There is no doubt dusting is one of the most troublesome types of housework. And because it never seems as urgent as other chores, it’s far too easy to put off. Yet the dust that collects in your house really does build up over time, and because any passing draft will push it into the air, it can also be bad for your health. If you choose the right method, however, you shouldn’t have a coughing fit in the middle of dusting. Take a look at our mini-guide!
Let’s start with the cupboards! It’s entirely possible you haven’t even seen the top of your furniture for the most of the year. Which means there may well be a nice thick layer of dust waiting for you. Take a large, fairly damp sponge and firmly wipe off the bulk of the dust. Once you have removed most of the dust and can actually see the original color of the furniture, now’s the time to use a large, damp microfiber cloth to get rid of the remaining dust. Microfibers are extremely densely woven, which means they cling very close to the surface and pick up every single grain of dust. If the cloth hasn’t already turned gray from all the wiping, you can use it to apply the finishing touches. Wipe a microfiber cloth over the entire surface to add a bit of shine and help preserve the surface.
Curtain rails are another household boogie monster. The main reason they terrifies us is probably the fact you need a step-ladder to reach them. So if you’re already at the top of the ladder, take a deep breath: the worst is over. Use a damp BONUS Brilliant sponge scourer to start removing the dust with small movements, paying attention to even the tiniest nooks and crannies. You should forget about cloths here – they’ll only get caught in the clips. In all likelihood, you will have to rinse out the scourer a few times as you work. But keep going, your curtain rail will be shining bright by the last round! If necessary, you can wipe it with a soft, dry microfiber cloth to finish off and enjoy the results of our work.
As you’re already by the windows, why stop with the rail? There’s a good chance the windowsill could also do with a little dusting. In this case, it’s better to use a sponge cloth that is thoroughly damp and well rinsed. It picks up the dust with a single swipe, though don’t be surprised if the cloth ends up nearly black from all the dirt. Repeat until it’s completely clean, then use a dry microfiber cloth for a perfect finish. Or better yet, just open the window and let it dry naturally!
Now you’re in the dusting mood, don’t leave out any screens in the house either, especially the television. These are the most sensitive surfaces, which is why it’s essential to use a high-quality microfiber cloth, slightly damp and with no cleaning agents. Wipe the dust down, but don’t wait for the moisture left by the damp cloth to dry on its own. You need to immediately grab a dry microfiber cloth and wipe it dry. This will prevent you from being left with ugly streaks on the black surface.
Finally, the trickiest dusting task, a favorite activity of true black-belt dusting masters: book dusting! First, take all the books off the shelves and take them outside: this is a vital step. Forget damp cloths, you’ll need a completely dry microfiber cloth for this job. Wipe the accumulated dust off the edges of the books with small, sharp sweeping movements to ensure the cloth doesn’t get caught between the pages. If you do a good job, the amount of dust in the air will be clear proof that your work was not useless.
