The answer is that you should always dust first and vacuum later. The reason is simple. When you dust, you'll find that some of the particles wipe away onto your cloth or duster, but you'll never get all of the particles.
The best way to clean dust without spreading it around is to use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter, since they are designed to effectively trap particles and keep dust from escaping into the air.
Vacuum because it will get every bit of debris and dust. With a broom debris can be flung around instead of collected and some dust is always put back into the air when sweeping.
Dust before you vacuum or sweep because dust will often become displaced and then settle back on your floor. We recommend dusting before vacuuming, this is because dust particles usually get moved around the room when you dust, meaning all your hard work will go to waste.
Vacuum first for sure. You're sucking g up the big stuff you don't want in the way of more refined cleaning.
We recommend dusting before vacuuming, this is because dust particles usually get moved around the room when you dust, meaning all your hard work will go to waste. A top tip is to wait at least 2 hours after dusting to get the vacuum out.
The general opinion is that dusting once per week should be the standard to maintain a clean environment. This is not to say that you need to dust every surface in your home every week.
We recommend against using a brush tool of any kind for your dusting, because those tend to just spread the dust into the air rather than collect and remove the dust. A wet cloth (slightly damp) will gather the dust and keep it from being transferred into the air.
The biggest and potentially most costly mopping mistake, according to cleaning experts, is using too much water on moisture-sensitive floors like hardwoods and laminates. "Excess water can warp your hardwoods and cause your laminates to bubble," says Melissa Homer, the chief cleaning officer for Microfiber Wholesale.
4. Pay Attention to High-Traffic and Allergy-Prone Areas. Focus on frequently used spaces like living rooms, bedrooms, and entryways, as these areas collect more dust and allergens. Vacuuming these spots more frequently can reduce pollutant buildup, ensuring fresher air and a cleaner environment.
We at Castle Keepers find dusting with a plain, slightly damp microfiber cloth the best way to remove dust from the home, much superior to dusting with oils or sprays. “Damp dusting” is also much easier than dry dusting and more effective because it catches more dust. Dampen your choice of cloth lightly with water.
It is important to vacuum in multiple directions to release dust and dirt from the fibers. If your first pass actually closes the piles, then dirt and dust get trapped. This is why experts recommend vacuuming in different directions and thoroughly agitating the carpet piles.
Turn on your HVAC systems fan.
Kick up dust without lifting a finger. The fan gets the air in your house moving, until eventually it makes its way to the intake where your air filter can trap and store dust. (You don't actually get to call this “dusting”—it's more of an assist.)
For dusting, leave the cloth dry. For other chores, dampen the cloth, then wipe surfaces clean. When the cloth starts to leave behind dirt or lint, or if you've used it a few minutes, re-fold to a fresh section.
This common kitchen mop is not just for salads anymore; it's a natural cleaning solution with a punch for your hardwood floors and carpet! It works wonders on these materials. The acidity in vinegar gives it the power to cut through dirt and grime on your tile flooring, leaving it sparkling clean when you use a mop.
Many cleaners spray a ton of floor soap, believing "wet equals clean." Then they forget to rinse out their mop pad, resulting in a floor mop that is fully saturated with dirty water. Continuing to use the mop pad on the floor leads to smearing dirt, not lifting it.
Open doors and windows can let dust creep indoors. The best solution is to seal windows and doors or other cracks and crevices that are possible dust entryways. Dust also hides in cloth and clutter. Regularly washing carpets, textiles, and stuffed animals, as well as cleaning garages and attics, can go a long way.
Repel dust: Ditch your can of dust-attracting spray and use a dryer sheet to dust your electronics, blinds, ceiling fans, baseboards, and other dusty areas of your home. It leaves behind a trace of anti-static residue for a fresh scent and effective dust repellent.
My #1 tool for dusting is a good quality general purpose microfiber cloth—but the real key here is using it DRY first! As soon as you wet your cloth or surface, dust turns into a paste-like substance that you'll just smear around, and in the end, it becomes much more challenging to clean off.
The Good Housekeeping Institute says that your sheets should be changed at least once every two weeks. However, if you suffer with night sweats or allergies such as asthma, it's worth washing them weekly to get rid of any grime or potential irritants and keep your sleeping space fresh and clean.
That said, microfiber is often your best bet when it comes to effectiveness. “Microfiber cloths trap dust without spreading it, feather dusters are great for delicate surfaces, and vacuum attachments can be your best friend when cleaning hard to reach places,” Cohoon says.
Poor Indoor Air Quality
The accumulation of dust, moulds, and pest droppings negatively impacts your home's air quality. Poor indoor air quality can lead to various health issues, including allergies, asthma, and other respiratory conditions.