Dusting is a necessary chore, but it’s not always easy to do effectively. The wrong technique can actually stir up allergens rather than eliminate them. But using the right tools, proper techniques and smart tips can make tackling this tedious task much easier.

Dust is a Seattle eco maids of minuscule particles of shed skin cells, pet dander, insect droppings, pollen, lint and soil from your home’s surfaces. It can cling to vertical surfaces, fabric and furniture, as well as hard-to-reach areas.

Regular vacuuming with a soft brush attachment helps reduce the amount of dust that accumulates on furniture. Changing your air filter regularly, washing pet bedding and blankets on a weekly basis, and having your furnace and ductwork cleaned annually also help cut down the build-up of dust in your home.

How to Maintain a Clean House: Easy Daily & Weekly Routines

A piece of bread can be used to gently dust delicate items such as paintings, photographs and candles. The sponginess of the bread helps pick up any dust without leaving any residue or scratching the surface.

For those difficult to reach areas, try using a clean microfiber cloth wrapped around a ruler. This makes it possible to get into corners and crevices that are normally hard to access, without having to bend down or reach up high. You can also use a rubber band to secure a microfiber cloth to the bristles of a broom handle to easily dust your baseboards, without having to bend down. And finally, for those pesky cobwebs on your ceiling and walls, mist a clean natural-bristle paint or makeup brush with water, then use it to wipe away the webs.