Dusting is one of those cleaning jobs that feels particularly painful. Every nook and cranny on counters, book shelves, skirting boards, photo frames and coffee tables… there are so many surfaces that gather dust.
To clean them properly, you really need to move everything off the surface to clean the dust away underneath which can be time-consuming. So the less dust that gathers, the better and the more you can avoid dusting.
We’ve got seven tips to help you keep the dust bunnies at bay and avoid dusting for longer.
1. Seal dust-inviting cracks
A lot of dust blows into the house through crevices under doors and window frames. Despite skirting boards, even creaky old floorboards can bring in dust from under the house. The best way to keep extra dust out is by making it as airtight as possible. This might mean doing an overhaul to seal cracks and adding insulation under floors. As a side effect, you’ll have less dusting to do.
2. Vacuum often
Do a quick lap around your home with a vacuum that has a HEPA filter (which is designed to capture particles) as often as you can. This will help capture dust and allergens and keep them from being spread around and settling on surfaces.
3. Keep air con grilles clean
Air con and fan grilles are a key place for capturing dust which then blows all over your home. Plan a regular clean of these so you don’t have as much dusting to do everywhere else.
4. Use an air purifier
An air purifier with a HEPA filter will help trap dust particles before they have a chance to land on your home’s many surfaces. Keep it on for a fresher room with less dusting required.
5. Reduce dust-catching clutter
All the books, ornaments and photo frames we pile up around our homes are traps for dust. The less clutter, the fewer items you need to dust. It also removes the need to pick up to clean underneath objects. It’s easier to wipe a surface without all the shuffling around of mementos. Keep it minimal, chic and hassle-free.
6. Brush pets outdoors
Pets are in-and-out a lot picking up dust and dirt wherever they go, so their fur is full of particles ready to fly into the air. Brush them outside to prevent the dust from coming off in your home.
7. Wash bedding often
Sheets, doona covers and pillows are going to gather dust that can spread via shaking and ruffling onto nearby bedside tables, lamps and other surfaces if not washed regularly. Set up a routine where you wash them on a weekly basis to help reduce dust overall and avoid dusting for the long-term.
