A ceiling fan is a lifesaver on hot South African days, but when the blades gather dust, they do more harm than good.

Instead of cooling your home, they circulate dust, pollen, and other particles through the air. A quick wipe isn’t enough – a proper clean will keep your fan running smoothly and your home’s air fresher. The trick is knowing how to do it without leaving half the dust on your floors and furniture.

Read more: Are you really cleaning everything? 8 often-neglected spots in your home

How often should you clean it?

Once a month is a good rule of thumb, but if you notice dust collecting sooner, it’s best not to wait. The more often you clean your fan, the less chance there is for build-up that affects both the motor and your indoor air quality. 

What you’ll need:

  • A pillowcase 
  • Microfibre or lint-free cloths 
  • Dishwashing liquid 
  • A step ladder or sturdy stool 
  • Extendable duster (for high ceilings) 
  • Optional: Compressed air for the motor housing 

Step-by-step:

Catch the dust before it falls

The best cleaning hack? A pillowcase. Slip the case over one blade, press lightly and pull it back. All the dust stays inside instead of falling on your head or the floor. Repeat on each blade. Take the pillowcase outside, shake it out, then pop it in the wash.

Wipe away the grime

Once the loose dust is gone, mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water. Dip a cloth in the solution, wring it out well, and wipe each blade. Follow with a dry cloth to prevent streaks.

 Don’t forget the lights

If your fan has glass globes, switch off the power and let the bulbs cool before removing them. Wash the glass in warm soapy water, dry thoroughly, and wipe the bulbs with a dry cloth before reassembling.

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Tidy the details

Give the pull chain and motor housing a quick wipe with a dry cloth. If you want to be extra thorough, use a blast of compressed air to clear dust from the motor’s vents. 

High ceilings? No problem

If your fan is too high to reach safely, use an extendable duster. Just make sure you clean both sides of the blades, not only the visible edges. 

Always clean your ceiling fans before you tackle the floors – that way, any stray dust that escapes can be swept or vacuumed up easily. With these simple steps, your ceiling fan will be spotless, efficient, and ready to keep the air in your home cool and fresh – minus the mess. 

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