When it comes to home cleaning advice, Martha Stewart is the undisputed authority. Her tips are always practical, reliable, and, as it turns out, timeless. Recently, she shared her expert take on one of the most common cleaning debates: Should you dust or vacuum first? According to Martha, the answer depends on the level of dust in your home, but she does have a clear rule that translates to every home.
In a video shared on the Martha Moments Instagram page, Stewart explained her method: “It really matters how much dust there is on the furniture,” she begins. If your furniture has a significant build-up of dust, she suggests using the vacuum first. “I would attach the brush to the vacuum and pick up as much dust as I can from the furniture,” she says. Afterward, she recommends vacuuming the floors and finishing up with a final dusting of windows, shelves, and other surfaces.
Martha’s logic is simple but effective: Vacuums naturally stir up dust, so starting with a vacuum makes the most sense. Dusting afterward ensures surfaces are pristine. Her approach is clear: vacuum first, then dust.
This method settles the age-old debate between dusting or vacuuming first once and for all, making it easy for anyone to follow. If you’re looking to take Martha’s cleaning wisdom to the next level, here are some must-have cleaning tools she approves of.
One of her favorites is the Bissell Crosswave Omniforce, a 2-in-1 vacuum and mop that Stewart swears by, especially in her kitchen, where she’s often cleaning up after four dogs. “Rather than sweeping (which raises dust), rather than vacuuming and then mopping, this machine does it all,” she shared in a recent Instagram post. The Crosswave combines powerful suction with a mopping function, making it perfect for cleaning up both dry and wet messes in a single step.
Another highly recommended product is the Amazon Basics 4-Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum, which Stewart uses for tougher cleaning tasks. Whether it’s plaster removal during a renovation or dealing with accidental water damage, this wet/dry vacuum gets the job done. “Getting a good wet-dry vac is essential for any home improvement project,” says reviewer Amy Reeves, echoing Stewart’s sentiment.
With Martha Stewart’s method and her preferred cleaning tools, you can tackle both dusting and vacuuming with ease—no matter how much dust has accumulated!
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