How to Clean Dust Magnets

Some household items attract dust like pollen attracts bees. Become an expert dust buster with a little know-how and the right tools.

Author:
Howcast
Updated:
Nov 7, 2018
Original:
May 7, 2010

Instructions

Step 1: Dust blinds, lighting fixtures, and fans Dust your blinds, lighting fixtures, and ceiling fans with a lamb's wool duster. The oils in the wool will hold on to the dust particles.
TIP: Always dust from the top down, saving your floors for last.
Step 2: Vacuum curtains Vacuum your curtains, especially the tops, at least once a week to prevent dust accumulation. Either wash or have your curtains dry cleaned at least twice a year.
TIP: Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter. The filter prevents dust from spreading around your home as it is collected.
Step 3: Dust shelves, furniture, and other objects Dust shelves, furniture, lamps, and picture frames, with a microfiber cloth. Use an ostrich-feather duster to get to hard-to-reach places.
Step 4: Dust lampshades and light bulbs Dust your lampshades and light bulbs with a clean, soft, natural-bristle paintbrush.
Step 5: Wipe electronic devices Wipe electronics, such as computers and televisions, with a slightly damp microfiber cloth. Don't forget to clean the power cords.
TIP: Use a can of compressed air for areas that are hard to get to and around sensitive parts.
Step 6: Clean artificial flowers Clean artificial or silk flowers by putting a cup of table salt in a paper bag, putting the flowers in the bag, and then closing and shaking the bag. Shake off any salt left on the flowers as you remove them from the bag and save the bag of salt for next time.
Step 7: Dust books Dust your books with a microfiber cloth. Hold the book tightly closed when cleaning the edges to prevent dust from falling into the pages. If they're very dusty, vacuum the book with a brush attachment.
FACT: The microscopic house dust mite feeds on dead skin shed by humans, but does not bite and is not classified as a parasite. The microscopic house dust mite feeds on dead skin shed by humans, but does not bite and is not classified as a parasite.