This DIY Cleaner Will Prevent Dust From Building Up in Your Home

Keeping your house clean can be challenging, especially since dust and allergens seem to accumulate in the wrong areas. A buildup of dust is sure to leave you feeling unwell. Schar Ward, an author and the founder of the professional cleaning company Domestic Engineering, explains that dust “contains a mixture of dirt, skin cells, pet dander, pollen, and more.” Not exactly the kinds of things you want floating around your home unchecked.

Don’t get me wrong, vacuuming is a great way to pick up dirt from around the house, but sometimes you will find that some areas collect more household dust than others. Ward says regular dusting is crucial because it “helps to minimize these particles in your living environment, which can help prevent respiratory issues and allergies.”

Regular dusting still needs to be done properly. Ward has a five-step system, complete with explanations for each step, that she uses and recommends:

1. Start from the top. Always begin dusting from the highest surfaces and work your way down. This way, any dust that falls will be cleaned up later. Start with ceiling fans, high shelves, and light fixtures
2. Dust in sections. Break your home down into manageable sections—start with one room or area at a time. This method makes it less overwhelming and allows you to see progress.
3. Don’t forget electronics. Use a microfiber cloth or a special duster for electronics. Avoid using liquid cleaners directly on screens; they can damage the surface.
4. Focus on furniture. When dusting furniture, use your cloth in a top-to-bottom motion to pick up dust effectively. Pay particular attention to shelves, baseboards, and the nooks and crannies of furniture.
5. Last but not least—floors. Once everything above the floors is dust-free, vacuum with a HEPA filter or a damp mop to clean the floors. This will help eliminate any dust that has settled.

She also recommends regular decluttering, washing bedding on a consistent schedule, and utilizing HEPA air purifiers to help reduce the amount of dust floating around your house.

Once you’ve mastered your routine, try this DIY dusting spray. It’s an easy but effective way to maintain lower dust levels.

How Do You Make a DIY Dust Cleaner?

Homemade dust cleaners are a great way to make your home smell fresh and clean without spending much money. They’re also easy to make, which makes them a great option if you’re on a budget.

Here’s how to make homemade cleaner:

1. Combine 1 cup of water, 1/4 cup of white distilled vinegar and 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a spray bottle. Shake well to combine ingredients.
2. Sprinkle five drops of essential oil onto the mixture (or up to 10 drops for an extra-strong scent). You can use any essential oil you like; some popular choices include eucalyptus, lavender, grapefruit or lemon.
3. Spray the mixture on furniture that needs cleaning and wipe off with a clean cloth or paper towel when done.

What Kinds of Surfaces Does This DIY Dust Cleaner Work On?

This cleaner can work on many surfaces—but really does wonders on flooring, including carpeting and hardwood floors. It works on walls and ceilings, too. It’s a simple fix for getting rid of dust, dirt and other debris that may be present in your house.

Things To Avoid Dusting With This DIY Dust Cleaner

Bruce Vance, a certified house cleaning technician with Town & Country Cleaning Services, says that this is not an ideal cleaner for lacquered furniture or plastics. While an oil cleaner can work well on waxed or oiled furniture, keeping it clean and maintaining its shine, that’s not the case for other items. Anything with a hard coating won’t absorb the oil, and it will end up trapping dust instead.

Where To Store It