Ditch Dust With a Damp Cloth

Microfiber cloths are great for dusting because they generate a slight electrostatic charge as you wipe. As the name suggests, the material is made up of millions of tiny synthetic polyester or nylon fibers. These fibers are split to be thinner than a human hair, increasing their surface area so they can trap and hold dust. The friction caused by wiping also creates a static charge that helps pull dust into the cloth.

Sometimes, however, dry dusting seems to only push debris around, especially if it’s been a while since you last cleaned or if there’s heavy buildup of pet hair and grime. In these cases, dampen your cloth with clean water, wring it out well, and wipe whatever surfaces need cleaning. This ensures that dust and allergens are picked up by the fibers rather than kicked up into the air to resettle elsewhere.

Microfiber cloths are renowned for their ability to capture dust through static, but they are equally impressive when damp. They can hold over five times their weight in water, making them the perfect tool for tackling tough messes, such as sticky food spills, stubborn soap scum, and grease-laden cabinets.

Keeping Your Cloths Clean

Want to extend the lifespan of your microfiber cloths? Whether you prefer using them damp or dry, you can guarantee years of use from them with proper washing. Avoid using bleach or fabric softener, as these chemicals can damage the superfine fibers that make these cloths so effective. Bleach degrades the structural integrity of the fibers, while softeners leave behind a waxy residue that reduces their ability to trap dust or absorb liquid.

Instead, clean your cloths in a solution of warm water and your choice of either 3% hydrogen peroxide, distilled white vinegar, or an oxygen-based bleach alternative, such as OxiClean Odor Blasters. (Warning: Never mix hydrogen peroxide and vinegar together in the same container, as this causes a chemical reaction that can irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory system.) Soak the microfiber cloths in the solution for 15 to 30 minutes, then rinse them thoroughly with clean water. It’s best to air dry them whenever possible, but if you must use a dryer, opt for a low-heat setting and skip the dryer sheets.

DIY Deodorizer Recipe

To get rid of pet odors in a pinch, you need a spray bottle, lukewarm water, and distilled white vinegar. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in your spritzer, give it a quick shake, and spray the solution liberally on any surface that needs freshening up. The solution is safe for pets, but you should allow it to dry completely before letting your dog or cat back onto the furniture.

Love the deodorizing power of vinegar but hate the sharp scent? Don’t worry — the sour odor naturally dissipates within 30 to 60 minutes. But if you want to mask the scent of vinegar with a more pleasant one, you can create a custom fragrance using your favorite herbs and fruits.

Why It Works

Why is vinegar such a powerhouse for eliminating odors? Its high acetic acid content neutralizes odor-causing particles rather than covering them up. The acid binds with the compounds found in pet odor molecules and chemically alters them until the scent vanishes.

The Power of Peels

Warning: This next step is not recommended for pet owners. Citrus peels contain high concentrations of d-limonene, a compound that is toxic to both dogs and cats.

Start by peeling the rind of whatever citrus you have on hand. Lemon is a popular choice, but you can also opt for orange or grapefruit for a sweeter, zestier aroma.

Fill a small saucepan halfway with water, then simmer the rinds of one citrus fruit with a few sprigs of an aromatic herb, such as rosemary, lavender, thyme, sage, or lemon balm, for 15 to 30 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit for 24 hours. The next day, fill a spray bottle (preferably glass) halfway with the strained, infused liquid. Then, add an equal amount of distilled white vinegar and shake well to combine. Spritz the upholstery with your DIY deodorizer to eliminate those deep-seated odors.

Ditch the Ironing Board

Instead of wrestling with an ironing board, you can use water and a wrinkle-release spray to achieve the same crispness in 30 seconds or less. It’s best to start with slightly damp fabric — this helps relax the fabric fibers and makes your bottle of wrinkle-release spray go further.

Fill a continuous mist bottle with lukewarm water and mist your bedding evenly until damp (not soaked). A continuous mist bottle works better than a regular spray bottle because it produces a fine, even layer of moisture without leaving behind wet spots. Once the fabric is damp, follow up with a light misting of Downy Wrinkle Releaser or a similar product, then tug the sheets tight from both sides of the bed. Use your hands to smooth out any remaining creases as the fabric settles. You can also use this trick on duvet covers, pillowcases, shams, and bed skirts.

Steam Your Sheets

If you don’t have those two items on hand, you can use your dryer to steam out wrinkles. Add two or three ice cubes to the drum during the last few minutes of a high-heat cycle. The heat of the dryer causes the ice cubes to melt and quickly evaporate, creating a steam effect that relaxes the fabric’s fibers. Remove the sheets from the dryer as soon as the cycle ends, and spread them across the bed while they’re still warm.