Oh my, that is one sad looking fan.

Out of curiousity I tried googling that 'tip' with HGTV and even searched their site and could find nothing suggesting what your hubby did. Is he sure he didn't hear them say to do that with PLASTIC regular fan blades? Those I could see being able to put in the dishwasher, but not anything wood like.

I hope your fan still works after that 'cleaning' treatment. lol