Am I the only one constantly wondering how to make dusting easier? It’s not the hardest or most time-consuming chore, but I used to put it off longer than I should. Not anymore, though, thanks to the 14 totally brilliant dusting hacks in this post that help me save plenty of time and effort.
Unfortunately, there’s no way to eliminate dust, but these tips make dusting less of a pain. Fair warning: we’ll be venturing beyond normal dusting methods and using tools like tongs, pillowcases, and even a slice of bread!
Have I piqued your interest yet? ;-) Then let’s get dusting! (Oh, and when you’re done, be sure to check out my other home cleaning hacks that will save you time!)
14 Genius Dusting Hacks That Save Time And Effort
1. Use Fuzzy Socks To Sweep
The Swiffer Sweeper makes it easy to sweep up everyday dust and dirt, but the sweeper pad refills are expensive! But you don’t actually need them, because a fuzzy sock works just as well! Just pull the sock over the base of your sweeper, and sweep away. When you’re done, just toss it in with the rest of your laundry to clean it. Easy!
Related: 3 Smart Hacks For Swiffers That Will Save You Money
2. Use Tongs To Dust Blinds
Dusting each slat of your window blinds by hand takes forever! You can make the process much quicker by using a pair of tongs from your kitchen. Wrap a clean microfiber cloth around the edges of your tongs, and secure them using rubber bands. Then use your dusting tongs to dust your blinds twice as fast!
Related: The Best Way To Clean All The Blinds In Your House
3. Dust Screens With Coffee Filters
Surprisingly enough, a coffee filter is perfect for dusting your TV, laptop, and tablet screens. Coffee filters are soft enough that they won’t cause scratches, and they’re great at grabbing onto dirt and dust.
Related: 11 Unexpectedly Useful Things You Can Do With A Coffee Filter
4. Lint Roller Your Lamp Shades
Dusting your lampshades can be tricky, because traditional dusters struggle on fabric surfaces. Grab your lint roller instead, and your lampshades will be dirt- and dust-free in no time!
Related: 11 Of The Best Cleaning Hacks To Learn From Airbnb Hosts
5. Use A Paint Brush For Small Spaces
Traditional dusters aren’t great at getting dust out of smaller nooks and crannies. Use a paint brush or sponge brush to get into those tight spaces!
6. Dust Ceiling Fans With Pillowcases
Have you checked out the tops of your ceiling fans lately? Dust accumulates like crazy up there, but how do you get the dust off without sending it flying? The secret is to use a pillowcase! Slide the pillowcase over each fan blade one at a time. Then just press the pillowcase against the top and bottom of each blade and slide it towards you. All the dust will stay trapped in the pillowcase, and when you’re done, you can just toss it in the washer. Brilliant!
Related: How To Clean Your Ceiling Fan In Seconds
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7. Dust Corners With A Broom
Clean up those cobweb-covered corners of your ceilings and walls with a broom. It makes it easier to get into those hard-to-reach areas, and the broom bristles will grab onto any dust, dirt, or cobwebs!
8. Use Bread To Dust Paintings
It may sound strange, but a piece of bread can help you gently dust sensitive surfaces, such as paintings and photographs. The bread will pick up dust without leaving behind residues or scratching the surface.
Related: 7 Things You Can Do With A Slice Of Bread (Besides Make A Sandwich)
9. Dust In Tight Spaces With A Ruler
Wrap a clean microfiber cloth around a ruler to help you dust beneath your appliances, in and around your grates, and other tight spaces.
10. Dust Lightbulbs With Alcohol
When lightbulbs get dusty, they don’t give off as much light as they should. Get rid of even the most stubborn layers of dust by cleaning them off with a cloth and a bit of rubbing alcohol! (Make sure your lightbulbs are turned off and cool to the touch before cleaning.)
11. Shine Up Faux Plants With Mayo
If your faux plants have lost their luster, give them a shine with the help of mayo! (Yes, that mayo.) Put a small amount onto a soft cloth and wipe down the leaves of your faux plant to remove dust and leave your plant looking revitalized.
Related: 17 Surprisingly Clever Uses For Mayonnaise
12. Dust Fans With Compressed Air
Over time, dust can collect on the blades of your smaller fans. The quickest way I’ve found to get rid of the dust is by using a can of compressed air, like the kind you can find at office supply stores. Just blow the dust out, then use a regular duster or vacuum to clean it up.
13. Use Rubbing Alcohol To Dust Electronics
Electronics tend to show even the smallest amounts of dust, so I like to dust them often. I use a cotton swab or soft cloth and a small amount of rubbing alcohol, which leaves my devices clean, shiny, and dust-free!
14. Get The Fan Going Before Dusting
The unfortunate thing about dusting is that it often kicks dust up into the air while you’re cleaning. So before you start dusting, turn on your HVAC system’s fan on. Then as you dust, any dust that gets airborne will travel towards the air intake and through your filter, where it will get trapped. So smart!
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What’s the most difficult thing to dust in your home?
Love your use of compressed air. You can probably also use an empty deodorant/spray can – the air jet is
Please log in or create a free account to comment.not as powerful, but might still do the trick.
HI, jillee , your post is really amazing and you have shared such an awesome tips for cleaning big things to the dedicated objects too. the pillow tips, I like it. thanks a lot
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I buy packages of facial cleansing cloths at the Dollar Store, meant for removing makeup. I use them to dust and then discard. Pre-folded and in a sealed container, cheap and they smell good. They have some alcohol in them and I can’t use them on my face but they do a terrific job as damp dust cloths, especially on knick knacks! For a dollar, it’s worth trying. Amzing how much they pick up.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I love this idea! Regarding the swifter, I use handi-wipes as dish cloths. When tbey become too stained, thin, etc. I use them on my swifter mop. Folded in half they fit tightly on the mop head. I have lots of tile floor so once a section of cloth gets dirty I simply refold to a clean ‘half’ and continue. Once done, wash and reuse.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I wish I could use your method of dusting slat blinds (venetian). I live in the damp North West and dust sticks and needs to be washed off. My method is a bucket of water and a rag that I wash each individual blind off with. Ughh
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Try closing the blinds and wiping the surfaces that way. Cuts down on time greatly! Another option is to take the blinds down and wash them in the bath tub. This works really great too!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I put blinds into the bathtub in hot water and leave them until the water starts to cool then use a new toilet brush to scrub them. Do it at least twice a year.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Hi Jillee, I love your cleaning hacks and use many of your methods. One thing I haven’t seen discussed is how to clean antique glass or ceramic items which have been collecting dust and grease for several years. My mother has had an antique soup tureen, pretty teapots and other lovely items on top of the kitchen cabinets nearly twenty years. She is blind now and doesn’t see how dirty they are. Dad recently passed away and my sister is taking care of her. I want to help by cleaning these special items without the fear of damaging the handpainted art or etching from using white vinegar. I am afraid the grandchildren will put them in the dishwasher. Do you have any experience at cleaning dust and grease coated antique dishware? I would appreciate any advice you can give me. I have photos. They’re not pretty in the current state. Thanks! Kathy
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I too have these types of items that I help my mom keep clean. I find that a mild solution of dish soap in water — the same that you would use to clean your fine china — works just fine. I
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’ll have to start researching – thanks for the idea Kathy!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I need to dust a wooden CD cabinet that is exactly like a roll-top desk, only more narrow. I was going to try the ruler trick or use a Swiffer Duster. I’ve read about using used softener sheets, but they seem too scratchy. I’m open to suggestions. Thanks :)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.The ruler trick should work wonderfully – microfiber cloths are definitely your friend!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.#3 and #8 are sure huge surprises to me, I had really no idea about those! Thanks for sharing!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’m looking for a way to clean glass figurines that are attached to a mirrored plate. Any suggestions?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Dilute about 1/4 cup of rubbing alcohol in a gallon of water, and add a drop of two of dish soup. :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.If your fan is beyond gross from being in storage, etc, it is very easy to unscrew front and back to get to the blades and you can swish the front and back in a bathtub of sudsy water. When dry, put it back together.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.What is a smart and easy way to clean chandelier ?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.If your chandelier is crystal, mix 1 part water to 1 part rubbing alcohol in a plastic bowl that is deep enough for dipping each part that hangs down. Cover table or floor with towel layers in case of drips. Raise bow up under each crystal and enjoy the shine! I got this tip in Germany when I purchased my lead-crystal Chandelier years ago.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Great tip Gigi!
How to clean tile grout? I’ve tried ever thing I can think of and any product that says it for tile grout.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Here’s a post all about cleaning grout! http://jillee.co/2yjfrti
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I spray End Dust on my A/C filters to trap more dust particles.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Endust is great! It doesn’t contain oil, so if you use it, it doesn’t attract dust. I lightly spray a feather duster with it and it works better than a Swiffer. I also use it on the paintbrush to clean knickknacks. I use a smaller brush to clean the bobbin area of my sewing machine.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I wouldn’t use mayo to dust with, even in small amounts. The ingredients are meant to be put in the fridge after opening, could attract insects or rodents, are vegetable oil based, and ultimately “solidify”, drawing more dust & dander particulates.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.If you still want a shiny surface use a very small amount of mineral oil on one small cloth, buff with a clean, dry soft cloth. No hardening, no attraction of any vermin or pets. A plus is when the item gets dusty, you can simply put in the sink or shower, spay off, let drip dry. That way inbetween dustings, it really does take lesss time, the majority of the work is done by hot water, and air. You can use a cleaner in a spray bottle but it will remove the mineral oil and need to be reapplied.
Mineral oil is clear, inexpensive, a better lubricant and cleaner/polisher. It also doesn’t gum up or harden. A bottle lasts forever.
Thank you! I was thinking the same thing.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I too use the vacuum with the brush attachment first then where needed I dust/clean more with our holy socks. I put my hand inside the sock and use it until it’s completely dirty then I throw it away. No dust or oil in my washer!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I vacuum a lot of dust away with the upholstery brush on the end of my hose. I do baseboards, windowsills, flat surfaces, ceiling corners, lampshades, etc. Then, I do the floors. Good wood furniture then gets the cloth treatment but this is fast because it is one tool!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Great tips…but I put most through the test. They did not actually save me time dusting! I still prefer using the Swiffer type duster with the extender handle. I have 2 I use, one dry dusting like the tv’s. The other , I spritz with a little lemon vinegar and water solution for general dusting. Keyboards and such , I use a Lysol wipe for those things.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.My balloon pump is my favorite dusting tool.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.How clever!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Some great ideas. But my slogan is “why dust today when 6 months later you have to do it again?!”
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’m with Rosie (HA). I have a little framed signage up that says “You can touch the dust, but please don’t write in it”.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Have not tried the bread – interesting – will give that a go.
Haha I agree. Don’t dust once a week, shovel once a year. :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Hahaha, that’s what I say! Seriously I detest dusting. As a child that was always my job. But living in the Arizona desert forces me to dust, I use socks, Swiffer cloths and the best is microfiber cloths.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.And if you never touch anything, you can’t see the dust.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.The bread to dust the paintings is a new one on me – great tip!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.My favorite tool to use are an old paint brush. It work especially well when washing windows and getting into the side side corners of the casing where all the grime and dirt seems to accumulate
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Makeup brushes are great for delicate items. Blusher brush is what I use for cleaning my computer
Please log in or create a free account to comment.keyboard/usb ports.