How to Dust Without Scratching Surfaces

Like a good doctor, when you dust, you first want to do no harm. Damaging or scratching something while dusting is not the goal. Dusting some delicate surfaces requires a gentle touch, including electronics, floors and wood or glass shelves.

Painted Wood

From baseboards to your favorite hall table or window trim you may have to dust some painted wood. For semi-glossy painted surfaces wipe them down with either a dry dust cloth or one dampened slightly with water.

Wood Floors

Wood floors may be cleaned with a ¼ cup of cider vinegar and ½ a gallon of warm water. Wet a soft cloth with the mixture, wringing out the excess. Wipe the floor with the cloth.

Computer and Peripherals

Turn off the computer first. Wipe it down with a dry microfiber cloth to avoid scratching it. Never use ammonia-based products on your monitor.

Unplug the keyboard and take it outside to dump it upside down. Spray some compressed air to remove any lodged items that don't belong. Yes, crumbs and stuff will fall out unless nobody in your family ever eats while sitting at the computer.

Dampen a cloth with a basic cleaner and wipe down the keys. Use cotton swabs dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove stuck on items. You can and should also wipe down the top of the mouse.

Glass Shelves

Spray a glass cleaner onto a soft rag and wipe down. Wipe both the top and the bottom, as you would a glass table. You can use an ostrich feather duster to remove dust from glass shelves housing a group of knickknacks. The ostrich feather duster will not simply relocate the dust. As long as you don't flick the duster, the dust stays on the duster until you are ready to clean it in a pail of soapy water.

Antiques, Collectibles and Other Treasures

Hang onto the flannel pajamas your kids keep outgrowing. Any pajama pieces that aren't slated for use in a quilt can be used to gently dust off your family's treasures.

Phone Receivers

Most people still do have a land-line telephones at home and those telephone receivers need to be cleaned. Dampen a cloth with white vinegar to wipe down the receiver, including the handle and the mouth and ear pieces.