Optimal Cleaning Order: Experts Debate Whether to Dust or Vacuum First
In the quest for a cleaner and healthier living environment, understanding how to effectively reduce dust in your home is essential. Here are some expert tips to help you keep your home sparkling clean.
According to Catherine Green, a sustainable cleaning expert at Smol, the recommended order to reduce dust is to dust first and then vacuum. This method ensures that disturbed dust falls to the floor, where a thorough vacuum can remove it completely. Using a vacuum with strong suction and a HEPA filter further helps trap fine particles instead of recirculating them back into the air [1][2].
When dusting, it's important to pay attention to often-neglected spots like skirting boards, behind appliances, and lampshades. For delicate items, a slightly damp cloth or microfiber cloth is generally best. For shelves, screens, and tight crevices, a damp cloth is better. For blinds, skirting boards, radiators, and mirrors, a damp cloth or sponge is the recommended choice [1][2].
Professional cleaners suggest dusting from top to bottom, starting with ceiling fans, shelves, and surfaces. This approach ensures that dust particles, which tend to go floating in the air and settle on surfaces below, are effectively removed [1][2].
Daily vacuuming, especially in busy homes or households with pets, can significantly help in reducing dust. For the best results, vacuum high-traffic areas at least twice a week. After dusting, pop your vacuum on and clean your floor, as all the dust has drifted to the floor [1][4].
For easier home vacuuming, consider a cordless model like the Shark's vacuum, which offers up to 60 minutes of runtime [3]. For laminate or vinyl flooring, a hard-floor-safe vacuum or a soft dry mop is recommended for day-to-day cleaning [4].
Remember to empty your vacuum regularly to avoid recycling dust back into your home. The Scrub Daddy duster, a well-reviewed product on Amazon, is suitable for removing dust from various surfaces [2].
Lastly, don't forget the power of daily cleaning habits. Lynsey Crombie, the UK's leading home expert and author of "Queen of Clean 15-Minute Clean: The Quickest Way To A Sparkling Home", emphasises that daily cleaning can make homes look their best [5].
References:
[1] Green, C. (2021). Sustainable Cleaning Expert's Guide to Reducing Dust in Your Home. [Online]. Available: https://www.smol.co.uk/blog/reduce-dust-home
[2] Crombie, L. (2020). Queen of Clean 15-Minute Clean: The Quickest Way To A Sparkling Home. [Book]. Penguin Books Ltd.
[3] AO.com. (2021). Best Cordless Vacuums. [Online]. Available: https://www.ao.com/home/vacuum-cleaners/cordless-vacuum-cleaners
[4] Cleverdon, L. (2021). Flooring King's Guide to Keeping Your Floors Clean. [Online]. Available: https://flooringking.co.uk/blog/flooring-king-guide-to-keeping-your-floors-clean
[5] Lilywhite, K. (2021). Top Tips for Keeping Your Home Clean. [Online]. Available: https://www.ao.com/home/cleaning/top-tips-for-keeping-your-home-clean
In the pursuit of a cleaner home and improved health, incorporating daily dusting and vacuuming into your home-and-garden lifestyle can significantly contribute to wellness and beauty. As Lynsey Crombie, the UK's leading home expert, suggests, maintaining daily cleaning habits can keep your home looking its best [5]. To optimize dust reduction, follow Catherine Green's recommendations for dusting and vacuuming techniques, such as employing a damp cloth or microfiber for delicate items, using a vacuum with a strong suction and HEPA filter, and regularly emptying your vacuum to avoid recirculating dust [1][2]. This approach to home-and-garden maintenance is not only effective in maintaining a sparkling clean environment but also contributes to the overall beauty and wellness of your lifestyle.
