3 Quick and Clever Ways to Eliminate Dust

Dust is a constant source of frustration in the home, especially when the classic, time-consuming methods fail to get spaces truly clean. Skip the rags and polish, and try these three tips to make dusting faster, easier, and—dare we say it—more fun.

By Caylin Harris | Updated Dec 18, 2015 12:43 AM

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Best Way to Dust

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Dusting used to mean lazily moving about the house with an old T-shirt and furniture polish in hand, loathing the amount of effort it took to bring a shine every surface. While certain rules are set in stone—working from the top to bottom, for instance—there are, believe it or not, smart and often overlooked ways to relieve the tedium and add a bit of fun to a chore that so many dread. Next time you’re stuck with dusting duty, look to these easy fixes to get the job done—fast!

 

1. BLOWN AWAY

Best Way to Dust - Hairdryer Isolated

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This smart—and on some levels, fun—tip works best with areas that need less attention. Plug in your blow dryer, aim, and blow! The great part about this trick is that it enables you to get into all of the nooks and crannies, unlike a regular dust cloth. Start from the top of the room and work your way down, blowing the dust onto the ground. Once you’re done, simply vacuum it up. While the vacuum is out, also consider using the upholstery attachment to take care of any dust that is hiding out on curtains or upholstery.

 

2. WIPE OUT

Best Way to Dust - Dryer Sheets

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Just like these handy sheets prevent clothes from clinging together in the wash, they also keep dust from sticking to the surfaces of your home. Simply swipe them over blinds, baseboards, the tops of tall furniture, or any spot where dust tends to accumulate. As a bonus, this trick lets you eliminate a step in the dusting process; instead of throwing them in the laundry like you would a microfiber cloth, simply toss the sheet in the trash when you’re finished.

 

3. SHAKE IT OFF

Best Way to Dust - Trash Bag

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Believe it or not, a powerful combination that helps draw dust out of oft-overlooked fabric items is hiding right in your pantry: baking soda and a trash bag. Place items like throw pillows or stuffed animals into a large trash bag. Add a cup of baking soda, shake it up, and then let it sit for about thirty minutes. Pull the items out and brush them off, sucking up any excess baking soda with your vacuum and upholstery attachment. In addition to getting Teddy dust-free, the baking soda will also deodorize, making these subtly stinky items smell so much better.