How-to: Caring for Your Round Fan to Keep It Beautiful for 30 Years

Answer: Round fan care comes down to "three protections and one storage" — protect against moisture, sunlight and pests, and store it correctly.

Four Daily Care Steps

1. Protect Against Moisture (Most Important)

Silk surfaces and bamboo ribs fear humidity most. A damp environment causes:

  • Mildew and staining on the silk surface
  • Warping and cracking of the bamboo ribs
  • Loosening at the glued joints

    • What to do: Store the fan in a sealed fan box with a desiccant pack inside. Keep it away from bathrooms and kitchens.

    2. Protect Against Sunlight

    Prolonged direct sunlight fades and embrittles the silk surface. The pigments on a hand-painted fan also discolor under UV. What to do: Store the fan away from window light. If you display it on a wall, choose a spot with no direct sunlight.

    3. Protect Against Pests

    Natural materials (bamboo, wood, silk) attract insects. Bamboo ribs especially cannot be repaired once infested. What to do: Place a natural repellent (camphor or dried lavender) in the fan box and replace it every six months. Never apply chemical insecticide directly to the fan.

    4. Store Correctly

  • Wall display: use a dedicated fan stand; never hang the fan by a nail through the handle
  • Putting away: lay it flat in a fan box; don't stack heavy items on top
  • Long-term storage: wrap the surface in acid-free tissue and seal in a box
  • Transport: use a rigid fan box with soft cloth filling for shock absorption

    • Cleaning Notes

  • Dust the surface with a soft brush; never wipe with a damp cloth
  • Never wash a hand-painted surface with water
  • Wipe bamboo ribs with a dry cotton cloth only
  • Leave professional restoration to an artisan who knows round fans

    • In one sentence: a round fan fears moisture, sunlight and pests — a sealed box plus desiccant plus shade keeps it with you for thirty years.