To Dust a Room - Keeping Up With the Dust Bunnies

You don't hear much talk about dusting these days. With vacuums and sealed in homes you would think there is no need to dust anymore.

But the opposite is true. We still need to dust. To ward off allergies and just for healthy living in general.

I won't go into the particular details of the kind of the dirt we bring in from the outdoors, the fibers from clothing and carpeting, and other unmentionable dust sources but chances are if you haven't dusted in a while you need to. Just trust me on this.

Dust can aggravate and bring on allergies. Keeping it at bay keeps you healthier and reduces allergy symptoms. Don't just knock it down, get rid of it completely.

So how often should you dust?

Well each room that you use regularly should get a regular dusting of surfaces at least once a week.

Rooms with carpeting that get a lot of daily use should be vacuumed daily. Items that have filters should have the filters cleaned or replaced regularly.

This means your heating and air conditioning systems, vacuums with filter bags, clothes dryers etc.

How should you go about dusting?

1. Use a duster get upper corners and the tops of windows and doors.

2. Use a duster to knock the dust bunnies off of walls.

3. Use a dust rag (dampened) to wipe dust off off furniture, lamps and such.

4. Use a duster to get around knick knacks and books on shelves.

5. Vacuum after you dust.

6. Once a month remove the knick knacks, dust them with a damp cloth. Do the same to the the shelf fully to keep dust bunnies at bay.

I also use a furniture cream about once a month. It adds a nice scent to the home and conditions the wood (or so it says).

Frugal dusting tip: Reuse an old fabric dryer sheet by damping it slightly and using it to pick up that bathroom dust such as hair and towel fibers.

Dusting is not passe. So keep it up. It does make a difference.

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