It’s rarely anyone’s favorite job, but dusting is always at the top of any household cleaning to-do list. This is because, with so much dust present in the environment, dust can accumulate on surfaces at an alarming rate and requires regular attention. The dust itself is a mixture of tiny particles, including plant pollen, human and animal hair, textiles and paper fibers, human skin cells, and even burnt meteorite particles! No wonder we love to get rid of it.
A dust-free home makes for a more comfortable stay, especially for those with allergies, but dusting is more than just gently wiping it with a cloth. In fact, poor dusting techniques or the wrong equipment can actually sabotage your efforts to clean up dust. Read general dusting recommendations and expert tips and enjoy a clean-free home for longer.
Start at the Top from Top to Bottom
Work: Handle ceilings, mirror rails, and high shelves first, then floors. A vacuum cleaner with a long hose and multiple attachments is the most effective tool because it can suck up dust before it settles on the furniture underneath.
For really high places, be prepared to climb out of the ladder once in a while. Instead of dangerously balancing a vacuum cleaner on it, find a beautiful, flexible vacuum cleaner that is within reach. This goes into an awkward, tight space, and dust gets trapped on the plush sleeve.
If the nozzle of the vacuum cleaner does not fit in a narrow space, such as a sliding door track, try sliding a paper towel roll over the cardboard tube. You can crush, fold, and shape it to handle tricky spaces.
Invest in the Right Tools
It is very important to use the correct form of dust collector. The feather design only moves the dust particles, sends them into the air, and lands them again as soon as you’re done cleaning. You want to capture the dust, not simply relocate it! So, use a microfiber or electrostatic precipitator, which can adsorb particles. Make sure to wash or replace it as soon as it’s dirty.
Do Not Dry
In addition to using a suitable cloth, dry dusting should also be avoided. When dust dries, it easily spreads into the air, making it more difficult to capture. Spray dust removal spray or polish on dusters and cloths, or even spray a fine mist of water for more effective cleaning and better results. Use with caution to avoid smearing marks.
If you’re using furniture polish, be sure to spray it on a duster as well, rather than directly on furniture, as this can result in a thick and uneven build-up of polish that is difficult to wipe off.
Give Your Vacuum Filter a New Look
The filter on the vacuum cleaner is designed to capture the fine dust and particles that the machine inhales. A clogged filter may not be able to capture this dust and may even blow it back into the air. Therefore, the filter should be replaced or cleaned as often as recommended by the model manufacturer.
Display Items
Showcasing beautiful items can really elevate a room, but each individual item can collect dust. Remove items from the shelves from time to time, wipe the dust off the shelves with a microfiber cloth, and carefully wipe down each item. To remove dust from tiny and complex corners, use a clean, natural bristle brush or makeup brush and wipe it off.
Organize Your Stuffed Animals
Some teddy bears and stuffed animals can be machine washed, but you can also put a not-so-large toy in a large plastic bag with a cup of baking soda. Secure the top, then bring it outside and shake well. Baking soda and static electricity suck out dust.
Remove each plush animal one by one. Shake thoroughly so that the baking soda cubes come off, then vacuum any large soft toys that won’t be sucked up by the nozzle. Small toys may benefit from a medium-hard brush.
Blinds Doubled
Removing dust from the individual slats on the blinds is a difficult task. Using kitchen tongs can make it a little easier. Secure the microfiber duster to each tip with a rubber band, then close the pliers, grasp the slats, and simply pull through. In this way, both sides of the slats are thoroughly cleaned.
For the less technical version, you can use the old sports sock as a sock puppet cleaning glove and make sure to rinse it with a detergent solution when you use it.
Be Kind to Your Tech Devices
TVs, Wi-Fi routers, DVD players, printers, and computers are all real dust magnets, but keeping them dust-free is essential for them to run well.
Unplug the appliance before cleaning and gently wipe it with a microfiber cloth. Next, be sure to remove dust and pet hair from around the wires and vents, as they can clog the machine.
Give the Vents a New Look
Window vents and bathroom fans are also prone to dust, and you don’t want them to circulate fresh air mixed with dust. This can be avoided by using a paintbrush to clean the vents. If the fan gets noisy, you may need to do a deeper cleaning as there may be dust inside the motor.
After disconnecting the fan power, you can remove the cover and use a cotton swab to remove the deep dust. If dust starts to turn into greasy dirt, wipe the blades with a damp cloth and an all-purpose cleaner or window cleaner, then wash the lid with soapy water.