Answer:
DO NOT DISASSEMBLE THIS FAN! did it and it took me forever to get it together and I had parts left over, too many springs and screws and caps. And it is a bear to get the handles back in place ( thank God for duck tape.) To clean it: take it outside and use large paint brushes, one sift to get the dust balls out, one with stiff bristles to get dirt off best as you can- it will not come all off 100%. Also if you have extension cord take it out to patio or backyard, turn it on, use the brushes , standing to the side, as the junk blows forward. I love this fan and will get another from QVC next spring; it's almost as efficient as my a/c.