While the general rule of thumb is to clean as you go, some tasks are better suited to strategic scheduling. Such is the case for dusting and vacuuming. Both are essential, but there is no universally agreed-upon order for them.
Both dusting and vacuuming can be necessary depending on the level of dirt or dust in your home. If you have a heavy layer of dust, it is better to start vacuuming before dusting to avoid spreading the debris over your surfaces. Otherwise, if your house is light in dust, it is easier and quicker to start dusting.
In most cases, however, you should follow the suggestions outlined below:
When In Doubt, Vacuum Last
In most situations, it’s best to dust first. After all, the simple act of dusting sends particles into the air. These slowly settle towards the floor, where they can then be vacuumed promptly.
This advice may fly in the face of suggestions you’ve heard. At one time, many people vacuumed first, as they believed that their vacuum cleaners would send debris from the carpet into the air. That may have been true in the past, but it’s no longer the case. Today’s vacuums are powerful enough to prevent this phenomenon.
A Top-to-Bottom Approach
How you dust and vacuum matters as much as when you complete these tasks. If possible, work from top to bottom, tackling ceiling fans and tall shelves before tackling items at eye level or lower.
While specific cleaning needs will vary from one room to the next, you’ll typically follow these key steps:
- Begin with the ceiling. If you’re like most homeowners, your ceiling is woefully neglected. In reality, however, this should be a core part of your cleaning regimen. When possible, use specially designed vacuum attachments. Otherwise, a duster with a telescopic extension may be sufficient. Don’t forget the ceiling fan, which is possibly one of the dirtiest surfaces in your home.
- Tackle walls, shelves, cupboards, and counters. Once your ceiling is sparkling, it’s time to move on to surfaces closer to eye level. Dust these first, following up with special cleaning solutions if necessary. Be mindful of where you can use your vacuum and extensions to achieve a deeper clean. Curtains and upholstery, in particular, can look amazing once addressed with the right vacuum tools.
- Finish with flooring. Now that all the dust has settled, it’s time to make your floors shine. With the right cleaning system, you can complete this essential step without investing in several separate devices. Set aside plenty of time if you intend to shampoo your carpets; this could take 24 hours to dry.
As you may have noticed, you could use your vacuum during the earliest stages of the cleaning process. This defies the common logic about dusting first and vacuuming last, but remember: the right vacuum should not be limited to flooring alone. Make the most of vacuum attachments, and you’ll quickly find that a crucial cleaning device plays an instrumental role in your cleaning regimen.
You can integrate your vacuum into certain aspects of the early dusting phase, but traditional floor-based vacuuming should be the last step in your cleaning regimen.
The Power of Consistency
By now, you should realize that timing can make a huge difference in your cleaning regimen. This extends beyond the mere order of operations, however. Maintaining a strong routine is just as important. Wait too long between dusting or vacuuming sessions, and you will be forced to spend a lot more time on both tasks.
If vacuuming and dusting are weekly habits, their order will matter less. Yes, you’ll want to continue working from top to bottom — but you won’t release nearly as much dust into the air if you are consistent with this task. Similarly, frequently-vacuumed carpeting and rugs are less likely to kick up dust.
While your dusting and vacuuming schedule will largely depend on the realities of your household, once a week should be standard practice. If you own pets, you may need to vacuum even more often. In this scenario, you can occasionally vacuum without dusting at all.
Make Your Home Sparkle With a High-Powered Cleaning System
No matter your preferred order of operations, your cleaning regimen will be more effective if you rely on high-level equipment. A reliable cleaning system is indispensable, as it should quickly take care of any particles kicked up while dusting.
With the right equipment and a strategic approach, you’ll have no trouble keeping your space squeaky clean. Level up your routine and everyday cleaning will become easier, more effective, and a whole lot more enjoyable!