When it comes to household chores, there are certain tasks we’d rather avoid, and dusting a ceiling fan is one them. We can all admit that we have a love-hate relationship with our bedroom ceiling fans. They provide much-needed relief on those hot summer nights, but when it comes to removing piles of dust, it’s the worst. (Well, it’s probably one notch above cleaning the litter box, but still.)
Having clumps of gray dust fall all over your comforter and your carpet when attempting to rid your bedroom of filth is about as effective as brushing your teeth while eating Oreos – it’s just counterproductive and ends up creating more work. So what’s the alternative? I’m glad you asked!
Tell your feather duster to step aside. After all, it just transfers the dust onto another surface instead of getting rid of it. There’s an easier and more efficient way to dust your ceiling fan, and it can be done with three items that you most likely already have in your home. Utilize those items and the following simple hacks to clean up your tropical breeze maker, sans mess. Trust me, this is a game changer.
Before you start, gather your supplies. When dusting a ceiling fan, all you need are three things:
- Dusting spray. Whether it’s a standard spray or your own homemade concoction, anything that’s meant to cling to dust bunnies will work.
- An old pillowcase. You know that old sheet set that you keep around just in case you need it (i.e. a set that you’re never going to use)? Take one of the pillowcases so that you can finally prove to your spouse that there’s a reason that you keep everything.
- An old (clean) sock. You know that random pile of socks you have where all of the matches are missing? Grab one from the pile, and you’re ready to go.
Your journey to mess-free fan dusting begins here. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Do Some Light Prep Work.
Take your pillowcase and hold it open so that you can see the inside. Lightly spray the inside of the pillowcase with the dusting spray, making sure that the spray is distributed evenly on both sides.
Step 2: Capture the Dust off of the Blades.
First, make sure that the fan is turned off. (I know this seems like a no-brainer, but safety comes first.) Next, put the pillowcase over one of the blades until it reaches the base of the fan.
At the base of the fan (where you have the open end of the pillowcase), place one hand on each side of the blade and push the pillowcase against the blade, slowly moving outward to the end of the blade.
Repeat this step on all of the other blades.
Step 3:Dust the Base and the Light.
Now that the blades look shiny and new, make sure that you don’t neglect the base and any light fixtures that are attached to your fan. Put your hand inside of the sock and spread your fingers, then lightly spray it with the dusting spray.
Keep the sock on your hand (like a glove or mitten), and wipe the center of the fan and the light fixture.
Now you’re done! Be sure to empty out the pillowcase into a garbage bag so that clumps of dust aren’t hanging out inside of the pillowcase the next time you need to dust your fan again.
Then toss the sock and pillowcase into the washing machine so that they’re ready for use on the next go-around.
And BOOM. Dusting a ceiling fan is literally as easy as 1, 2, 3. What are some of your favorite hacks when it comes to cleaning your fans? Do you use your own homemade dusting spray? Feel free to share additional tips below!
