Dusting just happens to be about my LEAST favorite household cleaning chore. Why? I have no idea. I just hate dusting.
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So when I saw this idea featured on Apartment Therapy, I thought it might be a good motivator for me to dust more. I have no problem with “bribing” myself to do unpleasant chores. ;-)
I think one of the MANY reasons why I like making my own cleaning products so much is trying something new to keep my routine interesting. Because let’s face it, until we all have robot maids (like Rosey from the Jetsons), housecleaning is not likely to get any easier.
So make up a batch of these lemon-y fresh dusting cloths (you might even already have everything you need to make them), turn on the “Happy Working Song” from “Enchanted” REAL LOUD, and enjoy a truly special cleaning moment. :-)
Lemon Dust Cloths
- Water
- White distilled vinegar
- Olive oil
- Rags
- Lemons
- Airtight glass container
First, peel some lemons. I had about 6 small Meyer lemons that I had intended on making into a delicious lemon-y dessert, but instead were almost ready to be compost material.
Mix equal parts water and vinegar. Add a couple drops of olive oil.
Soak rags in the solution until fully saturated. I used a few dollar store washcloths I had lying around.
Wring out the rags leaving them just damp.
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Lay the rags out flat, and place a couple lemon rinds on each cloth.
Roll or fold the rinds into each cloth, and place into your glass container.
Add a few extra lemon peels, and make sure the lid is tight. Store until needed.
Once used, wash the dust cloths and make a new batch!
Note: Vinegar is a great mold killer so I wouldn’t worry about these getting moldy.
I let my dusting cloths sit in the jar most of the day to get nice and fragrant, and then used a couple tonight on our entertainment center. Just as I had thought, it made my least favorite household chore a MUCH nicer experience. :-)
What a great idea!! I just found your page, and am so excited to put some of your ideas to work! With this particular one, can you store for longer periods of time, in a dry area, or should it be refrigerated? Or should it be used that day? I’m just wondering if the cloths would dry up, and be less effective or not.. Thank you.. I can’t wait to read more of your posts!
You can leave it out at room temperature! It will be good for a few weeks. :-)
Really interesting, I was searching around the web for some cleaning solutions and read a lot of similar ones. I’m happy I’ve found an innovative one. I didn’t know that I can use lemon for cleaning the dust! Thank you for creating something different and sharing it with us!
Great idea. I don’t think I would want to use a duster for dusting. We use those for quick touch ups at work. Plus all the extra dust the dusters kick up would aggravate my allergies big time.
Do I have to use glass container, or can I use a large plastic container?
Plastic will work!
Thank you that was my question
While I adore lemon I dust with a large ostrich feather duster. It is so easy and fast the ostrich feathers hold the dust instead of spreading it around like regular dusters. I actually enjoy using this and can dust most of house in half an hour. It doesn’t move anything. Although I have gotten rid of knick knacks, it would do those without having to move a thing. Plese try if you are still using dust cloths. Once a week and it’s done. I love them.
Because these cloths will be damp with a solution that includes water, I’m surprised that they can be used on real wood furniture. I’m sure that they smell great, though! By the way, I hate to dust too!
I was thinking the same thing about using them on real wood furniture.
I was waiting on “how to dry the cloth” section too… But I guess being a tad bit damp will not hurt.
I’ll try this but tied it tight to keep lemons in & put in the dryer for 10 min.
I’m going to tey this using limes. Aromatherapy dusting!
When I was growing up, my Mom used to put on Strauss waltzes and waltz around the house while she dusted.
No matter where I am now, if I hear a Strauss waltz, I get an almost overpowering urge to dust! – Will definitely give these cloths a try :-)
Ha ha that’s so funny! I love it!
It sounds fantastic. We aré lucky to have Seville lemons and best oranges. Thank you
Love this idea, Jillee! I’ve already made several batches of your all purpose cleaning cloths that you posted awhile back. I keep them in jars in every bathroom and in the kitchen, and I LOVE THEM!!!! My house has never been so clean because I’m constantly looking for something to wipe down with them. I’m sure these dusting cloths will make me want to dust more too. Thanks to you, I’ve gone completely DIY with my cleaning and laundry products and it just makes me want to clean more!
That’s awesome! So glad to hear it, Valerie!