How to Clean a Ceiling Fan with a Pillowcase

Last Updated: June 28, 2022

Ceiling fans build up dust over time, which can cause mess in your home while the fans are running. Luckily, dust is very simple to remove with a pillowcase. Simply sliding a clean pillowcase on and off the fan's blades should successfully remove unwanted dust and debris. This will leave your home and your fan nice and clean, eliminating unwanted dust in the atmosphere.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Assembling Your Materials

1
Grab a clean pillowcase. Use a clean pillowcase to dust off your ceiling fan. If a pillowcase has any dirt built up on it, you will only end up spreading dust around on the fan.
- This can be a pillowcase you plan on using again, but always wash a pillowcase you used for cleaning before using it on your bed.
- If possible, use a throwaway pillowcase or one that can be thrown in the washer afterwards.
2
Position a step stool or small ladder underneath the fan. Unless the blades are somewhat within reach, you will most likely need to use a low step stool for cleaning. Use a ladder or a step stool positioned directly under the ceiling fan.
- You can place the pillowcase on the rung of the ladder beforehand if you want. This can make it easier to start cleaning right away.
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3
Collect any cleaners you plan to use. If you're going to be dusting the fan afterwards, grab any cleaners you plan on using. Both a furniture polish and an all-purpose cleaner can work for a fan.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Taking Safety Precautions

1
Make sure the fan is turned off. In addition to turning off the fan itself, turn off the light switch that powers the ceiling fan. If you accidentally turn the fan on while cleaning, this can cause injury.^{[1]
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- If you need extra light, you can place a flashlight face up on the ground, use light from windows, or turn on a nearby lamp.
2
Set your ladder on a firm surface. When placing your ladder to clean, watch out for uneven carpeting or loose floorboards. If your ladder is on an uneven surface, it could topple and cause injury.^{[2]
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- For extra safety, have someone present while you clean in case you fall.
3
Do not use a chair with wheels. If you don't have a ladder or step stool, you can stand on a chair to reach your ceiling fan's blades. However, never use a chair with wheels. You can easily fall off a swivel chair, causing serious injury.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Cleaning the Fan

1
Climb up the ladder or step stool. Once the stool or ladder is under the fan, climb up the ladder or stool. Only climb as far as you need to easily reach the blades.
2
Slide the pillowcase over the blade. Clean each blade individually. Start by sliding the pillowcase over the blade, so the blade is fully covered by the pillowcase.^{[3]
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- This helps the pillowcase catch dust as it falls so you won't have to sweep afterwards.
- It's a good idea to lightly spray the blades with a cleaning product to get the grime and dirt kind of damp. Cover them with a microfiber towel before sliding the pillowcase over the blade for better results.
3
Press your fingers on the pillowcase. Be gentle to avoid harming the ceiling fan. Press your fingers onto the pillowcase, keeping your fingers near the base of the blade.^{[4]
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4
Pull the pillowcase along the blade. Move your fingers from the base of the blade to the tip. As you slide your fingers across the blade, the pillowcase will slide as well. It should remove dust and dirt from the fan's blade.^{[5]
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5
Repeat with the other blades. Repeat this exact same process with the other blades to complete the cleaning process. If your fan is very dirty, you may need to use a new pillowcase as the one you're working with may get dirty.^{[6]
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- Turn the fan as you clean instead of moving the ladder. This is easier and safer.
6
Finish up with furniture polish or cleaner. Consider cleaning the blades using a rag and furniture polish or all-purpose cleaner after you’ve removed all the dust. This will leave your blades shining and smelling fresh.
7
Dispose of the dust and wash the pillowcase. Dump out any dust in a trash bag. Then, wash the pillowcase in a washing machine as you normally would.