Why dusting makes such a big difference
Dust is sneaky. A thin layer builds up on every flat surface, and over time it makes a home look dull even when it is picked up. Dust also floats around every time you walk by or turn on a fan. Many people notice their home feels fresher and the air feels lighter after a good dusting.
In our area, dust comes from a lot of places. Pets, fabric, open windows in spring and summer, the furnace running all winter, and nearby construction and farm fields all add to it.
How I dust
I use soft microfiber cloths that grab dust instead of pushing it around. I work from the top of a room to the bottom, so anything that falls gets picked up when I clean the floors at the end. I lift or move small items to dust under them, then put them back where they belong.
What I dust on regular visits
Furniture
- Dressers, nightstands, and headboards
- Coffee tables, end tables, and dining tables
- TV stands and entertainment centers
- Desks and chairs
Shelves and decor
- Bookshelves and open shelving
- Picture frames and wall decor I can reach
- Lamps and lamp bases
- Candles, vases, and knick knacks
Reachable ledges and sills
- Window sills
- Stair railings and spindles
- Mantels
- Tops of low cabinets
Touch points
- Light switches
- Door handles and knobs
- Cabinet handles
- Remote controls and phones when you want
What I dust during a deep clean
- Ceiling fan blades
- Blinds and shutters
- Baseboards, by hand
- Door frames and the tops of doors
- Air vent covers I can reach
- Light fixtures I can safely reach
- Tops of tall furniture I can safely reach
Careful with your special things
Family photos, collections, heirlooms, and delicate decor get gentle care. If there is anything you do not want me to touch or move, like a shelf of breakables or a display case, just point it out during the walkthrough. I will leave it alone or dust it exactly how you like.
Safety note about high places
I clean what I can safely reach. For very high ceilings, tall light fixtures, or the tops of two story windows, we can talk during the walkthrough about what is realistic. I will not do anything that could put your home or me at risk.
Dusting as part of every clean
Dusting is included in every regular cleaning and gets extra detail in every deep clean. If dust is your biggest problem, let me know. We can put extra time toward it on each visit.
Getting ready for winter? My fall cleaning checklist covers vents, blinds, and ceiling fans.
