We all have that one cleaning task we tend to dodge, yet know it’s essential. For some, it’s scrubbing appliances like the washing machine or dishwasher; for others, it’s tackling laundry folding or keeping up with gardening duties.
But a chore often neglected is dusting bookshelves. Whether you boast a lifetime’s collection of books and a personal library, or just a scattering of novels, regular upkeep is crucial to prevent damage from dust and mould.
Luckily, you don’t need pricey cleaning agents or tools, as one TikTok user has revealed a straightforward three-ingredient concoction to keep dust at bay, reports the Express. The account @reviewed posted a video on the platform with the caption: “How to clean your bookshelf.”
They shared: “Make a DIY dusting spray with one cup water, one quarter cup distilled white vinegar and two tablespoons of olive oil. Pour this mixture into a spray bottle. Make sure to clear any loose items off the shelves first.
“Then spray the dusting spray and wipe with a microfibre cloth.” They advised repeating these steps across your entire bookshelf when it appears dusty.
And that’s not the sole trick for sprucing up bookshelves; other TikTok users have suggested their favourite methods and products. One suggestion was to remove all the books from the shelves before cleaning them with disinfectant wipes, while another method involved leaving everything in place and simply blowing away the dust with a small leaf blower before vacuuming up the debris.
Cleaning and organisation guru Marie Kondo has also shared her own deep cleaning strategy, advising people to first clear all items from the shelves before wiping down the empty bookshelf.
Use a clean multi-purpose cloth and a mild cleaner, then let it air dry while you dust your books. Use a dry cloth to clean the outside of each book, as well as the tops, bottoms, and sides of the pages as necessary.
Dust can cause damage to books over time, making them fragile and at risk of falling apart. To prevent this, ensure to dust your books approximately once a month to keep your collection in top condition.