Dust: the unwanted house guest who just won't leave. Whether it's sneaking into the corners or brazenly covering your favorite bookshelf, dust can feel like an endless battle. 

Fear not—armed with the right tips and maybe a duster that doesn't shed half its fibers, you can tackle dust with ease, precision, and even a bit of flair. Let's dive into a dust-free future!

Tip #1. Dust From Top to Bottom

When dusting, always start from the highest surfaces in a room and work your way down. Why? Because gravity exists, and dust loves to fall. Begin with ceiling fans, light fixtures, and high shelves before descending to tables and floors. Skip this step, and you’ll be doing double the work—nobody has time for that.

Tip #2. Use Microfiber Dusters

All dusters are not created equal. Microfiber dusters are like the superheroes of cleaning tools—they trap dust instead of pushing it around. Feather dusters may look elegant, but unless you’re dusting a Downton Abbey set, microfiber is your best bet.

Tip #3. Spray Onto The Cloth, Not Surfaces

When using a cleaning spray, put it directly onto your cloth instead of spraying surfaces. Doing so prevents oversaturation and streaking, particularly on sensitive finishes like wood or glass. 

Bonus: It also avoids creating some slippery mess that could make dusting an unwanted skating session.

Tip #4. Stay On Track with a Dusting Schedule

Consistency is the way to go! Create a schedule for your household: once a week for high-traffic spots, once every two weeks for less-used areas. Keeping on track with dusting means fewer allergy flare-ups and no last-minute panic cleaning before visits come over.

Tip #5. Vacuum First

If you’re facing a thick layer of dust (thanks to skipping your schedule—no judgment!), grab your vacuum. Use the hose attachment to suck up the bulk before dusting. This is especially helpful for blinds, vents, and baseboards where dust tends to cling.

Tip #6. Use Different Tools for Different Areas

Different surfaces call for different tools. A lambswool duster might be perfect for delicate collectibles, while a damp microfiber cloth does wonders on furniture. For blinds, use a special blind-cleaning tool or improvise with tongs wrapped in microfiber cloths. Get creative-dust doesn't stand a chance!

Tip # 7. Zap The Dust Off Your Tech

Electronics are dust magnets-and a fine layer of grime doesn't exactly scream "high definition." A lightly dampened microfiber cloth works great for screens, while a soft brush or canned air works for keyboards. Regular maintenance will keep your devices clean and at their best.

Tip #8. Dust Upholstered Furniture With a Vacuum

Give your furniture some love, too. Switch to the brush attachment and get rid of dust, pet hair, and crumbs from upholstery. Regularly vacuum cushions and crevices to avoid buildup and let your furniture stay fresh.

Tip #9. Shift Things Around To Clean Under Furniture

Dust is a great hider. To conquer it, you have to go where it hides—under furniture, behind books, and beneath trinkets. While dusting, move items around to get into those sneaky places. Pro tip: Always lift and never drag to avoid scratching or scuffing anything by accident.

CHRIStal Clean Can Make Your Home Sparkle

If you're just not into dusting, CHRIStal Clean will take the weight off your shoulders. We pride ourselves on ridding your home of dirt, dust, and grime, allowing you to enjoy a completely stress-free environment. Book your cleaning now and savor your dust-free haven!

Despite its job being to wash away the remnants of dinner, your dishwasher isn't immune to the grime and funk that can accumulate over time—no, it doesn't clean itself!

So, if you're ready to bring back the shine to your appliance, stick around, as here we'll share with you a way to clean your dishwasher like a pro. The cool part? No need to douse it in harsh chemicals; just raid your kitchen for some baking soda and vinegar!

Step #1. Empty out your dishwasher

Your dishwasher has to be completely empty for a thorough cleaning. So, take out racks, utensil holders, dishes, and any other stuff you could have in there.

Chuck the racks and holders into the sink with some warm, soapy water to scrub them as soon as you take them out so they're good and dry when you're done sprucing up your machine.

Step #2. Make sure to clean the filter

Your dishwasher filter is one of the most important parts to clean. Neglect it, and you might face blockages, leaks, or a busted water pump. And if you notice a funky smell coming out of your appliance, it's often thanks to food clogging up the filter.

Here's the drill for cleaning the filter:

1. Take out the filter. Spot it as a little circular gadget at the bottom of the dishwasher. Twist and lift, or consult the appliance's manual if you're unsure where it is and how to take it out.
2. In most dishwashers, you'll find a mesh filter. If yours has it, pull it out too.
3. Get into the cavity where the filter sat and clear out any lingering food bits.
4. Toss both filters in the sink, hit them with warm, soapy water, and scrub away the grime. Use a soft toothbrush for the mesh filter and your kitchen sponge for the other one.
5. Put the filters back where they belong, all in the right order.

Note: Some dishwashers have self-cleaning filters. If yours is one of them, just skip this step.

Step #3. Pretreat the dishwasher

To make your cleaning more effective, pretreat your dishwasher's walls. That way, stuck on food will be easier to deal with.

First, grab a clean cloth, dip it in warm, soapy water, and wipe over all the goo and gunk. Rinse and repeat. Not every bit will budge, but the most stubborn stuff will be softened. Also, you can use a toothpick or clip to tackle any clogged water jet holes.

Note: Food on the door's rubber seal can lead to leaks. If you spot gunk there, hit it with soapy water and a soft toothbrush.

Step #4. Run a cycle with vinegar

The main role of vinegar here is to help you dissolve hard water spots. Fill a dishwasher-safe bowl with two cups of vinegar, place it on the dishwasher's floor, and let the machine run a hot water cycle.

Once the cycle ends, there will be no more white spots, and the grease will be weakened. Vinegar will work against bad odors, too!

Note: Concerned about vinegar harming your dishwasher? No sweat! It's safe as long as you avoid pouring it into the detergent compartment.

Step #5. Finish with baking soda

Once the previous cycle wraps up, run a short new one (also with hot water), but this time, sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda on the dishwasher floor. Baking soda's chemical prowess will work on the softened stains, gunk, and grease, dissolving them in water.

Lastly, run a drying cycle before placing the racks and holders back into the dishwasher.

Note: If your dishwasher lacks a drying cycle, dry the interior manually with a clean cloth. Pay attention to slits and tiny holes to avoid potential mold growth.

CHRIStal Clean will help you keep your home spotless!

Keeping a pristine kitchen needs more than a clean dishwasher. Hire CHRIStal Clean, and don't worry about it! Our reliable maids will clean your kitchen and your whole house from top to bottom with the best cleaning products. Get a free quote today!