Dust builds up all over time, hindering the air quality of your home and can aggravate allergies, asthma and cause headaches. Not only can dust cause health problems, it can also  reduce the energy efficiency in our homes, wasting money and resources. Most of us regularly dust the items that are used everyday and are in reach: the TV, the coffee table, shelves, etc. but just because you cannot see it or reach it, doesn’t mean dust is not building up on it. 

The Ceiling Fan
Your ceiling fan is a prime example. Since this item is in a hard to reach area, it might get neglected during our normal cleaning routine and can end up with a heavy dust build up. This dust weighs the blades down, causing the motor to work harder. Over time, the fan may wobble, causing the air to distribute poorly and ultimately, the motor will burn out prematurely. Keeping your fan clean is the best way to save energy and ensure a longer motor life, saving you money!

Cleaning the fan is actually easier than you think, if you have the right tools. Now before you get excited and  head out to Target to search for this special tool (you know your want to!) you wont have to leave the house for this one. All you will need is a few old pillowcase and a safe way to access the fan.

Making sure your fan is turned off (safety first!), simply slide the blades, one at a time, into the pillowcase and wipe! All the dusty mess will stay inside the pillowcase and not all over you and the floor. Rotate to a clean part of the pillowcase as you do each blade and replace the pillowcases as necessary until all blades have been thoroughly cleaned. To get every last bit of dust, wipe each blade with your homemade spot wipes or Daily All Purpose Cleaner.

Once the blades are cleaned, wipe down the housing fixture with a damp microfiber cloth, dust/change out the bulbs and if possible, remove the globes and wash in warm soapy water (check the owner’s manual if you are not sure if these are washable) Clean your fan at least once a month (more if you notice a thick build up of dust) to keep your fan and air quality in tip top shape.

The Chandelier
There are several methods to thoroughly clean a chandelier involving drop cloths, covering bulbs with sandwhich bags and a digital camera but if you would like a simple, easy way to make the glass prisms shine all your need is a cloth and some vodka. Just apply the vodka to a soft cloth and gently wipe each prism and allow to air dry. You can also use a mixture of  2 teaspoons rubbing alcohol and 1 cup of warm water in a spray bottle. Spray the glass areas of  the chandelier with this mixture, avoiding or covering bulbs and electrical components with a plastic bag. Allow to drip dry.

The Houseplants (real or fake)
Houseplants can be major dust collectors and are often overlooked. Keeping them clean will not only help control dust but will also help control pests and help the plants live longer. Removing the dust is simple and only requires water.. Washing them often with lukewarm water will keep them clean and the bugs at bay. Put small plants in the sink or use your shower for large plants. You can also wipe down large plants with a damp, clean cloth, taking care not to crack the leaves.

If you have a fuzzy-leafed plant like an african violet, use a soft bristled toothbrush or paint brush to gently brush off dust. A great way to throughly clean small plants is to turn them upside down, supporting the plant and the soil, and swishing them in lukewarm water. Allow to drip dry in the sun if possible.

Using salt to clean silk plants
Since silk plants should not get wet this method is ideal. Simply put your silk plant in a bag, add enough salt to cover the surface area of the plant and seal the bag. Shake the bag until the salt has adhered to the sticky/dirty areas of the plant. Remove from bag and let the salt sit on the plant for awhile, allowing it to absorb the debris. Once the salt has done its job, it is time to give the plant  the once over with your vacuum. In order to prevent the leaves of the plant from getting sucked up in the vacuum you will need an old pair of nylons and some rubber bands. Cover your vacuum attachment (the crevice tool works best) with the nylons, securing it tightly with the rubber bands. Gently vacuum the salt and debris off of each leaf until clean.

If you have plastic plants, these can be washed in the sink or shower with water and a drop of detergent or the leaves can simply be wiped down with a damp microfiber cloth.

Now that you have dusted the un-dustables, why not consider hiring a professional cleaning company to come to your home and keep your dust (and dirt) at bay. Letting the professionals do the dirty work will allow you to spend more time doing the things you want to do and less time worrying about keeping ahead of those dust bunnies under the bed.