The Ultimate Guide to Dusting

If there’s one chore I hate, it’s dusting. It seems like no matter how hard you go at it, the dust just continues to pile up. Once Springtime hits and all the windows are open, the problem just gets that much worse. Fortunately, there are some ways to make dusting a lot easier.

Stop the problem before it gets out of control

The longer you wait between dusting, the harder the job is going to be. I’ve had to learn that the hard way, so now I do everything I can to stop the dust from piling up in the first place. Sweep all your hardwood or tile floors a few times a week to keep the loose dust from clumping together in hard to reach places, and shake out any rugs a few times a month. If you have carpets, vacuum at least twice per week to nip those dust bunnies before they have a chance to spread.

Work from high to low

The general rule with housekeeping is that you start high and work your way down to the floor. Dusting is no different; dust off shelves, ceiling fans, and door frames first, then dust the tables and counters. Finally, give the floor a good sweep to nab any particles that fell to the floor.

Dust with a Paint Brush

For surfaces that aren’t flat blinds, picture frames, books, lampshades, chairs use a clean paintbrush. The harder bristles reach into those tiny nooks and crannies that your regular duster normally can’t reach.

Use a Microfibre Duster

Feather dusters may seem classy, but they’re outdated for a reason. Feather’s don’t pull up the dust, and instead, just brush it around to another place. Modern dusters are made of microfibre which picks up the dust. For your windows and wood surfaces, use a cotton cloth as your dusting rag. They don’t streak the wood or leave behind residue like polyester cloths.

You can buy Microfibre Duster’s like these at Catch 

Close off the Dust Entry Points

Even if you don’t close all your doors and windows, you can at least pay special attention to cleaning these entry points.

Tumble Dry Your Bedding

If your bed linen is really dusty no matter how much you clean, use the dryer. Dust can easily build upon bedclothes, pillows, and stuffed animals and be nearly impossible to clear away. Toss them into the dryer on low heat for about 15 minutes. The dust should fall away into the lint trap and leave everything else clean and warm.

Take Your Shoes Off

Finally, make everyone take their shoes off when they come into the house. The majority of the dust in your house doesn’t get blown in by the wind, you bring it in!

Have you got any dusting secrets? Something to lighten the workload perhaps?