How do you feel about dusting? If you’re anything like respondents in a Better Homes and Gardens survey, you prefer dusting to chores like cleaning the toilet and mopping, but you don’t consider it quite as enjoyable as vacuuming.

But when it comes to chores, “enjoyable” is a relative term. One thing you can do to make dusting bearable, though, is understand how to dust. Technique can make the difference between a dusting job that lasts a while and one that you have to redo a couple of days later.

One of the biggest dilemmas when figuring out how to get rid of dust is deciding between a duster and furniture polish. Keep reading to find out more about the best way to dust.

The Importance of Dusting

First, a quick word on why dusting matters, because it’s a chore that’s easy to overlook.

Dusting isn’t the chore most of us rush to complete if, for instance, we need to speed-clean the house before our in-laws come over for dinner. Tasks like sweeping, mopping, and decluttering will usually take precedence.

But if you don’t dust regularly, then you’re making more work for yourself in the long run. We all delay and procrastinate to some extent, but dusting is something you can’t neglect.

Dust looks gross, and it can also be bad for your health. If you’re allergic to dust mites, then all that dust build-up on your media center can literally make you sick.

The Best Way to Dust: The Right Tools

Now it’s time to get into the feather duster versus furniture polish debate. Proponents of the feather duster argue that it’s a simple, elegant way to clear the surfaces in your home.

It’s true that feather dusters do look neat, but that doesn’t mean they’re going to be the most effective way to get rid of the dust in your house. Ostrich-down feathers are good at attracting dust, but dusters made from real ostrich-down feathers aren’t always easy to find.

There are also housecleaning experts who maintain that feather dusters don’t eliminate the dust so much as move it around from one surface to the other.

To get the most bang for your buck, you’ll need to grab a can of furniture polish plus an old rag If you don’t have a cloth that’s old enough to use for dusting, try paper towels instead.

A rag and furniture polish should make most of the surfaces look shiny and new, but don’t overlook other tools as well.

For instance, laptops and other electronics tend to attract dust, especially if you have a cat that loves to take a stroll along your keyboard while you’re composing a report for work. A special microfiber cloth is often the best way to clean dust off your screens.

More Dirt on Dusting

Once you find the best way to dust, you’ll need to set regular reminders to dust your home. Households with pets and kids will need to dust once every week or two, but others can get away with dusting once a month.

If your dusting habits are fine but everything else about your house feels out of control, then it’s time to consider hiring a professional cleaning service. Contact us today to find out how we can help you keep your home clean and dust-free.