Tips to dust tricky spots

Some places are not easy to dust, but don't give up. Here are some tips that may help clean out those difficult places.

The slats in louvered doors and shutters attract dust in a flash, but cleaning them can be a real chore. Speed the task with fabric softener and a ruler.

1. Wrap a fabric softener sheet (or a cloth sprayed with fabric softener) around a ruler.
2. Clean the louvers by running the makeshift tool over each slat.

A bonus: Fabric softening agents repel dust, so you won't need to dust quite so often.

While artificial blooms may last forever, they attract lots of dust. You can't use water on silk or crepe, so give the flowers a baking soda bath instead.

1. Put at least 250 grams (one cup) of baking soda in a large plastic bag.
2. Insert the flower heads and close the top of the bag around the stems.
3. Grasp the top of the bag tightly and shake it vigorously so the soda can absorb all the dust and grime.
4. Remove the flowers, shake the soda and dust residue off the petals with a soft toothbrush or artist's paintbrush.

Are the keys on that unused grand piano in the living room collecting dust? Bring ivory pieces back to their former lustre with just two kitchen staples: Lemon and salt.

1. Dip a lemon wedge in salt.
2. Use the salted lemon wedge to clean by rubbing it on the ivory.
3. Let the juice dry, then wipe the piece with a clean cloth.
4. Finally, buff with a second cloth.

All you need for a dust-free ceiling fan is a ladder, an old cotton sock and a bucket of soapy water.

1. Stir five millilitres (one teaspoon)of dishwashing liquid into 3.8 litres (one gallon) of water.
2. Dip the sock into the water and wring it out.
3. Slip the sock over your hand, climb the ladder and rub your stockinged hand over each blade.
4. Take care to clean the blades on both sides — the heaviest dust layer is on the top. The dust will be transferred directly to the damp sock, so won't go into the air.

No more sneezing from dust! These simple tricks will help you clean those tough spots in your house — and have everyone breathing easier for it!