A cleaning expert has shared a simple hack to stop dust from building up in your home, and it only requires one cheap kitchen item that you probably already have.
Dust can accumulate rapidly even when you’re cleaning consistently, but it appears there’s a remarkably simple method to ward off cobwebs and grime.
Autumn has now settled in, and the chilly conditions mean more households are turning on the heating to maintain their homes comfortable and toasty.
Nevertheless, radiators cause the indoor air to become exceptionally dry, and this will heighten the static electricity charge on broad surfaces such as walls and skirting boards.
Any static electricity will draw in pollen, dead skin cells and pet hair which transform into clumps of dust, and these grimy particles will continue returning unless you understand how to repel them.
Fortunately, TJ, a cleaning specialist and founder of Measuring Flower has revealed that eliminating static electricity is quite straightforward if you utilise a small amount of olive oil, reports the Express.
She said: “This helps to moisten and therefore loosen dust as well as make it more dense so that it wipes up onto a dusting cloth rather than poofing into the air only to settle on furniture again later. It also helps to polish furniture, especially wooden pieces. “.
It may sound peculiar, but olive oil is naturally anti-static and is an affordable way to prevent dust from adhering to walls, skirting boards or other dusty spots in a home.
Static electricity can only develop on an exceptionally dry surface, and olive oil will gently moisturise the area, which helps eliminate the charge. This method also leaves behind a thin layer that acts as a protective barrier, keeping static electricity at bay for an extended period.
Here’s how to whip up a natural spray to keep dust at bay:.
You’ll need:
- 240ml of olive oil
- One teaspoon of thyme
- Lemon peels (from about two to three lemons)
Thyme, which contains antifungal compounds, not only keeps bacteria at bay but also disrupts mould spores, helping to keep your home mould-free this autumn.
If you prefer, you can also incorporate lemon essential oil into this homemade solution. However, it’s worth noting that essential oils can be harmful to pets, so it’s best to avoid them if you have a cat or dog.
Here’s the process:
Simply pour the olive oil into a glass mason jar and add the dried thyme. Peel the lemons as you would an orange and add them to the jar.
Secure the lid, stash the jar in a dark cupboard, and let it infuse for a while, allowing the lemon peels and thyme to meld with the oil.
It’s best to leave the jar for at least a week and no longer than a month, although the longer you leave it, the more potent the infusion will be.
Once the time is up, use a tea towel to strain the peels and herb out of the olive oil. Then, transfer the solution to an empty spray bottle, adding the lemon essential oil if you’ve chosen to use it.
Give the bottle a shake, lightly mist any walls or skirting boards with the solution, and then wipe them down with a cloth.
Alternatively, you can also just dip a cloth or paintbrush into the mason jar and then spread it on a surface. It should keep dust at bay for anywhere from two weeks to a month, depending on how often you have your heating on.
However, it will work to keep dust off easy-to-miss spots like corners, walls, and skirting boards, so your home stays cleaner without you having to do much cleaning this autumn.