How to Dust Books Like a Pro, According to Marie Kondo

Everyone has that one cleaning job they avoid because it just feels too tedious. It might be a deep disdain for folding clothes or a strong loathing for cleaning windows. And for many folks, that hated job is dusting bookshelves. Between the irregular surface of the book spines and the various frames and decor items that adorn the shelves, it feels a bit like a challenging game of Tetris. Is it best to lightly use a feather duster, just knocking detritus off the surface of the objects, or remove every item and clean them individually? 

It turns out, there is actually a perfect method for keeping bookshelves in top shape. I talked to the organizing and cleaning pro Marie Kondo to find out how she makes her bookcases spark joy.

She suggests first organizing and decluttering your book collection as needed. Then, you can start the actual cleaning process. Keeping dust bunnies at bay is the first step. Use this guide to learn how to dust books and tidy up your bookshelf.

• Bamboo gloves
• Cotton, all-purpose cloths
• Gentle cleaning solution

Kondo prefers to wear gloves when she dusts, even if the solution she’s using is gentle and sustainable. “Bamboo gloves help keep your hands protected when getting into hard-to-reach corners,” Kondo says.

Kondo loves using all-purpose cloths to wipe away dust, dirt, and stains on any type of surface, which can be dry for dusting or dampened with a cleaning solution.

Kondo says the key to keeping things clean is to make a plan. That’s the basis of her organizing method, after all. Look at your bookshelf and decide whether you need to declutter, deep clean, or do a quick dust.

If you decided to deep clean and/or declutter, take all of the books and decor pieces off your bookshelf. This step isn’t necessary if you’re just doing a quick clean.

Taking all of your books and decor off the shelf will help you see exactly what you have, which will make it easier to pare down your collection.

Before you can actually clean your bookcase, she says you have to organize it. “Cleaning and decluttering are two separate tasks,” she says. “Only after you finish addressing your belongings can you start to clean your home.” 

If you emptied your bookshelf for a deep clean or decluttering session, wipe down the empty bookshelf before replacing your (now dust-free) books. Use a clean cloth and a gentle cleaner and allow it to air dry while you dust your books.

Another thing to note: A microfiber duster is perfect for when you’re between deep cleans, but is not usually part of a deep clean.

Use a dry cloth and wipe down the outside of the book. Gently wipe the tops, bottoms, and sides of the pages if those have collected dust, too.

Kondo says it’s best to dry-dust books, but many decorative items might need a damp rag.

Once each book looks dust-free and your bookshelf is dry, it’s time to refill the shelf. Place the books back and consider organizing them by color, size, or author’s name to keep it looking tidy.

The best way to have easy-to-clean bookshelves is to make sure they only contain items that you need or love. “When arranging a bookcase, I urge people to consolidate as best as they can,” Kondo continues. “Having an overwhelming amount can appear cluttered, so pick the few books that you cherish to display on your bookcase.” She prefers to group her books and accessories by color for a cohesive feel.

Because old books are fragile and may have even begun to deteriorate, it’s crucial to be gentle when cleaning them. Dust them gently with a clean, dry cotton or microfiber cloth. Carefully remove stains with a few drops of water and a mild cleaner. Gently rub it in and remove the solution with a clean cloth.

Dust can damage books over time, causing them to become fragile and even fall apart. Make sure to dust your books every month or so to keep your collection in good shape.

Dust your books regularly, about once a month, to keep dust bunnies at bay and prevent dust from building up. You can also use book covers to minimize dust on your books while preventing surface damage.

“Every item should have a home, even seemingly frivolous items like office supplies or your children’s toys,” Kondo says. “Since bookcases can easily become an epicenter of clutter, always remember this before you simply set things down on the bookcase out of ease.” If you take the time to put away items rather than carelessly stuffing them on a bookshelf, you will save yourself more time and frustration in the long run. “Your bookcase deserves to be cared for, so go the extra mile to keep it clear of junk!”