How to DIY Highly Effective Dusting Spray: Safe on Fine Wood Furniture

Let’s talk about dust, shall we? It’s the uninvited guest that seems to settle on every surface, especially on our cherished fine wood furniture. I used to begrudgingly tackle this task with store-bought aerosol cans until I discovered a simpler, safer, and more affordable solution: DIY dusting spray.

As I write, every surface in my home has a layer of the finest dust you can imagine. It’s so bad, I am tempted to adopt the philosophy that dust is a protective coating for fine furniture and just leave it be!

The Dust Dilemma

Here’s what happened: We had the wood floors in our home refinished. That required one full day of sanding through all the layers of finish and stain, right down to the bare wood.

Even the biggest, best “dustless” sanding machine cannot boast 100% effectiveness. The machine’s collection system got most of the sanding debris; the rest has been uniformly distributed to every flat surface throughout the house. Every nook and cranny seemed to harbor a thin film of dust, challenging my commitment to cleanliness.

Enter DIY Dusting Spray

Years ago, I would have loaded up with chemical-laden aerosol cans of Endust, but those days are gone. Now, I make my own dusting spray—cheaper, better, and faster. I love it because I know what’s in it; it doesn’t make me cough the way I did whenever I used Endust. And it smells fantastic. Instead of $5 a can, I make twice the amount for pennies using natural ingredients from my pantry.

• MORE: How to Clean and Care for Hardwood, Laminate, and Vinyl Floors

What You’ll Need

With these ingredients and materials on hand, you’ll be equipped to create your own highly effective dusting spray, ensuring your fine wood furniture stays dust-free.

Water

You’ll need 1 cup of water as the base for your dusting spray. Opt for filtered or distilled water for best results.

White Distilled Vinegar

This household staple serves as the cleaning powerhouse in your spray, cutting through grease and grime while also disinfecting surfaces.

But here’s a word to the wise: stick with white distilled vinegar for this recipe. Avoid the temptation to substitute it with wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Why? Because those alternatives contain traces of sugar and yeast, leaving behind unwanted residue that can wreak havoc on your surfaces. Your furniture will thank you!

Olive Oil

Time to add some shine and protection to those wooden surfaces! You’ll need just a couple of teaspoons of olive oil. It’s like giving your furniture a rejuvenating spa treatment.

Lemon Essential Oil (Optional)

Essential oils have many beneficial properties, and my favorite is that they make my home smell naturally fresh and clean. But it’s optional in this formula. You can leave it out, and the dusting spray will retain its effectiveness, or opt for a different fragrance like orange or cedarwood essential oil. Or come up with your own blend of several oils.

16-Ounce Amber Glass Spray Bottle

I use an amber glass spray bottle for this dusting spray because both olive oil and essential oil should be stored in the dark to slow the oxidation process that can cause a reaction that makes plastic feel sticky.

• MORE: How to Make Homemade Natural Furniture Polish

How to Make DIY Dusting Spray—Cheaper, Better, Faster!

Pour all the ingredients—water, white distilled vinegar, olive oil, and optional lemon essential oil—into your spray bottle. Once everything’s in, attach the sprayer top and give it a good shake to blend all the ingredients thoroughly.

Now, it’s time to put your homemade dusting spray to work! Spray it directly onto your wood furniture, taking care to avoid overspray, and immediately buff the surface with a clean, dry cloth. Remember, the key is to spray on and wipe off—don’t let the spray sit on the surface. And because oil and water tend to separate, give the bottle a shake before each use to ensure optimal performance.

Rest assured, this DIY dusting spray is safe for all wood furniture and surfaces, making it a versatile and reliable cleaning solution for your home. Just a word of caution: while it works wonders on furniture, it’s not recommended for use on wood floors.

Resources

Most of the items below can already be found in your pantry. These Amazon links are here for reference purposes, providing additional information and options for your convenience.

 

Question: Do you have any tips or tricks for keeping your wood furniture looking its best? Share your favorite maintenance tips.

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Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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