Do You Vacuum First or Dust First? The Great Cleaning Debate

a picture of a vacuum and cleaning supplies

Do You Vacuum First or Dust First? The Great Cleaning Debate

It’s the kind of question that sparks surprisingly passionate opinions: Do you vacuum first or dust first? Ask three people and you’ll get three answers—but ask most professional cleaners (and Martha Stewart), and the answer is pretty clear: dust first, then vacuum.

But let’s dig into the why behind it—and how you can make this work in your home without the overwhelm. Whether you're a “do-it-all-in-one-day” type or prefer a room-by-room strategy (like me!), there’s a method that works for you. The goal isn't perfection—it's consistency.

Dust First, Vacuum Second: Here’s Why:

Most pros, including those at Good Housekeeping and Apartment Therapy, agree that dusting first makes the most sense. When you dust—especially if you’re doing shelves, baseboards, or blinds—dust particles can fall onto your floor or rugs. Vacuuming after means you’ll be picking up all the dust that has settled. Otherwise, you may have to go back over the same spot twice.

Here are a few cleaning tips to make it easier:

Use a microfiber cloth or electrostatic duster (no feather dusters—they just fling dust into the air). Note: Remember to wash them in something like the Guppy Friend bag to avoid adding microplastics to the oceans and waterways.
Work top to bottom—start with ceiling fans, shelves, then baseboards. Tip: Use a pillowcase to clean the ceiling fans and help catch the dust.
Use a natural cleaner like Shaklee’s Basic H2—a little goes a long way and it's safe, effective, and multi-purpose.
Consider wearing a mask if you're sensitive to dust.
After dusting, give it a few minutes before vacuuming to let airborne particles settle.

Cleaning by Zones vs Whole-House

Now here’s where personal preference comes in. Do you clean your whole house at once, or do you prefer cleaning zones or areas?

I’m a big fan of the Organized Mum Method (TOMM). It breaks cleaning into manageable daily tasks that cover one area of your home each day. This keeps things from piling up and feels way less overwhelming. I love that it gives me permission to clean just the living room on Monday or just the bathrooms on Thursday without guilt.

But hey—sometimes you get a burst of energy and just want to do it all. And that’s okay too!

Tips for your style:

Zone cleaners: Dust and vacuum only the area you're working on that day.
Whole-home cleaners: Dust top to bottom throughout, then vacuum all at once.

How Often Should You Be Dusting and Vacuuming?

Let’s be real—life is busy, and not every week will be perfect. But having a general plan helps.

Here’s what works for most homes:

Dusting: Once a week for most surfaces. Every 2–4 weeks for less-used rooms or higher spots (hello, ceiling fans).
Vacuuming: High-traffic areas 2–3 times a week. Bedrooms and less-used rooms once a week.
Don’t forget to clean your vacuum filter—a clogged filter spreads dust instead of cleaning it!

And if it’s been a while? No shame. Just start where you are.

Product Spotlight: Shaklee Basic H2

If you’re looking for a natural, powerful, budget-friendly cleaner for all your dusting and surface-wiping needs, you’ve got to try Basic H2 from Shaklee. It’s:

Super concentrated—just a few drops make an entire bottle.
Non-toxic and safe for kids, pets, and allergy-prone folks.
Effective on everything from counters to baseboards to mirrors.
A cleaner that supports your wellness goals and reduces your environmental impact.

It’s been a game-changer in my cleaning routine—and once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever did without it.

Don’t Overthink It—Just Start

It’s easy to fall into the trap of “I have to clean the entire house perfectly or it’s not worth it.” But here’s the truth: something is always better than nothing.

Start today. Wipe a surface. Vacuum one room. Use what you have. Be consistent. Over time, you’ll find your rhythm—and your space will start to feel more peaceful, more clean, and more you.

Your home doesn’t need perfection. It needs presence.

Want to make it even easier? Download my free Cleaning Checklist with zone-by-zone dusting and vacuuming reminders. Remember to swap to non-toxic cleaners. 💚

🌟 Burbachulous: From the Craft Loft:

Welcome to a little corner of our world where creativity meets calm. My husband, Van, and I hang out in our craft loft making greeting cards and art together — it’s our way to unwind, have fun, and give a space for creativity - Which I believe is a component of holistic wellness. Our hope? To have fun, invest in togetherness, and at least make enough to buy more craft supplies!

Here’s what we’ve been crafting this week — we hope it inspires you to make something beautiful too!

See something you like? Email me at burbachulous@gmail.com. Most cards are blank inside and 4.25 x 5.50 and are $5.00 which includes postage. Prices may vary depending on postage fees and the artwork.