How to Clean Blinds and Ceiling Fans the Easy Way

 

Blinds and ceiling fans collect a surprising amount of dust, and when the fan turns on, it blows that dust around the room. Both are quick jobs if you use the right trick, and doing them once a month keeps them from turning into a sticky mess.

 

 

Ceiling fans: the pillowcase trick

Turn the fan off and let it stop completely. Set up a sturdy step stool or ladder. Slide an old pillowcase over one blade, all the way to the motor, then press the fabric against the top and bottom of the blade as you pull it back toward you. The dust stays inside the pillowcase instead of falling on you and the bed. Repeat for each blade, then shake the pillowcase out outside and wash it.

For a greasy fan (common in kitchens), follow up with a cloth dampened with warm water and a little dish soap, then a dry cloth. Wipe the motor housing and the light fixture too. Don't spray cleaner directly on the motor.

Safety: don't stand on a chair with wheels or a wobbly surface, and don't stretch to reach. Move the ladder instead.

 

Blinds: quick monthly dusting

Close the blinds so the slats lie flat. Dust from the top down with a microfiber cloth, a duster, or a clean sock over your hand. Then turn the slats the other way and do the other side. Vacuuming with a brush attachment works too and is faster for wide windows.

 

Deeper cleaning by material

• Vinyl and aluminum: wipe each slat with a cloth dipped in warm water and a few drops of dish soap. For really grimy kitchen blinds, take them down and soak them in a bathtub of warm soapy water for an hour, scrub gently with a soft brush, rinse, and hang them to dry
• Real wood and faux wood: never soak. Water warps real wood and can damage the finish. Dust, then wipe with a barely damp cloth and dry immediately. A little wood cleaner on the cloth works for real wood
• Fabric (cellular or roman shades): vacuum with the brush attachment on low suction. Spot clean marks with a damp cloth and a drop of mild soap, blotting rather than rubbing

 

Don't forget the window

While the blinds are open, wipe the window sill and the track. If the glass needs it too, our window cleaning guide covers getting it streak-free.

 

How often

Dust ceiling fans and blinds once a month, more often in kitchens, homes with pets, or during allergy season. Deeper washing once or twice a year is usually enough.