fan to give it a good cleaning.
Step 1: Prep
Spread a drop cloth or old sheets on the floor and over any furniture that’s under or near the fan. Try to cover an area about twice as wide as the full width of the fan. Position the ladder so that you can see the top of the blades. Remove any light globes.
Step 2: Dust
Remove loose dust with a cloth or duster. You can wipe both sides of the fan blades at once using a long-handled U-shaped brush. This special tool is available from hardware stores and home centers. Or simply slip an old pillowcase over the blades one by one, then pull it back to remove dust and dirt.
Step 3: Wash
Moisten a cloth or sponge with an all-purpose cleaner and wipe each blade clean. Don’t spray liquid on the fan, and don’t apply heavy pressure, which can bend the blades. Hand-wash light globes in a sink and let dry completely before replacing them. Let the blades dry thoroughly before turning your fan back on; damp blades attract dust.
That’s it! But if cleaning ceiling fans is a chore you hate, consider cleaning them and then waxing the blades with car wax, which can help prevent dust from sticking in the first place.
How to Clean a Ceiling Fan Without a Ladder
If you don’t own a ladder or can’t use one due to mobility issues or safety concerns, you can use a duster with an extended handle to reach the blades. This will help clean loose dirt and debris from atop the ceiling fan blades, but it may not be able to capture dirt that’s caked on. You can wet a second duster with an all-purpose cleaning solution to try and get the fan as clean as possible.
3 Top-Rated Ceiling Fans From CR’s Tests
Finished cleaning your ceiling fan and it’s still underperforming? If you think a new one can solve your problem, below are three of the best ceiling fans we test. You can learn more about them and a half dozen other models in CR’s full ceiling fan ratings. Our ceiling fan buying guide can also help get you up to speed.
