How to clean a ceiling fan light

debodun

debodun

SF VIP
Location
way upstate in New York, USA
I didn't have these at my old house, but the globes of the ones I have now probably really need to be cleaned out. Problem is I have to climb up on a ladder to get to it and I'm not very stable that way added to the fact I'd also have to be holding balancing a canister vac. I'm not sure these lights can be taken apart or how to do it.

ceiling fan.jpg
 

There are 3 screws that need to be loosened just above the globe, then the globe slips down. Do not screw around with a vacuum cleaner or try to do a balancing act. The fan blades can be cleaned with just a damp rag. Be safe.
 

I don't think a simple duster would get all the gunk out of the bottom.

I see what you mean, stretch. I climbed up again and saw the Phillips head screws, but it looks like a 2-person job. I can't hold the globe and use a screwdriver and keep balance on a ladder 8 feet above the floor, but thanks for the info.
 
Last edited:
Like you I live alone Deb.. and have to get on a ladder to clean the fan light , so with my ceiling fan in the bedroom which looks similar to that one.. I use a long reach duster for every day use... and a pillowslip for a deapp clean.. slip it over each fan blade , and it cleans the dust right off without it going everywhere . Then I can unscrew the little bolts holding the shade on..TBH..I've only ever had to do that once, it just doesn't seem to get dirt in it..

The only issue is the ladders really.. make sure your ladders are steady before attempting the climb, and don't overstretch
 
I owned a home cleaning business pretty much my entire life and I cleaned some pretty upscale homes with some really high ceilings and some pretty expensive chandeliers. I had some industrial home cleaning equipment that most regular homes don't use. I had a vacuum that had an extension hose that reached these ceilings and cleaned and dust off the high ceilings. Also with this vacuum there was also an adapter for the hose for several types of attachments with all sorts of different angles with cleaning dusters on the end. I could reach practically anywhere with some of these. As you probably imagine this vacuum was extremely expensive and once I retired last year and shut down the business I no longer needed this sort of equipment so those things were sold. Most people who clean homes wouldn't even need something like this.
 
debodun said:
It's full of dead bugs. I don't think the former owner cleaned it very much, if at all. She probably didn't want to climb up there either.
Click to expand...
how do bugs get in there...this is mine ? please excuse it ...it's very old.. it just doesn't know it..lol

IMG-0705.jpg
 
hollydolly said:
how do bugs get in there...this is mine ? please excuse it ...it's very old.. it just doesn't know it..lol

IMG-0705.jpg
Click to expand...
Bugs are somehow attracted to lights and once they get in there and then the light is turned off they can't get out and they die in there. I have had bugs in mine as well. Now if your globe is completely enclosed then they shouldn't be able to get inside unless they are gnats.
 
Vintage Carla said:
Bugs are somehow attracted to lights and once they get in there and then the light is turned off they can't get out and they die in there. I have had bugs in mine as well. Now if your globe is completely enclosed then they shouldn't be able to get inside unless they are gnats.
Click to expand...
yes I understand bugs are attracted to light, but my fan globe is sealed... :)
 
hollydolly said:
yes I understand bugs are attracted to light, but my fan globe is sealed... :)
Click to expand...
I wouldn't think unless it is a very small bug like a gnat that your globe would have that issue. Bugs are weird though, you have those stink bugs that are kind of flat and you never know where they just might go. :D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Back
Top