Homemade Dusting Wipes

On the Market

• Convenience has been the key to current trends in dusting supplies. There are various dusters, rags, sprays, gels and wipes that have been created to make dusting quicker and easier. According to Procter and Gamble's 2010 income statement, 51 percent of its $78.9 billion in profits was from its home care product line. However, you may prefer your own homemade cleaning products to those available in the store.

History

• According to Science in a Box, people from 2500 B.C. to 476 A.D. used human or animal urine as a cleaning agent to remove dirt and dust from their homes. The cleaning properties of urine are due to the alkaline ammonium carbonate content. During the Middle Ages, another cleaning agent for homes became available: soap, which was mainly used for bathing, according to Science in a Box. However, soap was restricted to the upper class — it was too expensive for families with little wealth. During the Renaissance, piped-in water became widely available for all citizens in urban areas. Although water from rivers, wells and ponds had always been available, this accessibility made cleaning homes with water much easier. In the 18th century, chemicals were incorporated into the manufacture of soap. With factories able to use chemicals rather than animal fat to create soap, the production process became much less expensive, making various types of soap widely available to all classes of people.

Chemical Danger

• A study by the American Thoracic Society indicated that use of cleaning products, including products to control dust, may increase the risk of adult-onset asthma. One way to limit exposure to these chemicals is to research and try out homemade cleaning products. Greener Choices, for example, features a number of homemade alternatives that serve as replacements for chemical-based cleaners.

Make Your Own

• There are various ways to go about creating your own homemade dusting wipes. You may simply use scraps of microfiber cloth: Microfiber traps dirt, grime and dust and is able to hold synthetic fibers; you may also use a microfiber cloth over and over again. Another way to create a dusting wipe is to soak sheets of cheesecloth, thick paper towels or other old cloths in a lemon oil solution. Combine about 1 pint of hot water with 1/4 cup of lemon oil in a small airtight plastic container with a lid. Soak your material in this solution. Leave the wipes out to dry completely — around two hours, depending on the type of cloth you choose. Using these wipes leaves your home smelling fresh and fragrant. When you use all your wipes, wash them and repeat the process.