Should you dust or vacuum first?

Author: Alanna Stanton  |  Last update: Saturday, November 8, 2025

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.

Should you dust before or after you vacuum?

When housecleaning, it's generally best to dust first before vacuuming. Dusting surfaces can cause dust and debris to fall to the floor, so by vacuuming afterward, you can effectively clean up any particles that have settled. This order helps ensure a more thorough clean.

What is the correct way of dusting?

As is true of many cleaning jobs, when dusting, start at the highest point and work your way down. As you dust, particles will fall, so if you dust lower shelves before upper shelves, for example, you will probably find yourself having to go over those lower shelves again.

What is the first thing to do before vacuuming a carpet?

Before professional carpet cleaning, it's a good idea to clear the area of any small items or obstacles, vacuum the carpet thoroughly to remove loose dirt and debris, and move furniture if possible. You should also ask the cleaning company if they have any specific pre-cleaning instructions.

Is it better to dust with a wet or dry cloth?

It is generally better to dust with a damp cloth rather than a dry one. Here's why: Dust Capture: A damp cloth can trap dust more effectively than a dry cloth, which may just push dust around or cause it to become airborne.

SHOULD YOU DUST OR VACUUM FIRST

What is the most efficient way to dust a room?

Dusting from the top down will not only prevent dust from falling on sections you have already cleaned but will also ensure that you don't miss any easy-to-forget areas. Begin dusting each room by first tackling cobwebs and hard to reach high-up dust before moving down to other areas.

Does dusting with dryer sheets keep dust away?

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.

In what order should you clean the house?

Recommended Order for Cleaning a House
  1. Decluttering. Start by removing any clutter and putting items back in their designated places. ...
  2. Dusting. ...
  3. Cleaning High-Touch Surfaces. ...
  4. Bathroom Cleaning. ...
  5. Kitchen Cleaning. ...
  6. Bedroom Cleaning. ...
  7. Vacuuming and Sweeping. ...
  8. Mopping.

Is it better to vacuum fast or slow?

Vacuuming slowly gives the airflow and brush bar more time to “agitate” the dust and dirt between the carpet fibres and remove them entirely. It also means you're more likely to capture invisible allergens hidden deep in the carpet pile.

Why do people put baking soda on carpet before vacuuming?

Keep your carpets looking and smelling their best with nothing more than baking soda! Regular vacuuming is essential, but deep cleaning can be expensive. Adding a sprinkle of baking soda to the mix will help remove stains, dirt and neutralise odours caused by everyday wear-and-tear like shoes, pets or food spills.

What is the golden rule of dusting?

Dust from Top to Bottom

Start dusting at the highest points in a room, such as ceiling fans and high shelves, and work your way down to lower surfaces. This approach ensures that dust falls onto surfaces you haven't yet cleaned, preventing you from having to redo areas.

What should be your first step when cleaning the bathroom?

Now, let's break down the cleaning process into 7 steps:
  1. Step 1: Dusting and Dry Cleaning. ...
  2. Step 2: Cleaning Mirrors and Glass. ...
  3. Step 3: Cleaning Fixtures and Surfaces. ...
  4. Step 4: Scrubbing Sinks, Tubs, and Showers. ...
  5. Step 5: Tackling the Toilet. ...
  6. Step 6: Cleaning Floors and Baseboards. ...
  7. Step 7: Disinfecting High-Touch Areas.

Does dusting just spread dust?

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.

What is one of the most common mistakes made with mopping floors?

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.

Does vacuuming spread dust?

Vacuums can kick up more dust than they capture, especially if yours doesn't use a HEPA filter to help prevent dust from blowing back into your air. With a HEPA filter and confirmation that your vacuum is fully sealed, you can protect and clean your home.

Do you dust or vacuum first on Reddit?

I dust, polish and clean any clutter off counters, dressers (including bathroom sinks). That way all the dust, crumbs, etc either get cleaned up or knocked in the floor (to be cleaned by vacuum). Then, vacuum. After vacuum, mop the areas that need it.

Should you dust before vacuuming?

Dusting before vacuuming is recommended because it allows you to capture and remove loose dust and particles from surfaces before they settle on the floor. When you dust, some of the dust may become airborne and settle on the floor or other surfaces.

How often do you really need to vacuum?

For most homes, weekly vacuuming is sufficient to maintain air quality. However, if you have pets, allergies, or high-traffic areas, a more frequent schedule is ideal. The right vacuum, especially one with a HEPA filter, can make all the difference in keeping your home clean and your air fresh throughout winter.

What is the hardest room to clean?

The kitchen is the home's heart for so many people. Unfortunately, it is also one of the hardest rooms to keep clean. With all those surfaces, appliances, and utensils, it's not surprising that the kitchen often takes the longest to tidy. It is one of the most time-consuming kitchen procedures to clean the oven.

What is the correct sequence for cleaning?

So, what is the correct order of cleaning? Generally, it's best to start with decluttering each room, followed by dusting surfaces from top to bottom. Next, clean windows and mirrors, then tackle the floors by vacuuming and mopping. Finish with the kitchen and bathrooms to ensure they're hygienically spotless.

What should I clean first in a messy house?

Here are some good places to get started: The floor - Sit and tidy or sort piles of mail or books, grab a broom and sweep up crumbs, or vacuum the living room rug. A cluttered or dirty floor can make everything else in the room appear messier as a result, so starting here can make a big impact.

Why keep dryer sheets in your bathroom?

Because dryer sheets contain detergent, they're also perfect for cleaning soap scum and grime off of shower doors, walls, and fixtures. Moisten the dryer sheet, rub the soap scum to remove it, and then rinse your shower with clean, warm water to remove any residue.

What is the best cloth to get rid of dust?

Microfiber: All but a few picks in our guide are made from microfiber. This is the most common material used for dust cleaning, as the particles tend to cling to its soft fabric texture.

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