How To Clean A Dusting Mitt So It Works Like New

Dusting mitts are such an amazing cleaning tool. Just slip one on like a winter glove and wipe all your furniture down. Once you trade in your wimpy cloths for a dusting mitt, you'll never go back to a traditional duster after trying this swap. But don't forget that as helpful as the mitt is for cleaning, it also needs to be cleaned itself. While a good shake (outside, of course) can clear a lot of gunk from the mitt, especially if you just used it for a small job, you will need a more thorough cleaning once dust begins to build up. After you've thoroughly dusted every room, you can wash it by hand or toss it in the washing machine.

But do you actually need to clean your cleaning tools? Yes, it turns out that you do. Keeping your dusting mitt clean helps it last longer. We love improving the longevity of our cleaning supplies to save money and keep them out of the landfill longer. Regularly cleaning your dusting mitt also keeps it in top working condition. When dust builds up and isn't removed before your next cleaning session, you can end up collecting all the dust from your bookshelf and just spreading it right on over to your dresser. Like a dog chasing its tail, you'll feel like the room is never truly dust-free. So get in the habit of cleaning your mitt after you've cleaned your home, and it will work like new every time.

Your dusting mitt is one of the household cleaning tools that you should be cleaning after each use, at least to some extent. Before you wash it, check for any areas that are especially gross and break up matted spots that might have formed. You can do this by shaking it out or carefully loosening the matted fibers with a soft brush. Then, if your dusting mitt is just mildly dirty, you can wash it by hand in a sink. Use a gentle soap and gently work it through the material to lift away dust and dirt. Rinse it thoroughly with clean water to make sure all the soap has been cleared off.

If the dusting mitt is especially dirty and its care label allows, you might want to opt for running it through the washing machine. Again, be sure to use a gentle detergent. Select your machine's gentle wash cycle with the warm water setting, not hot. Though it might sound tempting — because who doesn't love an extra-soft cleaning towel? — don't use fabric softeners. Fabric softener can leave behind residue that reduces the mitt's ability to pick up dust effectively.

As for drying, you can air-dry the mitt or toss it in the dryer on a low setting. Air-drying is generally the gentlest option because it avoids the heat and agitation of a dryer. On the other hand, the dryer will get the job done faster. Just be sure to set it to a tumble-dry or delicate cycle on low heat, and skip the dryer sheets.