During the summer and winter months, you are probably using your ceiling fan all day, every day. If you’re like most busy people, you probably don’t clean your fan all that often, except to give it a quick dusting. Cleaning and maintaining your ceiling fan may not be on the top of your to-do list, especially if your fan works fine and blends into your home decor. However, in order to keep your fan working its best and running smoothly for years to come, it is important to follow some simple maintenance tips.
Cleaning Your Ceiling Fan
Ceiling fans in Australia can take a beating from the elements, especially if you live in a coastal area or if your fan is located outside. Keeping your ceiling fan’s blades clean will help keep it running smoothly. Excess dust can cause the fan’s blades to wobble. Dust can also make the fan’s motor run too hot.
1. Use your vacuum. It may sound strange to use your vacuum cleaner to dust your ceiling fan, but the vacuum is actually an easy way to rid your fan of dust. Attach your vacuum’s brush, and hoover the top and bottom of each blade to your heart's content.
2. For a quick clean, use a feather duster.
3. If the dust is especially thick, use a damp cloth and gently wipe the top and bottom of each blade after hoovering. Just remember: never use harsh cleaners that could warp the blades or damage the finish.
4. Use a can of compressed air to blow any dust out of the motor housing.
Mechanical Maintenance
Ceiling fans with lights may need special care. The light fixtures will have many screws holding them in place, and over time, these screws may loosen, causing the light fixture to wobble which is potentially dangerous. If you routinely make sure all of the screws on your fan’s light fixtures are tight, you can avoid damage to the fan, the light, and everything and everyone below!
Following these simple maintenance tips will keep your fan running smoothly for years to come. If you have any questions about ceiling fan maintenance, contact Ceiling Fans Direct.