Cleaning Hacks: Dust-Free Pans

Dust is a common problem in many households, and it can be a challenge to get rid of it completely. Dust is composed of fine, dry particles such as pollen, skin flakes, fabric particles, dirt, and sand, which can settle on various surfaces and affect both the aesthetics of a home and the health of its occupants. While it is impossible to prevent dust entirely, there are several effective strategies for minimising it.

Dampen the dustpan to stop dust from escaping

Dampening your dustpan is a simple yet effective way to stop dust from escaping. The method is particularly useful for lightweight, dry dust that tends to fly away. By simply running the dustpan under a faucet before sweeping, you can make those pesky dust particles stick to the dustpan. This prevents them from drifting away and saves you from the frustrating task of sweeping the same area repeatedly.

While this technique may require a bit more effort to get the dust off the dustpan and into the garbage, it is well worth the extra force. A couple of firm bumps inside the bin or a swipe with a microfiber cloth should do the trick. Plus, you'll avoid having dusty flyaways escape from your trash can as well!

So, the next time you're dealing with stubborn dust, remember to dampen your dustpan for better results. It's a quick and easy solution that makes sweeping a breeze.

Use a vacuum to get rid of dust

Vacuuming is a great way to get rid of dust, and it's much more effective than sweeping, which can kick dust back into the air and scratch delicate floors. A vacuum with a hose and a horsehair floor brush attachment can help you get rid of dust without damaging your floors.

Vacuuming is also a good way to get dust out of rugs and carpets. For delicate rugs, you may want to take them outside and beat them with a broom to get a deeper clean. Vacuuming furniture, drapes, and pillows regularly can also help to minimise dust.

If you're using a dustpan and brush to collect dust, you can make the dust stick to the dustpan by dampening it first.

Microfibre cloths are better than feather dusters

Dust is composed of dirt, pollen, mould spores, dead skin cells, hair, fabric fibres, and airborne pollutants such as wood ash, chemicals, and vehicle exhaust. It is important to minimise the amount of dust in your home, as it can affect the air quality and the health of those who suffer from asthma, allergies, or other breathing problems.

Microfibre cloths are a more effective alternative to feather dusters when it comes to removing dust. Here are some reasons why:

Microfibre Cloths Remove Dust Instead of Just Moving It

Feather dusters tend to simply displace dust, moving it from one surface to another without actually removing it from the room. On the other hand, microfibre cloths are made of tiny fibres that rub together and create a static charge, attracting and clinging to dust particles. This means that microfibre cloths are much more effective at actually removing dust from surfaces rather than just scattering it.

Microfibre Cloths Can Be Used on a Variety of Surfaces

Microfibre cloths are extremely versatile and can be used for virtually any cleaning task, including dusting, mopping, and cleaning toilets. They can be used wet or dry and do not require any additional chemicals or polishes. In contrast, feather dusters are not suitable for heavier dusting duties and struggle to remove thicker dust.

Microfibre Cloths Are Reusable and Easy to Clean

Microfibre cloths are machine washable and can be air-dried or tumble-dried on a low setting. They are durable and long-lasting, making them a more sustainable and cost-effective option than feather dusters.

While feather dusters are gentle and effective for dusting fragile items without scratching surfaces, microfibre cloths offer superior dust removal. For a thorough clean, it is recommended to use both tools, with feather dusters being ideal for fragile items and microfibre cloths being perfect for everything else.

Dust from the top down to avoid contaminating clean areas

Dusting is an important part of keeping your home clean and improving air quality. Dust is made up of dead skin cells, hair, dirt, pollen, and other particles, and it can be a nuisance to those with allergies or asthma. To effectively get rid of dust, it's best to work from the top down to avoid contaminating already clean areas. Here are some tips to help you tackle dust in your home:

Dust from Top to Bottom

Always start dusting at the top of a room and work your way down. This ensures that dust doesn't resettle on areas you've already cleaned. If you're dusting a dresser, start with the top drawer and work your way down. The same principle applies when dusting a room; begin with ceiling fans and other high areas, and finish with the floor.

Know Where Dust Accumulates

Certain areas of your home are more prone to dust buildup. Electronics, for example, collect dust due to static charges. It's important to power them off before dusting and use canned air or a microfiber cloth for cleaning. Books on shelves are another dust hotspot. Use a dry microfiber towel to wipe down your books, starting at the spine and moving towards the front covers.

Don't Forget Hard-to-Reach Areas

Areas that are often neglected during cleaning include spaces under furniture and appliances. These spots tend to accumulate dust, so be sure to include them in your dusting routine. Use a vacuum cleaner with a crevice tool to reach tight spaces under furniture. For high areas, such as ceiling fans or high shelves, use extension tools like microfiber cloths with long handles or vacuum attachments with extensions.

Use the Right Tools

Not all cleaning tools are created equal when it comes to dusting. Avoid paper towels and dusters, as these tend to push dust around rather than capturing it. Instead, opt for a damp microfiber cloth or towel, which will attract and hold onto dust until it's rinsed. For hard-to-reach places, paintbrushes can be a great tool as they are less likely to cause damage.

Maintain a Schedule

Dusting once a week is generally effective in keeping dust to a minimum. However, you can adjust this schedule to suit your specific circumstances. Regular dusting will help you stay on top of dust buildup and make the task less daunting.

By following these tips and working from the top down, you can effectively get rid of dust in your home and maintain a cleaner, healthier living environment.

Wash pillows and bedding to reduce dust mites

Dust mites are tiny pests that can aggravate allergies and cause allergic reactions. They are mostly invisible to the naked eye, and hundreds can live in just one gram of dust. They feed on flakes of dead skin, or dander, that people and pets shed. They can be found anywhere there is dust, but they particularly like mattresses, pillows, comforters, and bedding. They also tend to accumulate in carpets and upholstered furniture.

To reduce dust mites, it is important to wash your pillows and bedding regularly. Dust mites thrive in bedding because we shed skin cells onto it while we sleep. This provides them with a food source.

How to Wash Your Pillows

First, strip your bed, removing any pillows, comforters, and other removable soft furnishings.

Then, deep clean your pillows. The oil, sweat, and dead skin from our skin and hair make pillows a popular feeding and breeding ground for dust mites. While pillow protectors can help keep your pillows fresh, only a zippered pillow encasement can keep dust mites out entirely.

To clean your pillows, place them in a clean bathtub of lukewarm water. Add a capful of your usual laundry detergent and 1/2 a cup of white vinegar. Use a wooden spoon to agitate the water and ensure the pillows are fully submerged. Leave the pillows to soak for around 4-6 hours, returning occasionally to stir.

After soaking, rinse the pillows in clean water, gently squeezing them until the water runs clear. Then, place the pillows between two towels and gently push down to remove excess water without ruining their shape. Finally, place your pillows outside to dry, preferably in direct sunlight, which will kill any remaining dust mites, allergens, and bacteria.

How to Wash Your Bedding

Wash your bedding, including sheets, blankets, pillowcases, and duvet covers, on a hot wash of at least 54.4°C (130°F) to kill dust mites and remove allergens. Be sure to also take any care labels into consideration and wash delicate fabrics at the highest temperature possible.

Once the cycle is complete, allow your bedding to air dry outside, preferably in direct sunlight, which will kill any lingering dust mites, allergens, or bacteria.

Washing your bedding and pillows at least once a week will help keep dust mite numbers down.

Frequently asked questions