Clean your ceiling fans about once a month to limit dust buildup. "The blowing of air one way draws air, dust, and other floating particles into the fan from the opposite direction," says Latoya ...

Soft-bristled brush or toothbrush. Helpful for tackling stubborn dirt or grime in hard-to-reach areas. Dry microfiber cloth or paper towel. Use for drying the fan blades and any excess moisture.

Consider your ceiling’s material and texture before you dive into this cleaning procedure. If you have smooth, painted drywall ceilings, the stain should be fairly easy to remove. If you have textured ...