Dust is a fact of life. The tiny particles coat every surface in a home eventually, more quickly in some areas of the country than in others. Rid your home of as much dust as possible with the best tools and techniques for the job.
Must-Have Tools for Efficient Dusting
To pick up the pollen, dirt, fibers, hair and skin cells, as well as the mites who feed on them, add these tools to your cleaning supplies:
1. Lambswool duster
Skip the old-fashioned feather dusters and opt for lambswool. Feathers aggravate allergies, and when they break can scratch surfaces. Lambswool does neither, and it contains lanolin that helps trap dust. Choose a duster that features a telescopic and bendable handle to get the most out of this tool. The length allows you to reach up high and down low—don’t forget to dust door frames and baseboards! — and the bendable feature helps you clean the tops of appliances and cabinets as well as ceiling fans.
Tip: Keep your lambswool duster in top shape by shaking it out after use and washing it with warm water and mild soap when it gets dingy.
2. Microfiber cloths
Microfiber is one of Molly Maid’s favorite dusting tools! These cloths work well for surfaces you can easily reach like coffee tables, side tables, furniture, etc. Microfiber doesn’t stir up dust and it traps it. You can dampen a microfiber cloth for dirtier surfaces, too.
Tip: Opt for the washable kind for both eco-friendly and economical reasons, but skip the fabric softener when drying to avoid transferring residue to your furniture.
3. Duster vacuum
If you or someone in the home has severe allergies, consider investing in this small appliance. It combines a duster, typically lambswool, with a vacuum to capture even the finest dust particles via a HEPA filter. And because the dust goes into a chamber, you can work your way through the entire house without having to shake out or rinse along the way.
Tip: Empty the chamber regularly to keep suction at its best.
4. Compressed air
To rid small, tight spaces of dust, such as keyboards and various crevices, arm yourself with a can of compressed air. It will push out the particles, which you can then capture with a microfiber cloth.
Tip: Purchase cans in bulk. After all, the dust in your life will be never-ending.
Tips on How to Dust Efficiently
When dusting a room, always work left-to-right, top-to-bottom. Start with any trim, the tops of cabinets and appliances, and ceiling fans. Since you will get there eventually, don’t stress about any falling dust. When dusting ceiling fans over a bed, however, place newspaper to catch it or remove any bedding you don’t plan on washing immediately, such as your bedspread.
Work your way down in the room, remembering to dust vertical surfaces. The shade and pole of your floor lamp get dusty just like the base. The same top-to-bottom approach applies to furniture as well.
When dusting window blinds, whether horizontal or vertical, remember to get both sides. Blinds with the dreaded stuck-on dust from too much humidity in the air can be taken down and soaked in warm, soapy water for the quickest clean.
Finally, one of the best ways to effectively dust your home is to have less dust to remove. You can cut down on the amount by keeping mats inside and outside every exterior door and by weatherproofing around both doors and windows. You also need to regularly change the air filters on your heating and cooling system and to get the ductwork in your home cleaned when needed by a professional.
For your home cleaning needs, call the professionals at Molly Maid. Each maid services team comprises insured, licensed and uniformed housekeepers who are regularly supervised. Click here to request service in your area.
