Dusting Bookshelves, Display Cabinets, Ornaments and Decor in Jeddah Homes

Dust falls as you move, so start at the highest shelf or cabinet and work down, so you do not redo what is already clean. Lay a clean cloth or towel on the floor and the shelf beneath to catch falling dust and cushion any piece that slips.

Keep a tray or box beside you for pieces you have lifted out, and do not stack them on each other. If there are many, clean one shelf at a time rather than emptying the whole cabinet, because a total emptying raises the chance of mistakes.

If the shelf is high, use a stable step ladder rather than unstable furniture, never carry heavy or precious pieces while climbing, and ask for help when needed.

Avoid the traditional feather duster, which flicks dust into the air so it settles again, and avoid rough cloths and scented wipes that can leave an oily film that attracts more dust. Do not use plenty of water on wood and books, or strong cleaners on decoration and gilding.

Likewise avoid bleach and ammonia near artworks and frames, since they can fade colours or damage coatings. If you are unsure of a piece's material, stick to dry wiping.

Because cleaning a cabinet means lifting out several pieces, take a photo first so everything goes back as it was. It saves time and prevents forgetting a deliberate grouping, especially in family collections where each item has a set place.

Also note anything that needs repair or re-gluing, such as a loose handle, and deal with it later instead of improvising during cleaning.

Wipe glass with a microfibre cloth slightly dampened with water and a few drops of vinegar or a gentle glass cleaner, and do not spray directly on the glass because liquid can seep into edges and wood and leave marks. Then dry with a dry cloth in steady strokes to avoid streaks, and take care with hinges and thin glass shelves.

Back mirrors in cabinets should be wiped gently because edges may be fragile, and never press on cracked glass. Check small locks and keys and do not oil them near sensitive items.

If doors slide, clean the track with a dry brush and open it to dry, because dust packed in the track causes scratching, stiffness and noise over time.

Wooden surfaces are cleaned with a dry or barely damp cloth depending on the finish, and water is never left on them. See our wood furniture care guide for detail. Metal and silverware are wiped with a soft dry cloth, with polishing best done with products made for that piece rather than a general substitute.

Ceramic and porcelain can usually be washed in lukewarm water with a drop of mild detergent and dried well, but take care with hand-painted or gold-trimmed pieces, where paint can come off with rubbing. Stand any wet piece on a dry cloth before it returns to the shelf.

Decorative cloths and shelf runners are shaken and vacuumed with a soft attachment or washed per their label. Artificial flowers gather a lot of dust and can be cleaned with a soft brush or a hair dryer on cool air from a distance, and larger sturdy pieces can be shaken outdoors.

Do not wash glued or paper decorations with water; wipe them dry.

Pull books slightly to the shelf edge and wipe top dust with a soft brush from the spine toward the edge, and do not blow on a book because that adds moisture and droplets. Leather or cloth covers can be wiped with a dry cloth, or if needed a barely damp one with no cleaners, then dried at once.

Never wet pages. If you see dark spots or smell mould, isolate the book from the others immediately in a dry place, because mould passes between pages. For very old or rare books, consult a specialist.

Avoid packing books too tightly on a damp shelf, since air needs to pass between them. Take a few out and open them now and then to air, especially in summer when humidity rises.

Closed-door cabinets protect against dust better than open shelves, and if doors are replaceable make sure rubber seals are intact. Reduce the number of small objects on a shelf, since every extra piece is another dust surface and another thing to wipe.

Keep shelves away from air conditioner vents and open windows where possible, clean filters regularly, and use a dehumidifier if the room is damp. Plan light weekly dusting rather than rare deep cleaning.