If the Oxford Dictionary definition of dust (a dry powder made up of “tiny particles of earth or waste matter”) isn’t enough to make you toss aside all disdain for your dust rag, maybe a few helpful tips for the best ways to get rid of the buildup will help push you in the right direction.
According to Live Science, the dust in most households is composed mainly of dirt, animal dander, insect waste and sand, plus a few human skills cells to finish it off. If you’re itching to give that dust a not-so-fond farewell, keep these tips in mind.
1. Dust your blinds in a pinch
If you have a pair of tongs, grab them. If not, you’ll want to go buy some stat! Use rubber bands to secure a rag around each tong arm. Then pinch around each slat in your blinds and wipe away dust!
If you have a pair of tongs, grab them. If not, you’ll want to go buy some stat! Use rubber bands to secure a rag around each tong arm. Then pinch around each slat in your blinds and wipe away dust!
ONE CRAZY HOUSE
2. Dust on your own schedule
If family members suffer from allergies, you might need to dust more often. The Spruce recommends dusting furniture and electronics once a week; this helps electronics run better. Out-of-sight places like door frames and the tops of picture frames might need a dusting only once a month or so.
If family members suffer from allergies, you might need to dust more often. The Spruce recommends dusting furniture and electronics once a week; this helps electronics run better. Out-of-sight places like door frames and the tops of picture frames might need a dusting only once a month or so.
3. Use fabric softener on your TV
Extend the time between dustings by using dryer sheets instead of a cloth. The sheets reduce static cling (like they do for your clothes) and make it a little tougher for the dust to stick. Get the same results by dipping a cloth in liquid fabric softener and wiping down the TV screens.
Extend the time between dustings by using dryer sheets instead of a cloth. The sheets reduce static cling (like they do for your clothes) and make it a little tougher for the dust to stick. Get the same results by dipping a cloth in liquid fabric softener and wiping down the TV screens.
4. Give your air vents a thorough buff
After removing the vents, wash them with soap and water. Thoroughly dry them, then use a bit of car wax to coat the entire air vent. Buff the air vent before reattaching. The wax makes it easier to clean and keeps dust from building up so quickly.
After removing the vents, wash them with soap and water. Thoroughly dry them, then use a bit of car wax to coat the entire air vent. Buff the air vent before reattaching. The wax makes it easier to clean and keeps dust from building up so quickly.
5. Paint with bread
Worried about ruining your artwork? Snag a piece of soft white bread and use it to gently remove dust from a painting. Then use a soft paintbrush to remove the breadcrumbs, The Brick House recommends.
Worried about ruining your artwork? Snag a piece of soft white bread and use it to gently remove dust from a painting. Then use a soft paintbrush to remove the breadcrumbs, The Brick House recommends.
MORGAN SATTERFIELD
6. Light it up
Lightbulbs are not immune to gathering dust. Use a bit of rubbing alcohol and a soft cloth to remove the dust and clean your bulbs for a brighter glow.
Lightbulbs are not immune to gathering dust. Use a bit of rubbing alcohol and a soft cloth to remove the dust and clean your bulbs for a brighter glow.
7. Remove dust from indoor plants
Your beautiful greenery shouldn’t be buried under a layer of dust. Use the softest toothbrush you can find with a little water to gently remove the dust from the leaves of your indoor plants.
Your beautiful greenery shouldn’t be buried under a layer of dust. Use the softest toothbrush you can find with a little water to gently remove the dust from the leaves of your indoor plants.
THE KRAZY KOUPON LADY
8. Filter it out
That fan setting on your air conditioner has a purpose! Before you start dusting, switch your air conditioner fan to “on.” The fan helps pull dust particles from the air into the air filter.
That fan setting on your air conditioner has a purpose! Before you start dusting, switch your air conditioner fan to “on.” The fan helps pull dust particles from the air into the air filter.
9. Clean your lampshades
Lampshades might seem impossible to dust, but the solution is easier than you think! All you need is a lint roller. Apply the lint roller to the shade, and watch the dust just disappear.
Lampshades might seem impossible to dust, but the solution is easier than you think! All you need is a lint roller. Apply the lint roller to the shade, and watch the dust just disappear.
10. Prevent dust spatter
If you feel like you need to wear a mask every time you tackle the dust bunnies, dip your dust rag (or mop) in a mixture of 2 cups water and 1/4 cup lemon oil. Allow the rag to dry completely before using.
If you feel like you need to wear a mask every time you tackle the dust bunnies, dip your dust rag (or mop) in a mixture of 2 cups water and 1/4 cup lemon oil. Allow the rag to dry completely before using.
Do you have any dusting tips? Share this with your friends on Facebook and help save their homes from the invasion of the dust bunnies (aka bug waste and dead skin cells…).
RESOURCES LIVE SCIENCE, THE SPRUCE, AND THE BRICK HOUSE
