• One YouTube influencer on the channel Clever Hacks suggested wiping down baseboards with fabric softener to prevent dust from building up.
• The influencer demonstrated the “brilliant trick” to keep baseboards clean, and using fabric softener on household surfaces can also help to stop dust from ruining the look of your home.

Laundry expert Lynsey, Queen of Clean, has revealed a surprising solution to “repel dust” from landing on household surfaces, including on the skirting boards. The hack involves wiping down baseboards with fabric softener to prevent dust from building up. In a video demonstration, the trick is claimed to “keep your baseboards clean” and can also be used on other household surfaces like cabinets.

According to the video, the first step in this hack is to thoroughly clean the baseboards and furniture to remove all the current dust. Then, a small amount of fabric softener is applied to the surface, and a microfibre cloth is used to wipe it down.

The Science Behind the Hack

Fabric softener is said to “repel dust thanks to its anti-static properties.” The video explains that this property creates a protective coating on surfaces, making it difficult for dust to stick. According to the video, this effect is not just an illusion, and the fabric softener does indeed work wonders in keeping dust at bay.

But, is this hack really effective?

While the video has garnered a lot of attention, cleaning professional Emily Barron at Property Rescue has warned against this hack. According to Barron, fabric softener can leave a thin residue on surfaces, which can attract more dust over time. She also pointed out that this hack may not be able to remove all dust particles, but rather just push them around.

The Dangers of Over-Reliance on Fabric Softener

Property Rescue expert Emily Barron also warned that relying on fabric softener as a dust-repelling solution can lead to other issues in the home. For example, fabric softener can leave behind a residue on surfaces that can attract more dust, making it a long-term solution rather than a quick fix.

But, what about the claims that fabric softener will leave a sheen on surfaces? According to Lynsey, Queen of Clean, this is not a concern. She explains that the fabric softener will not leave a noticeable sheen on surfaces, and that it’s actually a much cleaner and longer-lasting solution than using a dry microfibre cloth.

While the video has sparked a lot of interest, it’s worth noting that there are some concerns about the effectiveness of this hack. However, for those looking for a simple solution to keep their home clean and dust-free, this hack may be worth trying out.

“Try it at home and you’ll be pleased.”
— Lynsey, Queen of Clean

Ultimately, whether or not this hack works for you will depend on your personal cleaning preferences and needs. While it’s not a foolproof solution, it’s definitely worth trying out if you’re looking for a simple way to keep your home clean and dust-free.

Do you have any experience with this hack?