Dust, Dust Everywhere

I just ran across the most wonderful tutorial and it couldn’t have been more timely.  I have been using a Swiffer duster (a large package bought from Costco) but was at the end of my stash.  I didn’t want to buy another package because well, using disposable dusters just isn’t “Make it Do” or earth-friendly.  I think I bought them out of desperation.  Living in a semi-rural community, near the mouth of a beautiful canyon has it’s perks, but dust isn’t one of them.  I need to dust all the time!  Anyway, I have liked the way the Swiffer works, easy to dust around things and such… but I didn’t want to spend the money to replace them.

But just when I was out of disposable dusters, I found a great tutorial on making a reusable, washable duster.  I whipped one up in no time.

I used a microfiber cloth purchased in a bundle of 4 for $5 from TJ Maxx.  One towel made one duster.  My only complaint was how messy it was to cut up the microfiber… be prepared for little pieces to be everywhere.  But once finished, I shook it out really well over my large garbage can and it stopped shedding.  I went through the house dusting everything and it works like a charm.

I use my Swiffer for quick dusting or for dusting my doo-dads, picture frames and blinds.  For more thorough dusting of my wood furniture, I fill a spray bottle with water, add a few drops of essential oil… (you know I love lavender) and give it a good shake.  Then I spray it onto a soft cloth (I use cloth baby diapers) and wipe down the furniture.  I launder the cloth after each use.

When my wood furniture needs a really good cleaning, polishing and conditioning, my mom introduced me to The Original Beeswax Furniture Polish.  It is a bit expensive, but you don’t need to use it often, maybe once every couple months, and so it lasts a really long time.  For those living in Utah, it can be purchased in Salt Lake City at the Silver Star Hardware.

One other quick tip, if you find that you need to dust more than usual, check your air conditioner/furnace filter, you might need to replace your filter.

Now I better get back to cleaning, because I think I can write my name in the dust on my dining table!