Removing dust at this time of year can seem like a relentless task, but we all love a clean and tidy home! With doors and windows open for ventilation and a gentle breeze, dust can easily build up and settle on everything. Always work from the top down, just like your other cleaning in the house. Always dust before vacuuming to ensure that any dust or dirt which falls to the floor is vacuumed up.
The materials you will need
To do the most effective dusting with is a damp, clean, microfibre cloth. To dampen, hold the cloth by a corner and lightly mist with water from a spray bottle. The cloth should be just damp enough to pick up dust without leaving moisture streaks. When dusting a flat surface, move the cloth smoothly from one end to the other, stopping at the end. Don't flick the cloth, or dust will merely be released back into the air before settling on the floor, instead of getting trapped by your cloth.
Essential Dusting Tools:
- Microfiber cloths: Best for trapping dust particles
- Spray bottle: For lightly misting cloths
- Soft paintbrushes: For delicate surfaces and crevices
- Lint rollers: For lampshades and upholstery
- Tumble dryer sheets: For electronics and screens
- Vacuum with attachments: For final cleanup
Top Tips
Wall Units and Shelving
When dusting wall units, lift and dust each object, then dust the shelf underneath and behind. Start from the top of the unit and move to the bottom.
Professional Technique:
- Remove all items from shelves
- Dust each item individually
- Clean the shelf surface thoroughly
- Replace items in organized manner
- Work systematically from top to bottom
Safety with Light Bulbs
Never dust a warm or hot light bulb with a damp cloth, as it will shatter. Dampen a clean, soft paintbrush to remove dust from slatted doors or windows, telephones and keyboard keys and any carved furniture.
Safe Dusting Practices:
- Turn off lights and let bulbs cool completely
- Use dry cloths or soft brushes for light fixtures
- Be extra careful with delicate glass bulbs
- Use compressed air for hard-to-reach areas
Venetian Blinds and Wood Surfaces
To remove dust from Venetian blinds, close the slants, dust, close the slants the opposite way and dust again. Wipe wood surfaces with the grain to avoid streaks. Treat surfaces that are flaking or cracking with care as these should be dusted with a soft paintbrush instead to avoid the cloth from snagging.
Blind Cleaning Technique:
- Close slats in one direction
- Dust thoroughly with microfiber cloth
- Close slats in opposite direction
- Dust again to ensure complete coverage
- Use soft brush for stubborn dust
Electronics and Screens
Tumble dryer sheets are great for removing dust from computers and TV screens as they attract the static electricity from the device.
Electronic Device Care:
- Always unplug devices before cleaning
- Use anti-static cloths or dryer sheets
- Clean vents and air intakes regularly
- Use compressed air for keyboards
- Avoid harsh chemicals on screens
Lampshades and Soft Surfaces
Dusting lampshades can be an awkward affair, but using a lint roller can be very effective for removing dust.
Lampshade Cleaning:
- Use lint rollers for fabric shades
- Vacuum with brush attachment for hard shades
- Clean from top to bottom
- Be gentle with delicate materials
- Check for any damage before cleaning
Soft Toys and Stuffed Animals
To remove dust from soft toys, teddies or dolls, place them into a large plastic bag with 250ml of bicarbonate of soda. Tie together and shake the bag very well outside! The bicarb and static created will draw out the dust. Remove items one at a time, shake off the clumps of bicarb and vacuum the rest using a brush attachment.
Soft Toy Cleaning Process:
- Place toys in large plastic bag
- Add 250ml bicarbonate of soda
- Tie bag securely
- Shake vigorously outside
- Remove and shake off excess
- Vacuum with brush attachment
Additional Professional Tips:
Frequency Guidelines
- Daily: High-traffic areas and electronics
- Weekly: All surfaces and furniture
- Monthly: Deep cleaning and hard-to-reach areas
- Seasonally: Complete home dusting
Allergy Prevention
- Use HEPA filters in vacuums
- Wash bedding weekly in hot water
- Keep pets groomed regularly
- Use dust mite covers on mattresses
- Maintain humidity levels between 30-50%
Professional Techniques
- Work from top to bottom
- Use the right tool for each surface
- Don't rush the process
- Clean in a systematic pattern
- Finish with vacuuming
Maintenance Tips
- Keep windows closed during high pollen seasons
- Use doormats to reduce tracked-in dust
- Change HVAC filters regularly
- Consider air purifiers for dust reduction
- Organize items to reduce dust accumulation
If you require further housekeeping help or enquiries regarding our services, don't hesitate to contact St Anne's HouseKeeping on:
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 020 3670 9997
We will be happy to answer any questions you may have!