Outdoors, the atmosphere is filled with various kinds of dust, from windblown soil to pollutants. Ash from volcanoes, ocean salt, pollen and minute bits of decaying organic matter make up outdoor dust, which can circulate globally and end up being a house cleaning problem here in the Cleveland area. The entire environment, from plants to animals, is constantly shedding dead cells. Industrial plants and vehicles add to particulate matter in the air, and seasonal fires add more ash.

Though the air in our homes appears clear and clean, unless you are using an air purifier or some other means of filtration, the air coming in from outside brings in a tremendous amount of dust. However, that’s just part of what makes up house dust.

It is estimated that humans lose 30,000 – 40,000 dead skin cells each and every minute. Furniture fabric, bedding, and clothes release fibers every time they are used or disturbed. Pets also contribute to house dust by shedding skin cells and hair. If your home is carpeted, there are even more fibers being released into the air.

Sometimes dusting just feels like a never-ending, ridiculous kind of chore. Why bother dusting at all? Since, isn't it just going to go and get dusty again anyway?
Well, if any of your family suffers from allergies or asthma, dusting is a necessity. Since dust and the dust mites that feed on such, dust can aggravate such health conditions considerably. Here are some tips on making this part of housecleaning a little easier:
1) Declutter: If you have fewer knick knacks and clutter on tabletops, countertops, bookshelves and storage units then it'll be faster and easier to dust. If you're a confirmed packrat, have a goal of removing a certain amount of clutter per day until it's under control.
2)Work from top to bottom: This is the #1 rule for any type of cleaning but is especially important in dusting. Start with ceiling fans, light fixtures and top of bookshelves and work your way down. Don't forget to get in the corners of the room (ceiling and floor) where cobwebs often appear. Don't forget picture frames, molding, stairs and furniture. Make sure to wipe the bottom of furniture (chair legs, base of tables) and things that are used regularly with a disinfectant (telephone, light switches, dining room tables, door handles). After dusting, vacuuming and/or cleaning the hard floors is recommended since all the dust that wasn't collected in your damp rag went in the air and then to the ground.
3)Eliminate dust from coming inside the home: Make sure to change your air filter on your furnace/ac unit every few months. Spending the few extra bucks on a HEPA filter can go a long way in helping eliminate dust particles entering the home. Remove your shoes at the door. A lot of dirt and dust enter the home via shoes. If you choose not to do this step, at least have mat outside and inside the door.  These can help catch a lot of extra dirt and dust as you enter the home helping you minimize your house cleaning duties.

Consumer Union's testers have found that, in general, the need for waxing and cleaning furniture with a brand name product is often quite unnecessary. Most furniture won't benefit from waxing because its surface has been sealed at the factory with a durable finish that keeps the wood from drying out and, to some degree, protects against spills and minor scratches. Oils and waxes don't penetrate the finish. The minuscule residue that remains from most polishes after application and buffing contributes nothing to damage control.

Waxing won't improve the shine of furniture whose original finish is still intact. In fact, a furniture polish may muddy the finish. A buildup of wax can darken the wood and mask its grain. Some oils (such as lemon oil) applied to a previously waxed surface can make the surface sticky, vulnerable to fingerprints, and a magnet for dust. Wax containing products applied over some oils won't adhere properly.

Except for old furniture whose original finish may not have sealed the wood very well, or newer furniture that has been used a lot and whose finish may be worn thin, regular dusting with a soft rag slightly dampened with water may be all you need to keep furniture looking fresh and clean.

Home Brews
In addition to plain water and dishwashing liquid, Consumers Union found that using a 1/2 teaspoon of light olive oil added to 1/4 cup white vinegar proved to be just as effective as any store product on wood furniture.