Maintain a Dust-Free Home

Every day you breathe in thousands of dust flakes made of skin cells, dander, and dust mite excrement. It coats the inside of your home. It also holds odor and bacteria, which can cause illness and increase allergies. But dusting doesn't have to be a big chore. When done regularly, it only takes a few minutes and can improve the health of your family. Here are some tips for quick and easy dusting:

1. As you dust, gravity will cause flakes to fall to the ground. Always start at the top of the room. Ceilings and corners collect cobwebs that can make an otherwise clean room appear dirty. For a quick remedy, wrap a towel around a broom and run it around the edges of the room and across the ceiling.

2. Lamb's wool dusters, microfiber cloths, and terry cloth work best to collect dust from smooth surfaces. Fabric softener sheets also work well. They collect dust and pet hair, and reduce the static electricity that attracts dust flakes. For quick and easy dusting, eliminate clutter and keep knick knacks and other decorative items to a minimum.

3. To dust narrow areas such as between a bookcase and a wall, place an old sock on a ruler or hanger. This will easily slide between electronics as well. Spray the sock with Pledge or other dusting solution. This repels dust and keeps it from collecting as quickly.

4. Use a large makeup brush or paint brush to clean lampshades. The soft bristles get into the nooks and crannies of the fabric and pull out the dust.

5. Use a can of air to clean keyboards and other electronics. Cans of compressed air can be bought at almost any store. Simply aim and press the button. The air will blow the dust, dirt, and crumbs out of crevices.

6. Mix a one to four ratio of liquid fabric softener and water to clean the tops of refrigerators, televisions, and glass tables. The fabric softener will reduce static electricity and repel dust.

7. Remember to clean the less obvious places. Curtain rods, ceiling fans, baseboards, and blinds collect a lot of dust, but are often overlooked.

8. Use a dust mop on tile and hard wood floors. It will pick up tiny flakes of dust that harsh broom bristles miss. Before running it over the floor, spray it lightly with a dusting solution to help attract as much dust as possible. Be careful not to overspray or your floor will become slippery.

9. Thoroughly vacuum rugs and carpets to get the last of the dust.

All of this may seem like a lot of work, but when done regularly, it's a quick and easy task that goes a long way toward keeping your home clean and your family healthy.