TIPical Mary Ellen shows viewers time- and labor-saving tips for dusting around the house.
- Dust cloths should be made from either cotton or flannels because synthetics do not absorb well and can scratch the surface of many items. Fabric-softener sheets or old socks worn as gloves will work in a pinch if your dust cloths are dirty.
- To create a dust cloth that leaves a shine, soak your normal dust cloth in a mixture of two cups water, two tablespoons vinegar and four drops lemon oil. Once the cloth is soaked through, remove it and wring it out, then store it in a glass jar with a lid until you want to use it.
- Make sure that you have a way of reaching those hard-to-reach places by having on hand a yardstick, broom handle or even a hockey stick. Simply put a sock on the end of any of these, and wipe those corners and moldings.
- After dusting the blinds on your windows, wipe each slat with a fabric-softener sheet. This will help keep them stay cleaner longer because the sheet helps to repel dust.
- A dust mop is a must for any household with hardwood floors because it attracts the finer dust that brooms fail to pick up without the harshness of a broom. Spray it very lightly (too much will make the floor slippery) with a furniture polish to keep attracting dust without dispersing it.
- Instead of shaking out your dust mop outside, try this easy tip: Spritz water inside a plastic bag, then place the mop head in the bag, securing it around the handle. Shake the mop out in the bag, then remove the bag. The dust should cling to the water in the bag.
- For delicate areas like a lampshade, use a soft paintbrush to dust. Not only will it not hurt the lampshade, but it will also get into the nooks and crannies.
- Put a clean, slightly damp dust cloth on top of a helium balloon, and float it up to the rafters to unreachable corners. Just pull the balloon around, and in no time you will have collected all the dust.
- To dust narrow areas such as between a book shelf and a wall, slide a sock over the end of a hanger.
- A can of compressed air will help you expel dust from hard-to-reach areas and delicate electronics.
- Another way to bust dust from such areas like a television or on top of a refrigerator is to mix together one part fabric softener and four parts water. Moisten a rag with this mixture, and rub over the area. It will help take away the static electricity.
