How To Clean Your Fan The Right Way

Whether it’s a ceiling fan, box fan, or oscillating fan, one thing’s for sure—they collect a LOT of dust over time. Not only does this affect air quality, but it also makes your fan work harder (and noisier!). The good news? Cleaning your fan the right way is easier than you think—and your trusted cleaning team is here to show you how!

Here’s our step-by-step guide to getting your fan looking (and working) like new.

For Ceiling Fans: What You’ll Need:

A step ladder
Microfiber cloths or an old pillowcase
All-purpose cleaner or a DIY mix of vinegar and water
Optional: a vacuum with a brush attachment

Steps:
1. Turn the fan off and let it come to a complete stop.
2. Place a pillowcase over each blade, one at a time. Gently pull it back to trap the dust inside without it falling all over the room.
3. Use a microfiber cloth with cleaner to wipe the top and bottom of each blade to remove remaining grime.
4. Vacuum around the base and motor housing if there’s any dust buildup.
5. Wipe the pull chain and base. These spots are often overlooked!
Tip: Clean ceiling fans every 1–2 months to prevent buildup.

For Oscillating or Table Fans: What You’ll Need:

Screwdriver (if needed to remove the grill)
Damp cloths
Mild dish soap
A small brush or an old toothbrush

Steps:
1. Unplug the fan! Safety first.
2. Remove the front grill. You may need a screwdriver for this.
3. Wipe down the blades with soapy water. For tough spots, use a toothbrush.
4. Clean the grill with a damp cloth or rinse it in the sink and let it air dry.
5. Dry the blades and reassemble. Plug it in and enjoy the fresh airflow!
Tip: Never spray water directly onto the fan—always use a damp cloth.

For Box Fans: What You’ll Need:

Vacuum with brush attachment
Damp microfiber cloths
Optional: compressed air

Steps:
1. Unplug the fan and remove the front grill.
2. Vacuum dust from the blades and interior.
3. Wipe down blades and grill with a damp cloth.
4. Use compressed air to blow out dust from the motor area if needed (but don’t soak it!).
5. Reattach the grill and you’re good to go.

Final Touch: Keep It Clean!

Clean your fans every 4–6 weeks during periods of heavy use.
Use an air purifier to reduce airborne dust and lessen fan buildup.
Consider scheduling a professional deep clean for your home—we’ll handle every corner, high and low!

Let Us Help You Breathe Easier: We do more than just floors and windows—we take care of every dusty detail, including fan cleaning, light fixtures, and other forgotten spots. If it’s been a while since your last deep clean, we’d love to help! You can schedule our team now on our website below or by calling us at (724) 602-2218. We offer comprehensive cleaning packages to provide a customized clean that suits your lifestyle. We hope you enjoyed our blog today and can breathe easier with the peace of mind that comes with a clean home. See you soon!

If you want a quote for any of our services, fill out our Contact Us form by clicking here.

We do what we say we’re going to do. We are CLEANbee Property Services. See you soon!