Work Top-Down “If you start cleaning on the ground, you'll stir up dust rather than get rid of it,” says New York City pro home stager Tori Toth. That's why the best way to blast it is by vacuuming your ceiling and walls once a month. Work your way toward the floor using the dust-brush tool.
A feather duster may be fun to use or look fancy but for serious dusting, use a microfiber cloth. Microfiber cloths literally grab dust, are super absorbent, streak-free and don't leave lint or dust behind.
Should you dust with a damp cloth? We at Castle Keepers find dusting with a plain, slightly damp microfiber cloth the best way to remove dust from the home, much superior to dusting with oils or sprays. “Damp dusting” is also much easier than dry dusting and more effective because it catches more dust.
When dusting a room or an object, always start at the top and work your way down so you won't have dust resettle on a freshly cleaned area. Dust first, then vacuum a room to capture all that has fallen to the floor. Close windows and turn off fans while dusting to prevent the particles from scattering.
All you need is vinegar, olive oil, and a touch of soap to recreate my grandmother's dust-repellant spray recipe. The coating the spray leaves helps more dust propel off surfaces and onto the floor, which means you'll have to clean those hard to dust places a little less.
The dust that enters the air can settle in the smallest or most awkward-to-access places, which is why most cleaning professionals always recommend that you dust before you vacuum to help you capture as much as possible. Dusting first is essential if it has been a considerable time since you last dusted.
Open doors and windows can let dust creep indoors. The best solution is to seal windows and doors and any other cracks and crevices that are possible dust entryways. Dust also hides in cloth and clutter. Regular washing of carpets, textiles, stuffed animals, garages, and attics can go a long way.
Avoid scratching your furniture by dusting with a microfiber cloth or other soft cloth rather than a paper towel's rough surface. That roughness also makes paper towels a no-no when cleaning TV screens and camera lenses. Use a dampened microfiber cloth instead.
All Purpose and Multi-Surface Cloths are generally what comes to mind when you think of a microfiber towel. Just like the name indicates, they're good for all purposes and safe for any surface. They have a traditional terry type weave and plenty of surface area for dry dusting, wiping up spills, and general cleaning.
When it comes to cleaning, microfiber towels reign supreme. These multi-use cloths are not only more absorbent than traditional towels made with cotton, but they're significantly more effective at picking up dirt and bacteria.
Unfortunately, keeping your windows open will not reduce the amount of dust in your home; in fact, doing this could increase it.
A nice damp mopping is another great way to get rid of 90 percent of the dust in your home. All you need is tap water to dampen a rag or mop that can capture dust. You can then throw that dirty water down the drain when you're done with the mopping.
But since dust is always naturally accumulating how often should you actually be dusting in order to keep your home healthy? In order to keep your home's air quality top notch, you should be dusting at least every other week, if not weekly.
For example, bedrooms and home offices should be vacuumed weekly. Areas with high traffic, such as the kitchen, living room, and children's playrooms, should be cleaned at least twice a week.
Spills and trash get taken care of on an as-needed basis every day or two. Vacuuming and mopping should happen at least once a week. Clean carpets every three to six months. Living rooms and bedrooms should be attacked at least once a week.
(It can take more than two hours for the dust to settle after a thorough cleaning—so, if possible, clean when the allergic patient is away, and avoid cleaning the bedroom of an allergic person at night.) Use “mite-proof” cases on your mattresses and pillows.
Make this your new dusting mantra: clean high before you clean low. By starting at the top and working your way down, you'll avoid having dust resettle on a freshly cleaned area. After you've dusted, use your HEPA vacuum to capture all the dust particles that have fallen to the floor.
Lamp shades and light bulbs. Just like the ceiling fans, lamp shades and light bulbs attract more dust than other surfaces and areas at home. Dim, dusty light bulbs are also huge energy wasters.
Vinegar. White distilled vinegar is a great (and inexpensive) solution to get rid of dust. Because the vinegar cuts through grease and grime, it can also help to naturally lift off more dust. Plus, vinegar adds disinfecting benefits to the surface that you sprayed it on.
All you need is vinegar, olive oil, and a touch of soap to recreate my grandmother's dust-repellant spray recipe. The coating the spray leaves helps more dust propel off surfaces and onto the floor, which means you'll have to clean those hard to dust places a little less.