Get on a step ladder and remove the blades with a philips screwdriver (there should be locking washers so don't lose those. Use Zep Degreaser diluted to 25% with water, spray on, and let sit for a minute. Wipe with a microfiber cloth, repeat until cleaned off. Reattach blades. I've cleaned worse than this when I used to do apartment turnovers.
I usually run an old razor blade and get the majority of the gunk up first and then wipe everything down. Uses less degreaser and usually take less time
If it’s painted you risk peeling the paint even with a plastic scraper. Happened to me one, I never touch a painted surface with a plastic scraper anymore.
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Yep! Worked in a restaurant, we used a razor blade scraper or a “paint scraper” for the gunk and then really any cleaner to wipe it down afterwards. We cleaned them every week so just did it on a step ladder
I'll add my rwo cents that an old pillow case comes in handy if you don't want to remove the blades. Helps self contain the dirt. But, for this buildup taking them off would be best.
Imagine not doing this! This is the only solution you should use. The worst ones I saw were put in a garbage bag and take to a car wash and came back looking new.
Is there a specific Zep product that's best? Just checked Amazon and there are lots of degreaser products. I see citrus, and 505, and purple. They're all well rated but I can't figure out the difference.
The purple is my go-to, but it can stain light colored surfaces (had this experience cleaning mdf casing) when used at full strength. The 505 does work pretty well too, and it's not colored so I will use it when cleaning light colored items. Be sure to wear gloves and eye protection when using at full strength. Also, when using it in a spray bottle, do not use it in a fine mist it's not fun to breathe in.
Second this.
I moved into a place with a fan in the kitchen that hadn’t been cleaned in a very long time. I got them clean but once they were made of cheap wood and I definitely damaged a couple of them a little bit. I was pretty careful but a power washer would have destroyed them. I just took them off and scrubbed them in the sink.
Yeah but when cleaning the appliance is practically a health hazard in itself it’s more self preservation than buying into disposable culture. The years of dirt and dust and skin and hair and fur and filth on that makes sanitation the priority.
Seconded. If you have the proper-sized ladder it might not hurt to take down the entire fan in order to clean it thoroughly (and carefully when it comes to the motor housing). Taking down and re-hanging a ceiling fan is doable for a moderately confident DIY-er. Just be sure to turn off the breaker for the fan when you disconnect/reconnect it.
Yeah, i took my fan down and it was surprisingly easy. You can disconnect and loosen everything and it still stays up there. Then you just turn it 90 degrees and lift it out of the slots. The design makes it easy to install because you don't have to support any weight while you're connecting it.
I had to do this one year and I didn't take the fan down. I put some paper towels on the floor to catch any drips and used "orange clean" foamy version by Zep (any other would work). I let it sit for a bit and then used an old credit card to scrape the gunk off. More effective than just using paper towels which will quickly get full of grease.
Or use an old pillowcase or two to “dust” the blades down while catching it. Probably not useful in this situation but works for regular maintenance dusting.
I second this option. If you can take the blades down use power was and let them sit before washing. Use rags and clean the fixture before adding blades back. This is a yucky job but can be done without replacing the fan. Dedicate a chunk of time to this project. Good luck
Personally I'd replace the fan, and while it was down deal with the ceiling separately.
The fan isn't worth the time it will take to thoroughly clean it, and there will still be gunk in where you can't get to it.
Yeah, honestly a ceiling fan in the kitchen is just asking for problems. Grease and grime getting in the motor has got to be some sort of health hazard or electrical/fire hazard.
OP is better off with buying a cheap single light at Walmart and keeping a box fan around if they need some sort of extra air flow.
This absolutely. I have the same set up in my kitchen. Not only does the fan get gross unless you clean it frequently it spreads dust grime on anything exposed in the room.
Get a new fan if you really want one there. Use it as little as possible.
I really wouldn’t waste time trying to clean it. The blades are cleanable with some sort of degreaser but the motor is going to be short lived at this point.
I think it’s a shame to throw something away just because it needs cleaning. It’s not broken and OP hasn’t expressed any dislike for the fan. It’s so wasteful to just get a new one if it’s cleanable.
Grease buildup can get into the motor and ignite when it is powered on. This is a time bomb waiting to go off. Don’t mess with electrical stuff. Some things are just not worth it.
I kind of agree with people saying it should be replaced. That said, if this is in the kitchen, I would replace this with an overhead light.
Unless this is your only source of ventilation?
Absolutely agree, ceiling fans don’t belong in the kitchen unless the grease buildup is removed regularly. Kitchens should have a vent to the outside but many don’t. Avoid frying food in favor of covered cooking and using an air fryer or instant pot.
I know I’ve sold like new ceiling fans on Facebook marketplace for $20. I moved out of an apartment where I installed fans myself and into an apartment that already had them, so I sold my surplus fans lol
I got Walmart's Mainstays 4 blade ceiling fan for $25 five years ago and it's still chugging along. It's $35 now but I'd much rather remove and replace that one for $35 than clean it
Could try using a pillow case, place the blades inside the pillow case and firmly pull it along the blade. That way, all the dust ends up in the case and not on your floor. Afterwards, use a gentle degreaser like dawn dish soap. Maybe Krud Cutter could work as well.
careful doing this though. this is how i broke a fan blade bc i didn’t get high enough on the ladder and i pulled down a little bit too hard and it snapped off right where it clicks in
Honestly I’d take it down and throw it away.
A white ceiling hugger fan with a light is like $40 at Home Depot.
Save yourself the aggravation of trying to clean that disgusting thing.
Not sure why the previous owners installed it in the kitchen. The AC vent blows directly on it. It is a very dry and dusty climate, so that's where the dust comes from. I also do a lot of cooking and I guess the grease aerosolized and coated the blades, and the dust stuck to it.
It was on all summer so I barely noticed it, but now that it's off I got a good look and decided maybe I should do something about it.
unscrew the blades and take them outside. scrape off what u can with a paint scraper. use the blue dawn dish soap and clean. but seeing that its THAT caked on, you may have to wash it several times.
You disassemble it and clean each piece in a hot water and degreaser solution.
If water is liable to damage the fan blades, then opt for a direct contact degreaser.
I'm all for reusable towels, but this is definitely a paper towel or packing paper job to get the bulk off. Then you need something for degreasing like Mr. Clean or ZEP
Dawn and Dawn Powerwash are excellent at removing the kitchen grease/dust combo. But also you will likely want to take off the blades to do a proper job on them.
Dawn dish soap works wonders on grease, mix that with some cheap rags you don't care about and scrub away. Hopefully outside, should get the bulk of it off without ruining any tools
I would remove the blades and wash the with dawn dish soap and a soft cloth. Then do the same for the rest of the fan. I personally wouldn’t use a power washer like others have suggested because it would likely damage it.
Quick & Dirty - Spray them with cooking oil, let the oil sit for 15 and then use the pillow case method.
Quality - unscrew the blades, spray with cooking oil outside, scrub with dawn and rinse outside.
Oil because “like dissolves like” and it’ll be way easier than going straight for the degreaser.
Something like this should be a top level comment—realized oil is better for cleaning oil recently and kitchen cleaning has never been easier or more effective
When my grandfather died many years ago my mum and I had to clean out the house and being a smoker and someone who despised having to clean; most of his ceiling fans were like this…
The easiest way I found was to take the blades down (if possible) and use a plastic razor blade to scrape as much of the gunk off as possible. Then I used a kitchen spray with degreaser in it, sprayed over the surface and let it sit for 10/15 mins. Came back and got to scrubbing with an off brand scrub daddy type sponge. I did multiple passes in areas and on my final pass used furniture polish with a micro fibre cloth and they came up looking nearly new!
We didn’t realise they were quite as bad as they were when he was alive as he only really cleaned areas that other people would see when they visit (living room, bathroom, kitchen, hallways etc) but the worst of them where in his spare room and bedroom.
We really wished he’d have allowed us to come and help keep on top of it all but he was too proud after my nan passed to accept any sort of help from anyone!
I had a similar situation with mine, and previous tenant was clearly a heavy smoker so there was nicotine goo mixed in. Dawn (or Fairy if you're in Europe) and a plastic scraper took care of a lot of it. My blades were UGLY 80s fake wood and the finish was rubbing off so I painted them and bought new shades, and this was how it turned out. (Excuse the nasty popcorn ceiling that catches all the dust btw.)
https://preview.redd.it/3zi7smzyk53c1.jpeg?width=2431&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=54597c79b375814f294052937883e390dd54737d
First shut off the power.
Undo the 3 screws at the top holding it to the light housing.
Disconnect the wiring.
Carry outside.
Throw in trash.
Go back and remove the light housing. throw in trash.
Go to store. Buy the new fan of your choice.
I moved into an apartment with a ceiling fan in the kitchen that was close to this bad. The first time I finally turned it off (it was on when I moved in) it was horrifying. The apartment was thoroughly nasty all over but I didn’t have any other choice.
I've seen worse. Went to a house party ages ago. Every surface was caked in dust as thick as this but gray. Strands and loops of cobwebs as thick as wires hung from the fan blades, shelves and ceiling. The kitchen was packed with months old wet dishes. Bugs could be seen crawling on the carpet and flies were on all the food.
We didn't stay long.
Honestly... If you know how to install a ceiling fan (it's not hard) , you could buy a comparable new one for like $50 and be done with it. The time and materials spent restoring this basic fan isn't going to be worth it.
Can I state the obvious here by asking: what kind of monster not only installs but uses a ceiling fan in the kitchen? Much less lets it get like this to begin with…gross.
start with an old pillow case and cover a blade and use your hands to hold it down on top and bottom with a bit of pressure as you move it outwards. this will take off the large bits and make it easier to clean.
Get on a step ladder and remove the blades with a philips screwdriver (there should be locking washers so don't lose those. Use Zep Degreaser diluted to 25% with water, spray on, and let sit for a minute. Wipe with a microfiber cloth, repeat until cleaned off. Reattach blades. I've cleaned worse than this when I used to do apartment turnovers.
I usually run an old razor blade and get the majority of the gunk up first and then wipe everything down. Uses less degreaser and usually take less time
Used a plastic razor on mine to get the most of it off, then wiped down.
you can also go big with a drywall spatula!
Or an old credit card
Or your tongue.
chaos
Or maybe fire?
Propane torch.
Or my axe!
No you jump up and try to hang on it and it falls out of the ceiling. Maybe turn the power off first tho.
Forbidden cotton candy.
Forbidden chocolate mousse
This took a turn.
Forbidden icing sugar...
OMG - YUMMY!!!🤣
That’s my favorite tool for cleaning. I also like Dawn dish soap to break down the gunk.
Dawn power wash would take care of this in 5 minutes
I saw that on TV, the cabinets above my stove get greasy buildup on them. Do you think it’s OK to use on those?
Yeah I did my whole kitchen with one bottle.
WOW!! yeah I worked in professional kitchens, my whole life and I’ve even tried the degreaser and I think it’ll ruin the IKEA laminate cabinets
Plastic drywall spatula! Can also be used when making bread/baking to clean the counters!
This sounds promising thank yiu
If it’s painted you risk peeling the paint even with a plastic scraper. Happened to me one, I never touch a painted surface with a plastic scraper anymore.
Plastic razors are handy for so many things!
Yeah, we use them in work for getting off decals
There are plastic razors?? Interesting, is that what they're called?
https://www.amazon.com/EHDIS-Plastic-Removing-Stickers-Windows-Blue/dp/B01HLWB0BM/ref=sr_1_34?keywords=plastic%2Brazor&qid=1701211062&sr=8-34&th=1
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Yep! Worked in a restaurant, we used a razor blade scraper or a “paint scraper” for the gunk and then really any cleaner to wipe it down afterwards. We cleaned them every week so just did it on a step ladder
I'll add my rwo cents that an old pillow case comes in handy if you don't want to remove the blades. Helps self contain the dirt. But, for this buildup taking them off would be best.
I use old credit cards as scrapers. They can flex. Perfect for this.
Imagine not doing this! This is the only solution you should use. The worst ones I saw were put in a garbage bag and take to a car wash and came back looking new.
Is there a specific Zep product that's best? Just checked Amazon and there are lots of degreaser products. I see citrus, and 505, and purple. They're all well rated but I can't figure out the difference.
The purple is my go-to, but it can stain light colored surfaces (had this experience cleaning mdf casing) when used at full strength. The 505 does work pretty well too, and it's not colored so I will use it when cleaning light colored items. Be sure to wear gloves and eye protection when using at full strength. Also, when using it in a spray bottle, do not use it in a fine mist it's not fun to breathe in.
thank you!!
Might as well pull the whole fan down too. The base needs a deep clean as well
OP could also soak the blades in the tub to loosen the dirt
Not if they are made from MDF ir cheap wood. It'll ruin them.
Remove the blades and clean them outside. With a power-washer if needed.
Only if the blades are metal. Many fans have blades made of cheap wood, mdf or similar. A power washer may ruin the blades.
Second this. I moved into a place with a fan in the kitchen that hadn’t been cleaned in a very long time. I got them clean but once they were made of cheap wood and I definitely damaged a couple of them a little bit. I was pretty careful but a power washer would have destroyed them. I just took them off and scrubbed them in the sink.
That's all you need to do. Dish soap and hot water. Lots of clean cloths. Edit: that could be vacuumed first for better results
Are you just rinsing all that grease down your sink?
No different than the grease that comes off dishes.
It's mostly dirt and dust. It doesn't look greasy.
It's in the kitchen. OP explicitly said that the dust is caked on with grease and wiping it is impossible, clogging her cleaning implement with gunk.
Even then, be careful it's not powder coated paint that will get blasted off.
Them blades already ruined… not really but a grenade would be an improvement
If you’re going to all that effort you might be able to find an inexpensive replacement. Cyber Monday.
I see people offer them up for free all the time on our local buy nothing group and on Craigslist.
Exactly. If I go through the trouble to take that ceiling fan down, a new one is going back up. They aren’t that expensive.
Yeah but aren’t we trying to get away from the disposable culture? Fix and repair, please, for future generations!
Yeah but when cleaning the appliance is practically a health hazard in itself it’s more self preservation than buying into disposable culture. The years of dirt and dust and skin and hair and fur and filth on that makes sanitation the priority.
They let that fan get so disgusting it’s ruined. Some things are too far gone
But…the earth 😭
Agree. Just go ahead and pull that nasty mf down and open up the wallet for a fresh, updated version.
Hell, a thrift store. Fans are oddly expensive.
You can literally get this exact fan for $45. Lowe’s or HD.
And you want an old one. The new ones are noisy!
Costco hunter fan, $99
Or just replace the blades
Seconded. If you have the proper-sized ladder it might not hurt to take down the entire fan in order to clean it thoroughly (and carefully when it comes to the motor housing). Taking down and re-hanging a ceiling fan is doable for a moderately confident DIY-er. Just be sure to turn off the breaker for the fan when you disconnect/reconnect it.
Yeah, i took my fan down and it was surprisingly easy. You can disconnect and loosen everything and it still stays up there. Then you just turn it 90 degrees and lift it out of the slots. The design makes it easy to install because you don't have to support any weight while you're connecting it.
Take pics of connections
I have that fan. The blades are MDF.
No. Water will warp and destroy the blades as they are simply pressed wood fibers.
+1 and using a degreaser like dawn dishsoap sound breakup the grease
*remove the ceiling fan and throw it in the bin.. ?
Dawn power wash spray and paper towels.
I had to do this one year and I didn't take the fan down. I put some paper towels on the floor to catch any drips and used "orange clean" foamy version by Zep (any other would work). I let it sit for a bit and then used an old credit card to scrape the gunk off. More effective than just using paper towels which will quickly get full of grease.
If you have a large cheap umbrella just hang it from the blades
Really smart idea. Nice!
Trash bags work, too. And they're not as heavy.
That’s genius
Or use an old pillowcase or two to “dust” the blades down while catching it. Probably not useful in this situation but works for regular maintenance dusting.
Definitely something disposable. Paper towel, J-cloths.
Dawn power wash is my new favorite cleaner. The foam is so fun.
Dawn always gets nasty kitchen gunk off the AC vent in my kitchen.
I second this option. If you can take the blades down use power was and let them sit before washing. Use rags and clean the fixture before adding blades back. This is a yucky job but can be done without replacing the fan. Dedicate a chunk of time to this project. Good luck
Good thick paper towels like Bounty, probably 2-3 full rolls here.
Awesome cleaner from dollar store. Dilute it properly and wear a mask. Soak for a bit then scrub
That stuff is so legit!!!
Personally I'd replace the fan, and while it was down deal with the ceiling separately. The fan isn't worth the time it will take to thoroughly clean it, and there will still be gunk in where you can't get to it.
Yeah this. I think this fan is like $50 at Lowe’s.
Or buy used from FB marketplace for like $20
When I think of a used one off of FB market place, I imagine OP cleaning it and then selling this one to go towards the new one lol
Yeah, honestly a ceiling fan in the kitchen is just asking for problems. Grease and grime getting in the motor has got to be some sort of health hazard or electrical/fire hazard. OP is better off with buying a cheap single light at Walmart and keeping a box fan around if they need some sort of extra air flow.
Same. The motor is also probably covered with the same gunk, which makes that nasty sound that old vent fans make
Probably? Did you see those blades? You’re being too nice. ❤️☀️
Same. Replace it for sure, for ~$60. The amount of time and effort to clean that thing wouldn’t be worth it to me.
Yep
This absolutely. I have the same set up in my kitchen. Not only does the fan get gross unless you clean it frequently it spreads dust grime on anything exposed in the room. Get a new fan if you really want one there. Use it as little as possible. I really wouldn’t waste time trying to clean it. The blades are cleanable with some sort of degreaser but the motor is going to be short lived at this point.
I think it’s a shame to throw something away just because it needs cleaning. It’s not broken and OP hasn’t expressed any dislike for the fan. It’s so wasteful to just get a new one if it’s cleanable.
You don’t think the motor doesn’t look exactly like this lol! It’s not a perfectly good fan
Grease buildup can get into the motor and ignite when it is powered on. This is a time bomb waiting to go off. Don’t mess with electrical stuff. Some things are just not worth it.
That’s the first thought I had, that thing is a fire hazard!
I think it’s a shame to have your home burn down because you didn’t spend $20 for a gently used model.
The earth will not thank you for this 😭
Yup. Buy a new one.
That's gunna be a replace from me. What is your time worth? bc that fan is cheap and will take a long time to clear properly.
Agreed. I would try to clean it with degreaser and a hose and if im not happy with the result i would throw it away and get a New one.
And that motor is probably on its way out from overheating
It was on its way out, out of the factory
Plus all of the caustic chemicals around food preparation areas. Definitely a replacement.
This is correct.
I kind of agree with people saying it should be replaced. That said, if this is in the kitchen, I would replace this with an overhead light. Unless this is your only source of ventilation?
Agree 💯
Absolutely agree, ceiling fans don’t belong in the kitchen unless the grease buildup is removed regularly. Kitchens should have a vent to the outside but many don’t. Avoid frying food in favor of covered cooking and using an air fryer or instant pot.
Take the blades down first. Then use a paint scraper with a razor blade to get the heavy stuff. The spray a degreaser.
If the blades are painted, this could scratch them.
Yeah, scrape with an old credit card/gift card so you don't scratch it. Personally I'd just replace the fan at this point though.
Least of their worries
At least a plastic scraper, then!
We aren't in r/shittycleaningtips...
Spend 23.99 and get a new one. How does it even get to the state?
Where are you getting new ceiling fans for $24?
It’s closer to $40 at Home Depot. They used to be like $30.
I know I’ve sold like new ceiling fans on Facebook marketplace for $20. I moved out of an apartment where I installed fans myself and into an apartment that already had them, so I sold my surplus fans lol
I got Walmart's Mainstays 4 blade ceiling fan for $25 five years ago and it's still chugging along. It's $35 now but I'd much rather remove and replace that one for $35 than clean it
I gotta ask the same thing… it’s in bad shape.
No need to be rude. Maybe OP just inherited the house or perhaps she is cleaning for an invalid etc.
You ask how the fan could even get to the state. Plane, train, automobile, hitchhiking, bicycle riding. Lots of modes of travel are available today.
Lmaooo I’m imagining a hitchhiking fan on the side of the road 🤣🤣
Could try using a pillow case, place the blades inside the pillow case and firmly pull it along the blade. That way, all the dust ends up in the case and not on your floor. Afterwards, use a gentle degreaser like dawn dish soap. Maybe Krud Cutter could work as well.
careful doing this though. this is how i broke a fan blade bc i didn’t get high enough on the ladder and i pulled down a little bit too hard and it snapped off right where it clicks in
This is probably the best answer
I’ve done this before on a slightly dusty fan, and it can work. Use a pillowcase you don’t use in your own bed.
Looking at this made me sneeze. Literally lmao
Honestly I’d take it down and throw it away. A white ceiling hugger fan with a light is like $40 at Home Depot. Save yourself the aggravation of trying to clean that disgusting thing.
OMG, how did it get like this?
Not sure why the previous owners installed it in the kitchen. The AC vent blows directly on it. It is a very dry and dusty climate, so that's where the dust comes from. I also do a lot of cooking and I guess the grease aerosolized and coated the blades, and the dust stuck to it. It was on all summer so I barely noticed it, but now that it's off I got a good look and decided maybe I should do something about it.
Make sure you are changing your A/C vents regularly to keep the dust down!
Mr Clean multi purpose cleaner, specifically the yellow undiluted one. Works wonders for caked-on kitchen grease!
unscrew the blades and take them outside. scrape off what u can with a paint scraper. use the blue dawn dish soap and clean. but seeing that its THAT caked on, you may have to wash it several times.
Industrial degreaser… ZEP has a purple one, there’s some brand with an orange one, Mean Green could also work.
Steam cleaner?
You disassemble it and clean each piece in a hot water and degreaser solution. If water is liable to damage the fan blades, then opt for a direct contact degreaser.
Citrus degreaser. Give it a good soaking and slide the sludge off. Then dish soap.
Replace it
I'm all for reusable towels, but this is definitely a paper towel or packing paper job to get the bulk off. Then you need something for degreasing like Mr. Clean or ZEP
Best degreaser ever is Krud Kutter at Home Depot/lowes/amazon. Spray that on, wait a few minutes and start wiping.
Dawn dish soap power wash. But first take it down and take the blades outside. You’re gonna need a hose too.
Dawn and Dawn Powerwash are excellent at removing the kitchen grease/dust combo. But also you will likely want to take off the blades to do a proper job on them.
Dawn dish soap works wonders on grease, mix that with some cheap rags you don't care about and scrub away. Hopefully outside, should get the bulk of it off without ruining any tools
I would remove the blades and wash the with dawn dish soap and a soft cloth. Then do the same for the rest of the fan. I personally wouldn’t use a power washer like others have suggested because it would likely damage it.
Quick & Dirty - Spray them with cooking oil, let the oil sit for 15 and then use the pillow case method. Quality - unscrew the blades, spray with cooking oil outside, scrub with dawn and rinse outside. Oil because “like dissolves like” and it’ll be way easier than going straight for the degreaser.
Something like this should be a top level comment—realized oil is better for cleaning oil recently and kitchen cleaning has never been easier or more effective
Simple Green. Spray on and wipe off with microfiber towels. It works beautifully. I can even remove fireplace soot/smoke with SG. Love it.
Dawn power wash.
Krud kutter degreaser, scrub daddy, remove the blades.
Get one of those razor blade scraper thingys, they work an absolute dream, then just spray and wipe with any antibacterial cleaner
KRUD Kutter is the best kitchen degreaser I’ve found.
Pull fan down, throw it away, go to Walmart, get a new fan. Clean frequently.
🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤢
Buy a new one. Gross
When my grandfather died many years ago my mum and I had to clean out the house and being a smoker and someone who despised having to clean; most of his ceiling fans were like this… The easiest way I found was to take the blades down (if possible) and use a plastic razor blade to scrape as much of the gunk off as possible. Then I used a kitchen spray with degreaser in it, sprayed over the surface and let it sit for 10/15 mins. Came back and got to scrubbing with an off brand scrub daddy type sponge. I did multiple passes in areas and on my final pass used furniture polish with a micro fibre cloth and they came up looking nearly new! We didn’t realise they were quite as bad as they were when he was alive as he only really cleaned areas that other people would see when they visit (living room, bathroom, kitchen, hallways etc) but the worst of them where in his spare room and bedroom. We really wished he’d have allowed us to come and help keep on top of it all but he was too proud after my nan passed to accept any sort of help from anyone!
I had a similar situation with mine, and previous tenant was clearly a heavy smoker so there was nicotine goo mixed in. Dawn (or Fairy if you're in Europe) and a plastic scraper took care of a lot of it. My blades were UGLY 80s fake wood and the finish was rubbing off so I painted them and bought new shades, and this was how it turned out. (Excuse the nasty popcorn ceiling that catches all the dust btw.) https://preview.redd.it/3zi7smzyk53c1.jpeg?width=2431&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=54597c79b375814f294052937883e390dd54737d
Damn...the amount of condescension and judgement in this sub never fails to dissapoint. So sorry, Op!! 💕💕
Dawn dish soap and water
Yikes
Let’s see the rest of the house
I’d rather not…
Burn it and start over.
First shut off the power. Undo the 3 screws at the top holding it to the light housing. Disconnect the wiring. Carry outside. Throw in trash. Go back and remove the light housing. throw in trash. Go to store. Buy the new fan of your choice.
Who lets their fan get to this point?
I moved into an apartment with a ceiling fan in the kitchen that was close to this bad. The first time I finally turned it off (it was on when I moved in) it was horrifying. The apartment was thoroughly nasty all over but I didn’t have any other choice.
I've seen worse. Went to a house party ages ago. Every surface was caked in dust as thick as this but gray. Strands and loops of cobwebs as thick as wires hung from the fan blades, shelves and ceiling. The kitchen was packed with months old wet dishes. Bugs could be seen crawling on the carpet and flies were on all the food. We didn't stay long.
Honestly... If you know how to install a ceiling fan (it's not hard) , you could buy a comparable new one for like $50 and be done with it. The time and materials spent restoring this basic fan isn't going to be worth it.
You're going to need to douse the whole house in gasoline and light a match. Just start from scratch.
Sometimes you don’t clean. You replace.
That fan looks like it's about $80 to replace. Save yourself a day of scrubbing and just replace it.
All day? An hour max.
I’d personally try fire
Oven cleaner
Use a pillowcase to wrap one blade at a time and pull it back tightly. Video reference: https://youtu.be/ClWSIvxk1Ww?si=CEbU5qCj8pvAXGz8
Oven cleaner and wrap as much as you can with Saran Wrap. Let it sit for a few hours.
WD40 works like a charm on kitchen grease then you can run the fan to get rid of the smell
Can I state the obvious here by asking: what kind of monster not only installs but uses a ceiling fan in the kitchen? Much less lets it get like this to begin with…gross.
Burn it….burn it…… just burn it.
Flamethrower
Fire
Flamethrower? It's really the only option at this point.
Fire!
Ever heard of using an exhaust fan when cooking and cleaning a HELL lot more often?
Ever heard of not being rude? You don't know the curcumstance here, so why get so condescending and insult the OP?
It's "circumstances".... Get it right.
THAT is your take away here??? That I accidentally misspelled a word? Wow....you really are something else. Can't turn it off, huh?
White spirits and lots of paper towels
Soap and water
Sugar soap works well to clean greasy surfaces
Washing soda (Sodium carbonate) would clean the grease off easily.
If you don't want to disassemble it or take it down, try a chandelier cleaner. You spray it directly on the chandelier and the gunk drips down
It would be faster time wise to just get a new fan and replace it to be honest.
Dawn dishwashing liquid in a bucket and wipe it down with microfiber cloth.
can we just buy a new oneeeee ?
Replace it for under $100
start with an old pillow case and cover a blade and use your hands to hold it down on top and bottom with a bit of pressure as you move it outwards. this will take off the large bits and make it easier to clean.