An old sock slipped over your hand turns into a free duster. The fabric grabs dust instead of scattering it into the air, and you can rinse it out and use it again next week.
The $0 Duster Hiding in Your Sock Drawer
Hello Neighbor! My nephew's washer and dryer were on the fritz, so he came over to do laundry. What he left behind was a single sock. I told him about it, and he said to just toss it.
Instead of tossing it, I slipped it over my hand and started wiping down my ceiling fan blades. It caught every bit of dust in one pass.
That lonely sock earned a permanent spot in my cleaning caddy. Below is how I use mine.
Be Well,
Anisa
A Built-In Duster for Blinds and Fan Blades
How To Do It
Grab a clean, well worn cotton sock that has lost its mate and slip it over your hand like a mitten. Pinch each blind slat or fan blade between your fingers and swipe from one end to the other. When you're done, shake the sock out over the trash, then toss it in the wash for next time.
More Ways To Use It
Stretch a sock over the end of your vacuum hose and secure it with a rubber band before vacuuming under furniture, so earrings and buttons get caught on the sock instead of disappearing into the canister. For greasy kitchen fan blades, lightly dampen the sock first, then follow up with a dry one.
Ask the Genius: Cotton or Fuzzy Socks?
"Which socks work best for this, cotton or the fuzzy kind?"
A well worn cotton crew sock grabs dust best. The fuzzier microfiber style socks work great too, if you have an odd one leftover from a pair.
Got a handy tip of your own?
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This edition is part of the Genius House Hacks archive: 20+ years of tips, rebuilt from the original Handy Hints newsletter. Browse more hacks →