How to Service a Ceiling Fan

Maintenance

• 1

  Clean dust and dirt from the ceiling fan's blades at least once a year, or as needed. Clean the blades with a rag or a brush. Ceiling fan brushes can be found at home improvement stores.

• 2

  Tighten any loose screws on the fan, or the screws that attach the fan to the plate on the ceiling. Many ceiling fans have light fixtures. Tighten the screws on the light fixtures as well.

• 3

  Check to see if the fan requires oil. Many ceiling fans are maintenance-free and lubricate themselves. Others require periodic lubrication. Turn the fan off and find the oil hole above the motor. Add light machine oil until it flows over the top of the hole. Remove excess oil with a rag.

• 4

  Look at the ceiling fan to see if it wobbles or shakes. The middle of the fan should be nearly completely still while the fan is in operation. If the fan wobbles or spins, it may need to be balanced. You can balance a fan with a fan balancing kit. Fans that wobble and shake may also have a damaged blade. Look to see if any of the blades are missing a piece, or appear bent. Fan blades can also become warped. Remove all the blades and place them on top of each other. Look to see if one blade does not evenly fit on top of the others.

• 5

  Check the manual of your ceiling fan to see if any special maintenance steps are recommended.