Clean Like the Pros: Do You Dust or Vacuum First?
If you have set out to achieve that same dust-free-clean feeling in your home like the professional cleaners, you have no doubt asked yourself, “Should I vacuum or dust first?”
When it comes to household dust, it can be a combination of small particles made up of:
Pollen
Hair
Fibers
Food
Skin cells;
And more
It’s no wonder we do our best to dust and vacuum it away.
Yet much like the age-old chicken or the egg question, some will debate which task comes first.
We are here to settle that debate and the answer is –– it depends.
Keep reading this article to find out why and the order you should follow the next time you want your home to feel squeaky clean.
Table of Contents
Should You Dust or Vacuum First?
As you’re happily dusting your home, you may have noticed some dirt falling away from the surface down to your floor.
And you may be wondering how much dust your vacuum is kicking up that lands back on the surface you just dusted.
Watching this dust cycle can have you wondering what the order of events should be –– should you dust or vacuum first?
In short, if you’re doing a traditional maintenance cleaning, you want to dust first then vacuum.
Keep reading to learn why.
Why Professional Cleaners Usually Dust First
Professional cleaners will often approach a cleaning by dusting before vacuuming.
That’s because even the best duster on the market can lose a little dust to gravity.
Dusting first takes into consideration the dust particles that will fall to the floor, leaving the vacuum to pick them up later.
The pros will start at the top of the room to bring down the dust and cobwebs, focusing on items like:
Hard-to-reach ceiling fans
Light fixtures
Corners; and
Tall furniture
Next, they will work their way down, moving on to surfaces like …
Mantles
Tabletops
Windowsills
Baseboards; and
Furniture legs
… until they reach the floor.
If you want to remove the most dust from your home, you may consider waiting for the dust to settle before vacuuming.
But for how long?
It can take as long as two hours for some dust particles to settle on the floor.
Instead, follow this pro tip. Turn your vacuum upside-down and let it run for 10 to 15 minutes to remove the dust particles from the air.
Or better yet, let the pros at Tidy Up Portland! make your home sparkle by taking care of:
Dusting
Vacuuming; and
Much more
We offer affordable flat and hourly rates based on the size of your home and your specific cleaning priorities.
When You Might Need To Vacuum First: 3 Scenarios
Scenario #1: If There Is a Lot of Dust
If you’ve got a lot of heavy dust particles and a vacuum cleaner with multiple attachment options, your best bet might be to use those attachments to vacuum the surfaces.
Having …
Hose
Brush; and
Extending
… attachments allow you to still vacuum using the top-to-bottom method.
In this case, vacuuming first with your attachments allows you to completely remove the heavy dust particles from the surface and the air.
Scenario #2: If the Home Has Recently Been Cleaned
On the contrary, if your home has recently been cleaned and isn’t as dusty, you can probably skip dry dusting and jump straight to wet dusting your surfaces.
We’ll cover the difference between dry and wet dusting later in the frequently asked questions section of the article.
Still, if your home is fairly clean, vacuuming first is an acceptable way to save time and effort while still achieving the same clean results.
Scenario #3: If There Are Shedding Pets in the Home
Pets can leave behind a lot of hair and dander, contributing to the amount of dust a home can accumulate.
The best way to remove pet hair is by vacuuming or at least sweeping it up first.
For the best results, you may still need to follow a method that includes:
Vacuuming or sweeping first
Dry dusting
Wet dusting; and
Vacuuming again
FAQs About Dusting and Vacuuming Your Home
How Long Should You Wait To Vacuum After Dusting?
The amount of time it takes for the dust to settle varies based on the:
Size of the space being cleaned
Type of dust; and
Amount of dust present
Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from 15 minutes up to two hours for the dust to fully settle to the floor for vacuuming.
If you don’t want to wait two hours before dusting, waiting at least 15 minutes can greatly increase your chances of catching the dust particles.
What’s the Difference Between Dry Dusting and Wet Dusting?
Dry dusting involves using a feather duster or other dry dusting tool (a Swiffer duster is one of the more popular choices, and works better than a feather duster for certain surface types).
Wet dusting uses a lightly moistened cloth or microfiber towel.
Dry dusting is great for removing larger dust debris that will stick to the duster, while wet dusting can pick up the fine dust particles left behind.
Wet dusting can be used with water or a cleaning solution appropriate for the surface.
Why Is It Important To Dust and Vacuum Regularly?
Dust can do more harm than just making your house look untidy.
It can have a serious impact on your health.
Studies show that exposure to indoor dust can lead to mucosal irritation, leaving you with congestion and sinus problems.
Dusting and vacuuming regularly can also keep …
Pollen; and
Pet dander
… from building up in your home.
Whether you have …
… or just prioritize your health, it’s important to dust and vacuum regularly to protect the indoor air quality of your home.
How Can I Reduce Dust in My Home?
Dust is an inevitable part of living.
Though it’s impossible to get rid of dust completely, here are a few ways to greatly reduce the amount of dust in your home:
Vacuum and change the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) air filters often
Run a fan to keep the air circulating
Run an air ionizer
Use a robot vacuum during the day
Change and wash household textiles weekly
Declutter your home frequently
Tidy Up Portland!: Kick Up Your Feet, Relax, and Let Us Decide Whether To Dust or Vacuum First for You
If you want to keep your home fresh and clean without worrying about the order of dusting and vacuuming, let Tidy Up Portland! take care of you!
With our online booking portal, you can select options like …
Regular cleaning
One-off cleaning
End-of-lease cleaning
Office cleaning; or
Other specialized cleaning services
No matter which option you choose, you can be sure your space will be expertly dusted and vacuumed in the way that best addresses your cleaning needs.
And you will breathe easier knowing the dust has been removed from your home using our …
Non-toxic
Eco-friendly
Natural; and
Green
… cleaning solutions wherever possible.
We're confident you won’t find a better cleaning service than Tidy Up Portland!
Book your appointment today.
