Chores 101: What’s the best way to dust?

Dusting is an important chore that helps keep your home clean and reduce particles and allergens. But are you doing it right? Here's the best way to dust your furniture and home properly to make sure it stays sparkling clean.

Gather necessary supplies

There are a few different supplies you’ll need beyond a dust rag. This may include a microfiber cloth, dusting spray, and a vacuum with a soft brush attachment. You might also want polish for any fine wood or metal surfaces.

Start from top to bottom

It's best to start from the highest point and work your way down. This prevents any dirt or debris from falling onto areas you've already cleaned.

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Use a microfiber cloth

Microfiber cloths are great because they attract and trap dust particles, rather than just pushing them around. Use a slightly dampened cloth for best results.

Invest in an electrostatic or long-handle duster

If you have ceiling fans or light fixtures, window blinds, or tall furniture, electrostatic dusters are super handy. They’re great for wiping anything out of reach and are a lot safer than tip-toeing on stools or climbing on furniture. 

Don't forget to vacuum

Vacuuming is an important step, especially if you have carpeted floors. Use a soft brush vacuum cleaner attachment to gently remove any remaining pet dander and debris from your furniture and floors.

Tips for efficient dusting

• Dust regularly to prevent build-up and lessen the amount of time you spend cleaning.

• Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to trap even smaller particles.

• Consider investing in an electrostatic duster for hard-to-reach areas like ceiling fans and blinds.

• Efficiently remove dust from the upper regions of your home, such as ceiling fans and light fixtures, make sure you're equipped with a long-handled tool like a microfiber duster. Its intricate weave is excellent at trapping dust microscopically, ensuring surfaces stay clean longer.

• Vacuum. For areas prone to accumulating pet dander and dust mites — think upholstered furniture and door frames — the use of a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter is highly recommended. This filter has the uncanny ability to prevent dust particles from reentering the room.

• Utilize the brush attachment to gently sweep over the fabric, as it can attract and trap dust without causing damage.

• Switch to a dry microfiber cloth when wiping down electronics; its softness makes it ideal for this job.

• For harder-to-reach areas, such as behind furniture and appliances, the various attachments on your vacuum can come into play to make sure you're not just moving dust around, but capturing it. 

• Even for the traditionalists among us who might prefer a feather duster, consider swapping to a slightly damp cloth or one of the specialized dusters designed to hold onto particles, which offer a more advantageous clean, especially in minimizing the potential for allergens in your living space.

Frequently asked questions about dusting

Q: How often should I dust my home?

A: It depends on your living situation, but generally once a week is recommended. If you have pets or allergies, more frequent wipe downs may be necessary.

Q: Do I need to use a specific type of dusting spray?

A: Any gentle cleaning solution or even just water can work. Avoid harsh chemicals that may damage your furniture.

Q: Is it necessary to move furniture when dusting?

A: It's not necessary, but moving furniture can help you reach hidden or neglected areas that may collect more dust.

Tips for preventing dust build-up

• Use an air purifier to help remove dust particles from the air.

• Keep windows closed on windy days to prevent outside dirt and debris from entering your home.

• Remove shoes before entering the house to avoid tracking in outdoor debris.

Dusting is an important part of maintaining a clean and healthy home. Not only does it remove built-up dust, but it also helps improve indoor air quality. By following these tips regularly, you can keep your home looking and feeling fresh.