Leave dust in the dust with these smart cleaning and prevention tips.

Plus, there’s the fact that household dust is unsightly and downright gross.

Jason Donnelly

1.

telescoping duster used to dust window blinds

Credit:Jason Donnelly

Dust first, then vacuum, sweep, or mop the floor around the area.

Or reach for a common household item you probably already havea coffee filterand use that to dust electronics.

But all those small items can be a burden to clean.

Luckily, a feather duster makes quick work of this dreaded chore.

However, when it comes to cleaning knickknack-laden shelves, they’re just the thing for the job.

If it’s a freestanding unit, pull the shelves away from the wall andvacuum the area around it.

Upholstered Furniture and Window Treatments

When dust gathers on fabric, it can go unseen.

To keep upholstered furniture andwindow treatmentsdust-free, vacuum them regularly using an upholstery attachment.

Mattresses and Headboards

The same thing goes for mattresses and headboards, especially upholstered models.

To keep beds dust-free, vacuum the mattress regularly using an upholstery attachment.

Prevent Dust from Accumulating

There are a number of ways to reduce dust andallergens in the home.

Check, repair, and/orreplace sealsto reduce external dust.

Keeping vents clean and unobstructed, therefore, will ensure the HVAC system is working at peak performance.

While they’re soaking, use a vacuum fitted with the hose attachment to clean inside the vents.

Then, dry the covers thoroughly and reinstall them.

Use Entrance Mats

Doormats can help prevent dust and other external pollutants from entering your home.

Routine brushing and bathing help eradicate dander at its source.

But there are some items and spaces in the home that can be challenging to keep dust-free.

These dusting hacks can help.

In general,microfiber cleaning clothsand dusting tools are the best choice for the job.

And if you’re only going to buy one duster, make itmicrofiber.

However, there are other dusters worth knowing about.