Dust Effectively: Pro Techniques to Make It Last
Do you feel like dust comes back 5 minutes after cleaning? Maybe you're not doing it in the right order.
Recommended Materials
- Microfiber cloths
- Telescopic duster
- Vacuum cleaner
- White vinegar + water + oil (homemade spray)
Steps to follow
Step 1
The golden rule: always work from TOP to BOTTOM. Dust falls by gravity. If you vacuum before dusting the furniture, everything will fall back onto your clean floor within the hour.
Step 2
Start with ceiling lights, tops of cabinets, fan blades, and door frames with a telescopic duster or a stepladder and a microfiber cloth.
Step 3
Then do the furniture, knick-knacks, screens. Use a slightly damp microfiber cloth (water or product). A dry cloth moves dust around (it flies and settles further away), a damp cloth captures it and keeps it trapped.
Step 4
Don't forget hidden areas: baseboards, behind radiators (use a bottle brush), electrical outlets, and ventilation grilles.
Step 5
Don't forget textiles: curtains, cushions, and throws are the biggest producers of dust (fibers). Put them in the dryer on 'air fluff' mode for 10 minutes to suck out the dust they contain, or shake them vigorously outside.
Step 6
Finish by vacuuming the floor, airing the room wide open to create a draft that will evacuate fine suspended particles.
Step 7
Homemade anti-static tip: prepare a spray with water, a little white vinegar, and a drop of olive oil (or glycerin). Spray on your cloth (not on the furniture). This mixture nourishes surfaces and creates an anti-static film that prevents dust from resettling too quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are ostrich feather dusters effective ?
Yes, for fragile objects and knick-knacks, because they capture dust by static electricity without breaking anything. But you have to shake them outside very regularly to discharge them.
Why do I have so much dust ?
Dust is made up of textile fibers, dead skin, pet hair, and outdoor pollution. Ventilate often, brush your pets outside, and limit rugs if you are allergic.
Precautions
- Do not use a duster on hot electronic devices.
- Wash microfibers without fabric softener (which clogs the fibers).
