When it comes to cleaning strategies (or any domestic advice, for that matter), we can always count on Martha Stewart to provide sound suggestions for a happy (and tidy home).
Over on the Martha Moments Instagram page, where there are countless archival clips of Stewart's home advice (why, by the way, stands the test of time), we discovered an intriguing video about whether to dust or vacuum first.
'It really matters how much dust there is on the furniture,' Stewart says in the video. 'If I had a couple of inches of dust on the furniture, I would first take the vacuum and I would attach the brush, then I would pick up as much of the dust that's on the furniture with the vacuum attachment. Then I would vacuum the floor, then I would do a final dusting of the windows and shelving and anything else.'
The response comes after receiving a question about dust build-up in a shared apartment, wherein one resident was pro-dusting first, while the other preferred to vacuum first. Stewart's logic is that vacuums will pick up lots of dust anyway, so the act of dusting is just to ensure surfaces are squeaky clean.
'Basically, I vacuum first, always, and then I dust,' she says. 'If I were doing the dusting and the vacuuming, I would most likely, in a normal circumstance, vacuum first because the vacuum is going to stir up a certain amount of dust, and then I would do my final dusting of the furniture itself.'
There we have it. Below, find some vacuuming and dusting essentials to practice the Martha method for yourself, including the Bissell Crosswave Omniforce, also known as one of the best vacuums for pet hair on the market. Best of all – it's entirely Martha Stewart-approved.
'The design is simple, the parts easy to clean and anyone can use it. I have an old marble floor in my kitchen. Four dogs live in my kitchen! Many people are in my kitchen every day,' she recently commented in an Instagram post. 'Rather than sweeping (which raises dust), rather than vacuuming and then mopping, this machine does it all,'
Shop Dusting and Vacuuming Essentials
What makes this appliance stand out so much that it's achieved Stewart's approval? Simply, this is a vacuum and mop in one. The powerful vacuuming mode means you can tackle stubborn dry debris with 75% more suction while the everyday vacuuming and mopping simultaneously.
'Our wet/dry vacuum didn't just save me when it came to dust and plaster removal, it also prevented major water damage when a radiator pipe was accidentally punctured,' says reviewer Amy Reeves of this product after completing a home renovation. 'Getting a good wet-dry vac is essential for any home improvement project in my eyes.'
The Damp Duster is great for allergy sufferers as it removes all dust, pollen, pet hair, and more; affordable, reusable, and conveniently sized, and, better yet, is easy to clean – simply wash the sponge with water to remove dust and grime.
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