Cleaning your ceiling fan will help to keep it looking at its best, but it’s also important to keep it functioning properly. As tiny as they are on their own, when dust particles build up they reduce the efficiency and lifespan of a fan. Heavy dust buildup adds weight to the blades and, as often dust distribution isn’t even, it also imbalances the blades. The result is a slightly wobbly fan, additional noise, and ultimately the fan having to work harder for the same airflow output.
One important point to note is that, even if your fan looks clean from the bottom, it often isn’t from the top, with dust sitting concealed on top of the blades. We strongly recommend regular checks and maintenance.
As they’re mounted high above you, cleaning might seem complex but thankfully it’s quite simple, as you'll see below.
Golden rules:
-
Don’t over wet the cloth you’re using
-
Never use a harsh or abrasive cleaner, or rough sponge - check your fans material and use something suitable. If in doubt, a damp cloth with a hint of mild detergent should do the job
-
Allow your fan to dry properly - water and electronics do not mix well
-
Turn off power to the fan, if possible turn off the mains
-
Do it in pairs - we know, safety is not an exciting topic but getting up to your fan can be tricky. If you’re taking it down, it’s easy to get unbalanced and topple over
-
Never wet the motor or areas close to the motor
The leave it up method
Good for quick cleans - we recommend this every two to three months
-
Grab a friend and a step ladder or chair (depending how high your fan is)
Tip: You want your eyes to be a few inches above the fan blades when standing to be able to see properly -
With a dry cloth, wipe the fan gently. Start with the motor case (in the centre) then work outwards along each fan blade. Hold the tip of the blade and don’t put too much weight onto any part of the fan
-
Once the majority of the dust is removed, mix some mild detergent with warm water
-
Wet a clean cloth in the detergent/ water and wring it out thoroughly - it should be lightly damp. If it’s dripping, even a little, it’s too wet
-
Avoiding the area around the motor, we recommend a 5cm gap minimum, wipe the blades (top and bottom again)
-
Rinse your cloth as needed between wipes, ensuring it is lightly damp
-
Let your fan dry for at least an hour before turning back on
The take down method
Best for a proper clean - we recommend this once a year
-
Turn off the power
-
Check your fans manual to understand how the main unit is taken down and how the blades are removed. You will be taking the blades and motor down as one
-
Grab an old towel or sheet and lie it on the floor near your fan
-
Grab a friend and a step ladder or chair (depending how high your fan is)
Tip: As above, you want your eyes to be a few inches above the fan blades when standing to be able to see properly -
Careful remove the screws and lift the downrod down - they can be heavier than expected so please be very careful to maintain your balance
-
Lay the flan on an old towel - this simply protect more mess and gives the fan a little more protection
-
Remove the blades - usually this is two safety screws per blade and they then slide out, but it does vary by fan. Almost all manufacturers have their assembly instructions online however if you’re stuck, drop us an email and we’ll do our best to help you work it out
-
Wipe the motor with a dry cloth, ensuring there is not dust in the blades holes or other fittings
-
Wet a cloth with warm water and mild detergent - wring it out thoroughly
-
Wipe each blade top and bottom
-
Leave on the towel until totally dry
-
Reassemble your fan and pop it back up
Ceiling fans are easy to maintain, and a little care and attention goes a long way to keeping your fan running smoothly and quietly. Your fan’s manufacturer should have any specific maintenance information or requirements but, if not, you can drop them an email to check before getting underway. If you’ve purchased your ceiling fan from us, we’re more than happy to help - our customer care team are here to make sure you get the right products, but also that they meet your expectations once they’re installed.
