Copyright birminghammail
Dust can build up quickly even when you're cleaning regularly, but there's apparently a surprisingly easy way to keep cobwebs and dirt at bay. Autumn has arrived, and the colder weather means more families are switching on their heating to keep their homes warm and cosy. However, radiators make the air inside extremely dry, which increases the static electricity charge on large surfaces like walls and skirting boards. Read more: New speed cameras on Birmingham roads Static electricity attracts pollen, dead skin cells and pet hair that turn into dust bundles, and these dirty particles keep coming back unless you know how to stop them. Luckily, TJ, a cleaning expert and founder of Measuring Flower, has shared that getting rid of static electricity is pretty easy if you use a bit of olive oil, according to the Express, reports the Mirror . She explained: "This helps to moisten and therefore loosen dust as well as make it more dense so that it wipes up onto a dusting cloth rather than poofing into the air only to settle on furniture again later. It also helps to polish furniture, especially wooden pieces. ". It might sound odd, but olive oil naturally fights static and offers a budget-friendly solution to stop dust sticking to walls, skirting boards or other dusty areas around your house. Static electricity can only develop on an exceptionally dry surface, and olive oil will gently moisturise the area, which helps eliminate the charge. This method also leaves behind a thin layer that acts as a protective barrier, keeping static electricity at bay for an extended period. Here's how to whip up a natural spray to keep dust at bay:. You'll need: Thyme, which contains antifungal compounds, not only keeps bacteria at bay but also disrupts mould spores, helping to keep your home mould-free this autumn. If you prefer, you can also incorporate lemon essential oil into this homemade solution. However, it's worth noting that essential oils can be harmful to pets, so it's best to avoid them if you have a cat or dog. Here's the process: Simply pour the olive oil into a glass mason jar and add the dried thyme. Peel the lemons as you would an orange and add them to the jar. Secure the lid, stash the jar in a dark cupboard, and let it infuse for a while, allowing the lemon peels and thyme to meld with the oil. It's best to leave the jar for at least a week and no longer than a month, although the longer you leave it, the more potent the infusion will be. Once the time is up, use a tea towel to strain the peels and herb out of the olive oil. Then, transfer the solution to an empty spray bottle, adding the lemon essential oil if you've chosen to use it. Give the bottle a good shake, lightly spray the solution on any walls or skirting boards, and then wipe them down with a cloth. Alternatively, you can dip a cloth or paintbrush into the mason jar and apply it to a surface. It should keep dust away for anywhere from two weeks to a month, depending on how often your heating is on. However, it will help keep dust off those easy-to-miss spots like corners, walls, and skirting boards, ensuring your home stays cleaner without much cleaning effort this autumn.
