How to Clean Common Types of Dusters

You can learn how to clean a duster, regardless of the type of duster. Cleaning a duster will keep it fresh and preserve it as a useful tool in your cleaning arsenal.

How to Clean a Cloth Duster

A cloth duster is one of the most common types of dusters. You can safely toss this type of duster into the laundry load.

• Set the cycle to warm water.
• Once the cloth has run through the washing cycle, hang it up to air dry instead of tossing it into the dryer.

How to Clean a Cobweb Duster

A cobweb duster is made of bristles to snag cobwebs and spider webs. You can easily wash this type of duster with dishwashing soap.

1. Take the duster outside to shake debris free from it.
2. Fill a sink with warm water and two to three drops of dishwashing soap.
3. Swish the cobweb duster in the warm water to agitate and create suds.
4. Continue to rotate the brush back and forth to clean between the bristles.
5. Drain the sink water and hold the cobweb duster underneath warm running water.
6. Shake the duster to free excess water and allow to air dry.

How to Clean a Feather Duster

You can wash a feather duster without harming its cleaning ability. For this method, you need liquid washing soap.

1. Fill a sink with warm, soapy water by using two tablespoons of liquid washing detergent.
2. Agitate the water to mix and create a sudsy wash.
3. Dip the duster head into the sink and gently swish the duster around in the water.
4. Drain the water in the sink.
5. Place the feather duster underneath the faucet.
6. Allow warm water to flow in a gentle stream.
7. Hold the feather duster under the stream of warm water to rinse the soap.
8. Remove the feather duster from the rinse water and hold over a towel and shake. This will release any water. Repeat as necessary.
9. Hang the duster to allow any remaining water to drain. You can place a towel underneath the duster or hang it in a shower or over a tub to air dry.

How to Clean a Lambswool Duster

Wash a lambswool duster by hand. You can use a kitchen or bathroom sink, washing soap, and glycerin.

1. Fill the sink with warm water and one to two tablespoons of washing soap detergent.
2. Agitate the water to mix the detergent.
3. Submerge the lambswool duster.
4. Bring it up and in the soapy water. This will loosen and break up the dust and dirt trapped in the wool.
5. Drain the water from the sink.
6. Rinse the lambswool duster in cold water until all the soap has been removed.
7. Add one tablespoon of glycerin to the lambswool duster and work into the wool. This will restore the natural oils to the wool that were washed away.
8. Dry the duster in a large towel by gently wringing out excess water.
9. Allow the duster to air dry.

   

How to Clean a Microfiber Duster

A microfiber duster should be washed in cold water on the gentle cycle. Don't use bleach or any type of fabric softener since these can harm the fabric. Once the washing cycle is finished, remove the duster from the washing machine and hang it up to air dry.

How to Clean a Static Duster

A static duster can be washed carefully, but first try to shake the dust and dirt loose. This technique is best done outside. Hold the duster away from you and turn it upside down to shake it vigorously.

Washing a Static Duster

If the dust is still clinging to the duster, submerge it in a sink of warm soapy water.

1. Gently swish it around in the water until it is clean.
2. Drain the water in the sink and fill the sink with clean, warm water.
3. Swish the duster in the clean water.
4. Drain the sink and shake the excess water free of the duster.
5. Hang the duster to air dry.

How to Clean a Swiffer Duster

Hand wash a Swiffer duster. The best technique is to use a sink sprayer or faucet sprayer and grab dish soap.

1. Place the duster under warm running water.
2. Add two to three drops of dish soap along the spine of the duster.
3. Fold the duster onto itself and place in the sink.
4. Press the duster with your fingertips, moving up and down the folded spine.
5. Keep working as the suds begin to form and clean the dirt and dust.
6. Unfold the duster.
7. Turn on warm water and use the sprayer, moving it up and down the spine.
8. The water will move the soap from the duster.
9. Continue to work your way along the spine of the Swiffer duster until the water run clean.
10. Fold the duster onto itself once more and place between the palms of your hands.
11. Squeeze your hand together to push the water out of the duster.
12. Unfold the duster and shake vigorously in the sink to remove excess water.
13. Allow Swiffer duster to air dry.

Synthetic Duster

Handwash a synthetic duster in dish soap or liquid detergent.

1. Fill the sink with warm water and add a couple of drops of liquid dish soap or detergent.
2. Agitate to mix with the water and gently wash the synthetic duster.
3. Drain the water in the sink and rinse under warm running water.
4. Once thoroughly rinsed, shake any excess water free.
5. Allow the duster to air dry.

Common Types of Dusters and How to Clean Them

There are several types of common dusters you can use in your household cleaning chores. It's important to keep your duster(s) clean so they can be effective cleaning tools.