A professional cleaner with nearly a decade of experience caring for a historic 640-year-old UK castle has shared a remarkably simple trick to conquer one of housekeeping's most annoying problems: dust that flies everywhere when you sweep.
The Castle's Secret Weapon Against Dust
Caroline Connor, who leads the conservation and preservation cleaning team at Hever Castle in Kent, revealed the hack during an interview with Good Housekeeping in October. Her advice is straightforward yet transformative for anyone who has battled with airborne dust.
"Put a bit of glass cleaner on the end of your broom or brush," Caroline advised. "When you sweep, the dust doesn't fly everywhere. Instead, it clumps together in easy-to-collect piles."
Why This Hack is a Game-Changer
This method is particularly useful for tackling the vast, ornate wooden staircases found in historic properties like Hever Castle, but its application in the modern home is just as effective. The technique works by lightly dampening the broom bristles, which helps to weigh down and capture dust particles instead of scattering them into the air.
Ella Duggan, who compiled the tip for Good Housekeeping alongside Katie Mortram, highlighted an additional significant benefit. She noted it is a "great tip" for allergy sufferers, as it prevents dust from being "stirred into the air" and subsequently inhaled.
The cleaning tips were gathered from teams responsible for maintaining several UK landmarks, including St Paul's Cathedral and the Greenwich Observatory, but it was the visit to the iconic Hever Castle that yielded this specific dust-busting revelation.
More Expert Tips for a Dust-Free Home
This is not the only professional advice for managing household dust. In December 2025, lifestyle resource The Spruce highlighted an "effective" method for dusting that also tackles bacteria. They recommend using a damp, clean microfiber cloth, which removes germs without leaving lint. A key warning accompanies this: avoid over-saturating the cloth to prevent moisture streaks.
Furthermore, a separate technique shared on TikTok in December suggested a way to clean skirting boards that leaves them smelling amazing and helps repel future dust. The user, @mumscleaninglockdownlife, demonstrated using fabric softener, applied with a Dishmatic-style sponge or a spray bottle. The softener should be watered down to avoid a sticky residue, and the area should be buffed dry with a clean cloth afterwards.
For general upkeep, Better Homes and Gardens recommends a weekly dusting routine to keep allergens and grime at bay. Combining these professional insights can transform a chore into a more efficient and health-conscious practice.
