I don't want to remove it, as I don't own my apartment. I just want to clean all the dirt near the ceiling fan.

I dont want to remove it, as I don't own my apartment. I just want to clean all the dirt near the ceiling fan.
Fast simple and cheep - go to harware store buy a can of ceiling "stain blocker" paint and spray paint it white again. It's a lazy way, but I did it 3-4 years ago, still looks good

You could use a vacuum cleaner attachment that has a soft brush on it and suck all the dirt off the ceiling that way. Ceiling fans are notorious for throwing dirt on popcorn ceilings. They sure hold the dirt.

I agree with both poster, just can't give Twink another greenie until I pass out a few more. Clean the ceiling before you think of painting, it may not need the paint after a good vac. If it still looks dingy then and light spray of something like Zinsser Bulls Eye 123 will work wonders. Sealer - Bulls Eye Sealer (http://www.zinsser.com/product_detail.asp?ProductID=11)

Dude... Just paint it black... Works great unless you live in an area that has white dirt!!

Seriously, the clean and paint option is good. If the dirt is from the air vents, you can buy clear, magnetic, plastic deflectors to attach to the vents to prevent it in future.