We've been fairly vigilant about dusting every week, although it seems as though the latest in dusting equipment (coughcoughSwiffercoughcough) doesn't seem to do much except move the dust around after the first five minutes. But before we put all the blame on equipment, we found some handy tips to cut back on dust collecting in our home in the first place...
[ Photo from Teresia's Flickr ]
These tips are from Sarah Aguirre at About.com:
Use Entrance Mats: Prevent dust by using two entrance mats at each entrance. One just outside the door, and one just inside the door will reduce the amount of dust, dirt, and debris that enters your home.
Change Air Filters: Check and maintain your air filters to make sure they are functioning properly. Air filters will last between 1-3 months, but should be changed as they become clogged with dirt and debris.
Brush Pets: Brush your pets often to reduce shedding from your favorite pet. Pet owners will see that much of their dust and debris can come from their pets. Brushing not only gives you quality time with your pet, but reduces the amount of dander and shedding that you end up dusting away.
Keep Windows Closed: By keeping windows closed, you'll prevent dust and debris from blowing into your home. Double check your window and door weatherstripping to make sure it is still functioning properly.
Choose Good Tools: There are a ton of dusting products on the market, but each one has its own set of pros and cons. Use the right dusting tool for your jobs.
Use Slipcovers: Using slipcovers on your upholstery allows you to shake out a slipcover as opposed to trying to vacuum dust from an entire sofa.
Don't Overdo Polish: If you use a furniture oil or polish, be sure to follow the directions and don't overuse the product. Overuse or improper use can lead to a buildup on your furniture or clouding of the wood surfaces.
Repair Wood Scratches: Dusting is a great time to repair any new scratches you may notice on your wood furniture. Use a furniture marker or crayon to go over scratches when you dust.
Use Fabric Softener Sheets: Used fabric softener sheets can be used to dust as a substitute for more expensive electrostatic cloths.
Top to Bottom: Dust from top to bottom to prevent going over surfaces more than once. Sometimes you may need to wet dust after you dry dust. Always dry dust first. Be careful about allowing even a small amount of water on wood surfaces.
Got your own tips or recommendations for dusting equipment?
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A good filtering vacuum cleaner can also be used for dusting furniture, and don't forget those intake vents on computers, televisions, etc.
I wish my dog considered brushing "quality time."
I would think that shaking out a slipcover would spread more dust around.
A simple damp cloth is still the original and best... Swiffer is a fad, long live the ripped up ex-towel!
I was just shaking out a blanket my cat made into a bed. If you shake them outside, it doesn't spread dust inside. If you live in an apartment with no easy way to go outside, run it through the dryer. The lint filter catches plenty.
I have an ostrich feather duster and it has to be shake clean every so often and they can be washed as well. Much longer lived than a swiffer. I like the old towels too.
I use a feather duster which is LONG (you can also use one of those dusters made out of synthetic material which looks like a punk hairpiece.) A long duster will get you under the DVD player and behind the TV and on top of books. If you use a duster fairly frequently you won't have dust buildup. Other sometimes overlooked dust-catchers - the area around the back of dining room chairs and the brace bars on them, the tops of framed artwork and lampshades.
Dust from top to bottom of a room, going around. THEN vacuum.
Don't forget to vacuum that one upholstered chair in the room that is rarely sat in, especially along the top.
Really? Fabric softener sheets? That doesn't leave everything feeling greasy?
My dad's method (who, btw, is the complete opposite of a neat freak) of a damp paper towel is still the best in my opinion.
I'll Swiffer tabletop surfaces and shelves, but when it comes to anything near electronic equipment, it's a damp cloth all the way. Swiffering isn't going to doing much because all of the dust that escapes is just going to make it's way back to the electronics anyway.
Compressed air is great for dusting lampshades. Lint rollers do the job, too.
Cut up old t-shirts and flannels make great dusting rags, as do cotton socks that have lost their mates.
Burp cloths or old cloth diapers are great for dusting. You can buy the burp cloths in a 20 pack at WalMart, etc. I wear a sock like a mitten to dust the slats on my plantation shutters after I've gone over them with the brush attachment on the vacuum first.