Dust is one of those household chores that never seems to stay away for long, with skirting boards and windowsills often showing it first. Even after a thorough clean, these surfaces can quickly collect another layer of dust within days.
Fortunately, there is an unusual household product that can actually help keep dust from settling as easily. Mum and content creator Hannah, who goes by @home.on.the.glade on Instagram, shared a simple cleaning hack that creates a barrier that helps repel dust. The quick tip could help keep your skirting boards and windows cleaner for longer, reducing the need for frequent dusting.
How to repel dust easily
Hannah shared: "The secret to clean dust-free skirting boards and surfaces... tumble dryer sheets! Simply grab a dryer sheet and rub it over the surface. The static it creates will repel dust and stop the dust from collecting. I use this on my skirting boards, stairs and woodwork on my windows... it works a treat."
It may seem like an unexpected cleaning tool, but dryer sheets are designed with anti-static properties to stop clothes from sticking together in the tumble dryer. Those same properties can also help reduce dust around the home.
Wiping a dryer sheet over skirting boards or blinds helps neutralise static electricity, making it harder for dust to cling to the surface. The sheets also leave behind a thin layer of fabric softener, creating a protective coating that helps keep dust at bay for longer.
According to Skirting World, this hack makes surfaces clean for weeks longer.
Another way to get rid of dust
Another way to get rid of dust is by using a homemade repellent. A writer from Apartment Therapy revealed that her Grandmother uses vinegar, olive oil, and a touch of soap to prevent dust from settling in her home.
They shared: "The coating that the spray leaves on surfaces helps prevent dust from adhering and settling in, which means you'll have to clean those hard-to-dust places a little less frequently."
To make the cleaning solution, combine two cups of water with one cup of white vinegar, which helps disinfect surfaces and cut through grime. Then, add two tablespoons of olive oil to polish surfaces while creating a protective layer that helps keep dust away for longer. Finally, mix in one to two drops of washing-up liquid to give the solution extra cleaning power.
They noted: "Now, this spray isn't a miracle worker, so you will eventually have to dust your shelves and furniture. But I find that I can get away with wiping my surfaces bi-weekly rather than weekly when using this regularly. (For reference, I have two cats, so dust and hair build up in my home relatively fast!)"
