It's common to clean dusty surfaces with a wet cloth, but the most effective method for eliminating household dust, including dust mites and their droppings, is to vacuum them first. Vacuum hard floors then use attachments for surfaces and fabrics.
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.
I think we all know by now that cleaning with the wrong tools will get you nowhere. My #1 tool for dusting is a good quality general purpose microfiber cloth—but the real key here is using it DRY first!
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.
First use a cloth dustmop and vacuum to clean the ceiling, tops of moldings, and walls. Continue to the bookcases and other horizontal surfaces, insides of cabinets, etc. Dust the floors last. After the dust is removed, you can start cleaning with wetmops, damp cloths and your favorite cleaning products.
The best practice is to start dusting high first, letting dust from fans and fixtures fall to the ground, then cleaning everything on the floor up afterwords. Tools like a polywool duster, vacuum, Swiffer broom and damp cloth are recommended for a thorough cleanse.
Bathrooms and kitchens are known as 'wet areas'. These often take the most time to clean. That's why they should be first in the order you clean your house. Once you've done step 1 and 3, dust everything and then get down to work in your bathrooms and kitchen.
Start from the top down
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.
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.
Yes you can hand wash them and then buy a can of original Endust in the red can. Spray it on the washed Swiffer dusters when ready to reuse. The red can Endust is made to spray on a cloth or dust mop to make it "static" and collect dust better. Only respray after next washing not at every use.
OXO Good Grips Microfiber Hand Duster
The phrase that came up when we tested was that it performed “like a dream.” Unlike the Swiffer Heavy Duty Duster Kit, the OXO Good Grips Microfiber Hand Duster is machine washable. So, if you want a duster that's a bit more sustainable, this is the perfect option.
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.)
Vacuum regularly
A vacuuming schedule helps to ensure that dust, dirt, debris, and pet hair are being cleaned on a regular basis. Hard floors, carpets, and rugs are commonly vacuumed, but upholstery, mattresses, ceilings, and walls may be overlooked.
Dusting Frequency for Optimal Home Health
In order to keep your home's air quality top-notch, you should be dusting at least every other week, if not weekly. Choose a time each week, like after you pick the kids up from soccer practice, to dust your house, or dust a certain area each day.
Dust before vacuuming
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.
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.
Special fabrics like silk, organic cotton, and microfiber are your best bet against dust mites, while still remaining breathable enough to keep you cool while you sleep.
Microfiber cloths
Microfiber is one of Molly Maid's favorite dusting tools! These cloths work well for surfaces you can easily reach like coffee tables, side tables, furniture, etc. Microfiber doesn't stir up dust and it traps it. You can dampen a microfiber cloth for dirtier surfaces, too.
Water Spraying: One of the simplest and most effective methods, water is sprayed onto dusty surfaces to weigh down the dust particles and prevent them from becoming airborne. This can be done using sprinkler systems, water trucks, or handheld hoses.
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.
Conclusion. Following a systematic order for cleaning your house can make the task more manageable and ensure a thorough job. By starting with decluttering and moving through dusting, disinfecting, vacuuming, mopping, and specific room cleaning, you create a clean and organized living space.
Turns out, the key to keeping a consistently clean house is staying on top of chores a little bit at a time. Rather than attempting to clean the entire house all at once, try tackling small tasks — like wiping down counters, starting a load of laundry or putting away stray items — when you have a few minutes to spare.