Why Should You Avoid Using Paper Towels Due to Dust?
There’s no denying that paper towels come in handy. They’re ideal for wiping down surfaces, cleaning up spills, and dusting furniture. However, you may be wondering if using paper towels to dust will result in more dust.
The answer, according to experts, is yes. “Dust is abrasive, and paper towels can be as well,” Forte says. Dry dusting with a paper towel risks scratching the finish of your furniture, so dust tables and dressers with a soft cloth dampened with furniture polish. This will assist in removing dust without damaging your furniture.
To avoid these issues, use a microfiber cloth instead of paper towels when dusting. Microfiber cloths are made of tiny fibers that trap dust and other particles well. They can also be washed and reused multiple times, making them a more environmentally friendly option than paper towels.
How Does Dust Affect Your Home, According to Science?
When it comes to dusting your home, you may believe that using paper towels is the most efficient and convenient method. However, there is a scientific reason why using paper towels for dusting could be harmful to your home.
When you dust with a paper towel, the towel fibers can become embedded in the dust particles. As a result, dust particles may become airborne and inhaled by you or your family members. Inhaling dust particles can lead to a variety of health issues, including respiratory issues, allergies, and even asthma.
Another issue with using paper towels to dust is that they can spread more dust than they remove. This is due to the fact that as you move the towel across surfaces, the fibers can release small amounts of dust into the air. This can make it difficult to remove all of the dust in your home and can actually worsen the quality of your indoor air.
What Happens When You Dust With Paper Towels?
While paper towels may appear to be a convenient way to dust your home, they can actually do more harm than good. Static electricity generated by paper towels can attract dust and dirt particles to surfaces. Furthermore, paper towels can leave lint and fibers behind, which can clog vacuum cleaners and other cleaning tools. Finally, using paper towels for dusting can be costly and wasteful; instead, use a microfiber cloth that can be reused repeatedly.