Combating Dust the Green Way

Dust gathers in the home no matter where you live and some areas are even more prone to dust than others are. When dust builds up, it can cause allergies and it can scratch and damage your wood furniture. Dusting can be a tedious job but in order to keep your home clean, it's one you must do regularly.

Dry dusting simply spreads the dust around from one area to another. Most cleaners have chemicals that can be harmful to you and the environment. Fortunately, there are ways to eliminate dust using green techniques that are safe and easy to use.

Reduce Dust Buildup

The first step in combating dust the green way is by reducing the amount of dust that accumulates in your home. You can do this by using caulking or silicone to seal any holes or cracks that allow the dust to seep into your dwelling. This will also make your home more energy efficient.

After your home is sealed, the next step is to do a thorough cleaning and eliminate anything you don't need. Dust particles can accumulate on all types of surfaces and the more cluttered the home is, the dustier it becomes. Eliminating the clutter will make your home will look cleaner and it will be much easier to dust when you do need to.

Clean the Green Way with These Techniques

One of the easiest and most environmentally friendly ways to dust your furniture is with a damp cloth and plain water. This can be used on nearly all surfaces, even many wood pieces. Make sure the cloth is not wet or it can wilt or bubble the wood but a slightly damp cloth works great. As you go over the furniture and other areas of your home, the damp cloth will pick up and hold the dust, leaving behind a clean surface.

You can also make your own natural cleaner by mixing lemon juice and olive oil with water. Put the mixture in a spray bottle and spray it on a cloth, then wipe the dust away. This will clean and condition the wood while freshening the air with a great lemon smell. It's a good idea to test the mixture or the damp cloth on an area that is inconspicuous just to make sure no discoloration occurs.

If you cannot use the two green techniques above on certain items in your home, there is another option. Use a microfiber cloth when dusting inside the home. The unique fibers build up a static charge that grabs the dust as you go over the surface keeping it from spreading through the air. It won't streak, it's safe to use and it won't leave a residue behind like some cleaning solutions.