During the summer, people tend to open doors and windows more often to keep the air circulating, but this can also let dust in. Over time, dust easily accumulates in the house, which is not only unsightly but also affects health, and is not easy to clean. In response to this, experts have shared natural methods to prevent dust buildup and keep the house clean.
According to a report by the UK’s Daily Express, people usually keep windows open all day in the summer, leading to pollen, dust, and other outdoor particles drifting indoors. The summer air is usually drier, causing these particles to linger in the air for longer periods, making them more noticeable when they settle on surfaces.
Marilee Nelson, a cleaning expert from the American cleaning product retailer Branch Basics, stated that no matter how often you wipe surfaces, summer dust will linger unless you use natural methods like olive oil and vodka for proper cleaning.
She recommends discarding toxic household dusting products and opting for homemade natural sprays. Simply mixing water, vodka, and olive oil together can quickly create an economical and effective natural dusting spray alternative.
Both vodka and olive oil have dust-repelling properties, allowing surfaces to stay clean for longer periods, reducing the need for constant cleaning.
Dust often accumulates on baseboards, window sills, radiators, and blinds because these surfaces are made of materials that generate a lot of static electricity. When you use olive oil, it forms a protective layer that significantly reduces static electricity, making it harder for dust to adhere to the surface.
Vodka can be used for disinfection and is one of the best natural ways to remove sticky residues or grease stains that easily attract dust. It evaporates quickly, helping to keep surfaces clean and lasts longer than other cleaning products because it does not leave any moisture for dust to settle on.
When preparing this dusting spray, you’ll need two parts water, one part inexpensive odorless vodka, and two tablespoons of olive oil. Mix these liquids, pour them into an empty spray bottle, and secure the lid. Empty spray bottles can be found in most supermarkets’ cleaning supplies section.
Before using, shake the spray bottle to ensure all ingredients are evenly mixed, then lightly spray it onto the surface and wipe with a clean cloth. This way, the olive oil will leave a thin protective film that acts as a dust repellent.
Nelson suggests using a vacuum cleaner to clean the floors at least once a week because dust tends to slip off clean surfaces. This practice can help reduce dust in the house.
This summer, your home should be able to maintain a dust-free and allergen-free state for longer, but it is essential to thoroughly clean the floors regularly to prevent any particles from falling onto the floor.
Additionally, you can reduce dust in your home as much as possible by following several other methods, including closing windows when outdoor air quality is poor, using an air purifier, regularly maintaining air conditioning filters and vents, and leaving shoes at the entrance.