Question: Are Feather Dusters Effective?
by Amy Sardone
on Oct 11, 2024
Do feather dusters really work? Does your feather duster seem to stir up more dust than anything else? If so, then read on, and we’ll let you in on what the cleaning pros at Speed Cleaning have learned about feather dusters.
First, only 100% ostrich-down feathers reliably attract dust. Yes, ostriches have down feathers just as geese do. And just like the goose variety, ostrich down is softer, more pliable, and more valuable than run-of-the-mill feathers. Forget cheap synthetic dusters, brightly dyed chicken-feather dusters, or even regular ostrich feathers. They don’t work. Ostrich down works, but it’s not cheap. Expect to pay more for a good ostrich-down duster.
The length of the feathers isn’t of primary importance; softness and flexibility are. Don’t get too large a duster for normal households. Two-foot-long feathers are almost impossible to maneuver into tight spots without knocking over almost everything in sight.
To avoid stirring up dust, it’s essential to use the right dusting technique.
- Pull the feathers along the dusty surface, using a steady, even stroke, and come to a dead stop at the end of the surface. The dust is attracted to the feathers by static electricity.
- Shake out accumulated dust from the feathers by tapping the duster against your ankle every once in a while. The dust settles to the floor, where you can later vacuum it up.
By the way, feather dusters only work well when used to maintain a basically clean home. If your home (I mean other people’s homes – not yours, of course) hasn’t been dusted in six months, you (I mean they) must remove the accumulated dust with a vacuum or by wet-cleaning with a cloth. Then a feather duster can be employed on a regular basis.
Even if you have an ostrich-down duster and use it skillfully, you’ll still have to polish and wipe occasionally. For example, you may be able to dust a seldom-used end table with a feather duster for weeks at a stretch, but eventually you’ll have to reach for the furniture polish and a cloth to remove dust thoroughly and to enhance the surface shine. It’s the same with baseboards. You can dust them most of the time with a feather duster, but they’ll need an occasional swipe with Red Juice and a cleaning cloth to stay clean. And you would never use a feather duster on a dining table that’s used three times a day. That table needs furniture polish and a polishing cloth or a good wiping each time you clean.
Bottom line: Yes, a feather duster works well IF it’s a high-quality product and the correct technique is used. Give one a try!
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