If you find that the tiny particles of dirt, skin cells, mites, plastic, and other somewhat unpleasant elements that constitute the dust in your home seem to increase regardless of how often you clean, you might be making one or more of these common dusting mistakes. Using improper tools or methods, neglecting areas where dust collects, and overlooking unseen high and low spots can all undermine your best cleaning efforts. The accumulated dust in your home can transform into dust bunnies resembling tumbleweeds and can worsen allergies and indoor air quality. Below, we have gathered insights from cleaning experts on the most common dusting errors.
Meet Our Expert:
– Marla Mock, president of Molly Maid, a Neighborly company
– Jena Touray, from the Boston-based cleaning service The Maids
You’re not dusting in the correct sequence:
When tackling any room, it is best to start from the top and work your way down. According to Marla Mock, president of Molly Maid, beginning at higher points allows the dirt to fall to the floor, where you can easily vacuum it up. Jena Touray from The Maids also suggests working from left to right, starting from the left of the doorway. This method ensures a thorough cleaning job.
You’re using the wrong tools:
To prevent dust from reappearing, it is essential to have the right tools. Mock recommends using a clean, slightly damp microfiber cloth misted with water from a spray bottle. The cloth should be damp enough to pick up dust without leaving streaks. Touray advises applying the same technique for dusting sprays, recommending spraying or applying the product directly onto a cloth to avoid overuse and simplify cleanup. Additionally, Mock suggests using a dust mop with a synthetic or cotton cover for tight spaces and a small paintbrush to reach intricate grooves.
You’re using the wrong technique:
If your dust cloth is crumpled, you may miss collecting all the dust. Touray suggests neatly folding the cloth to keep it flat for better control and a more effective clean. Work in horizontal strokes, ensuring the cloth stays in contact with the surface. Avoid flicking the cloth, as this can release dust back into the air.
You’re focusing on dust at eye level only:
While visible dust on furniture may prompt you to start dusting, reducing overall dust levels requires attention to higher spaces as well. Areas such as ceiling fan blades, light fixtures, and tops of cabinets can accumulate significant dust that contributes to overall indoor air quality.
“Corners, ceiling fans, cathedral ceilings, and tops of doorways tend to accumulate a significant amount of dust due to their hard-to-reach nature, making them often overlooked in daily cleaning routines,” notes Mock. To effectively combat dust buildup, focus on areas like doorframes, light switches, baseboards, and light fixtures when dusting. Even seemingly inconspicuous spaces play a role in overall dust accumulation, so be sure to pay attention to small areas such as slatted doors, windows, telephone and keyboard keys, and intricately carved furniture by using a dampened paintbrush for thorough cleaning.
When dusting shelves and objects, take the time to wipe down each item and the area beneath it to prevent dust from settling. Utilize dryer sheets to effectively clean screens, and employ a lint roller for tackling dust on lampshades. Don’t forget about the dust that lurks underneath large furniture and appliances either. Mock advises, “Dust tends to gather under, around, and behind most appliances, so periodically moving them to clean these hidden spots is beneficial.” Similarly, make it a point to address the dust accumulation under your bed, piano, and sofas to maintain a dust-free environment.
Consistency is key in managing dust levels within your home. While daily dusting isn’t necessary, establishing a regular cleaning schedule that includes vacuuming and surface wiping can significantly reduce dust. Mock suggests using dryer sheets to repel static and prevent dust from settling on window blinds and baseboards. Additionally, overlooking the maintenance of windows, frames, blinds, and curtain rods can lead to increased dust circulation throughout the home. Properly dusting Venetian blinds involves closing the slats, dusting, reversing the slats, and dusting again to ensure thorough cleaning. Moreover, leaky windows and doors can introduce external dust particles into your living space, emphasizing the importance of checking for potential sources of infiltration to minimize dust accumulation.
In addition to regular cleaning routines, addressing air filters and bedding can also aid in managing dust levels. Mock recommends changing air filters every three to six months in a pet-free household and every two months in homes with pets or allergy sufferers. Maintaining clean bedding by washing it weekly can significantly reduce dust levels as well. By incorporating these practices into your cleaning regimen, you can effectively combat dust buildup and create a healthier living environment.
This article originally appeared on Martha Stewart.”
