Many people neglect to clean their ceiling fan blades regularly since they are often not only difficult to see clearly, but also hard to reach. For this reason, it may be challenging to know where to begin when cleaning fans, but there are some tips that may make the job feasible. The first step is choosing the appropriate material for cleaning, as the best items range from a microfiber cloth to a simple rag. If the latter is chosen, it is important to select an appropriate cleaning solution to use with the rag. In addition, protecting the floor underneath the ceiling fan is often a good idea, especially if the blades are particularly dusty.
Homeowners who only have basic cleaning supplies, such as rags, sponges, or paper towels, should choose the material they prefer before cleaning. It is helpful to decide whether to use a material that can be reused, or one that is meant to be thrown away, as some people are not comfortable cleaning very dirty items with reusable supplies. Of course, some homeowners have more advanced products, such as a microfiber cloth, which typically collects dust and dirt easily without the use of cleaning solution. Additionally, a u-shaped brush can clean both sides of the ceiling fan blades at the same time, and often includes a long handle to reach up high.
If a microfiber cloth is chosen for the task, cleaning solution does not usually need to be used, but other cleaning products, such as rags, typically do require it. Some homeowners buy solution made just for cleaning the dust and dirt off of household surfaces, while others prefer to make their own. For example, water and a few drops of distilled white vinegar can usually be mixed together to thoroughly clean ceiling fan blades. On the other hand, some people opt to just use soap and water, or even water alone, which can be equally effective at removing dirt.
Before cleaning ceiling fan blades, it is helpful to cover the floor under the fan in order to protect it from the dust and dirt that tends to fall off during the process. This is especially true if there is furniture under the fan, such as a bed or couch. A large sheet or blanket can be used for this job, though of course homeowners can just sweep or vacuum after the chore is complete if they do not have a way to protect the surface under the fan. Additionally, it is helpful to wear a baseball cap along with goggles or sunglasses while cleaning ceiling fan blades, as this can prevent debris from falling into the eys or hair during the process.