We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Home Cleaning Cleaning Products The 9 Best Dusters of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Sneeze-proof your space from top to bottom. By Lesley Chen Lesley Chen Lesley Chen is a San Francisco-based freelance writer who covers shopping, home, tech, health, and general lifestyle topics for various websites.Highlights *Her work has appeared on SFGate, Well + Good, BuzzFeed, Byrdie, and PureWow. *She has a BA in economics and psychology from UC Berkeley and an MBA from UCLA Anderson. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on March 11, 2024 Fact checked by Jillian Dara Fact checked by Jillian Dara In addition to fact-checking for Real Simple, Jillian covers various topics from food and wine to luxury travel and culture guides for outlets such as Travel + Leisure, Forbes, and Conde Nast Traveler. Our Fact-Checking Process In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Final Verdict Our Testing Process How To Shop More to Consider FAQs Take Our Word for It What Is Real Simple Selects? Real Simple / Henry Wortock Dusting can feel like an endless chore—no matter how often you do it, there always seems to be more dust lying around. While you may have paper towels and sponges to help with the task, a duster makes cleaning easier, faster, and more effective. With a few swipes, a duster can pick up dust instead of pushing it around, leaving the surfaces in your house clean and speck-free. “Dusters are designed to attract and trap dust, so it doesn't end up floating around and settling back on your furniture,” says Karina Toner, an operations manager at Spekless Cleaning. “This not only keeps your home cleaner but it also improves the air quality by reducing allergens and irritants.” To find the best dusters, we tested 20 models in our Des Moines lab while considering factors like design, effectiveness, maneuverability, ease of cleaning, and value. In addition to Toner, we spoke with Mallory Micetich, a home expert at Angi, on what to look for in a duster and the differences between dusting materials and types. Our Top Picks Best Overall Duster: Swiffer 360 Heavy Duty Dusters Starter Kit at Amazon ($10) Jump to Review Best Microfiber Duster: OXO Good Grips Microfiber Hand Duster at Amazon ($23) Jump to Review Best Microfiber Dusting Cloth: Amazon Basics Microfiber Cleaning Cloths at Amazon ($14) Jump to Review Best Lambswool Duster: Green Vivid Lambswool Duster at Amazon ($13) Jump to Review Best Duster for Blinds: Hiware Blind Cleaner Duster Brush at Amazon ($7) Jump to Review Best Duster for Under Appliances: OXO Under-Appliance Microfiber Duster at Amazon ($17) Jump to Review Best Extendable Duster: OXO Microfiber Extendable Duster at Amazon ($17) Jump to Review Best Dry Mop Duster: O-Cedar Hardwood Floor ‘N Baseboards Dust Mop at Amazon ($14) Jump to Review Best Duster Set: DocaZoo DocaPole Dusting Kit at Amazon ($70) Jump to Review Best Overall Duster Swiffer 360 Heavy Duty Dusters Starter Kit Amazon View On Amazon $10 View On Wayfair $18 View On Walmart $18 Our Ratings Design 5/5 Effectiveness 5/5 Maneuverability 5/5 Ease of Cleaning 5/5 Value 5/5 What Stands Out This is an all-around effective duster that’s affordable, maneuverable, and easy to use. What Could Be Improved You have to replace the duster head after every use, so it's not very sustainable. It’s hard to beat the convenience of a disposable duster; once you’ve thoroughly dusted, you can toss it in the trash without worrying about residual particles floating around. This starter kit has everything you need, including three disposable dusters and a handle that extends to three feet. We found this Swiffer duster easy to hold thanks to its ergonomic handle. The duster head is very soft, like a cotton ball, and does not scratch any surface. This duster was amazing at picking up dust, with multiple sides and textures on the head to capture dust from every surface we tested. It also has good reach and maneuverability—you can extend the duster or bend it to various angles, and it could shapeshift to fit everywhere we needed to, including narrow spaces like under a table, in the corner of a bookshelf, and into a vase. The duster did not redistribute any dust into the air or push it back on the floor, and one dust head lasted the entirety of our test. Replacing the dust head was easy, so you always have a fresh duster head for each cleaning. The only downside to this is that it's not a very sustainable option, but if you want to cut down on waste, you may be able to use one disposable duster more than once. Type/Material: Extendable duster | Dimensions: 3 x 5 x 11 inches | Care: Disposable Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Best Microfiber Duster OXO Good Grips Microfiber Hand Duster Amazon View On Amazon $23 View On Staples $23 View On Oxo Our Ratings Design 4.8/5 Effectiveness 4.8/5 Maneuverability 5/5 Ease of Cleaning 4.8/5 Value 4.5/5 What Stands Out It has a flexible head and is machine-washable, making it reusable for a great price. What Could Be Improved The handle isn’t long or extendable, so it may be harder to use under furniture or in high-up spots. With a flexible microfiber head that can bend in different directions and a non-slip grip, the OXO Good Grips Microfiber Hand Duster easily cleans all those hard-to-reach spots. In our tests, we found the duster comfortable and easy to maneuver, except for reaching far underneath furniture like an entertainment center (the handle was too short for this, though it was long enough to keep the dust off our hands). The duster head is soft and traps dust well—we found that only a bit of fine dust fell when we shook it. After dusting, you can snap the microfiber head from the handle and toss it into the washing machine. The duster head was easy to clean, and there was only minor wear and tear in the form of some loose threads. The reusability of the brush makes this duster a sustainable and budget-friendly pick. Type/Material: Microfiber handheld duster | Dimensions: 1 x 4 x 18 inches | Care: Machine wash Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Best Microfiber Dusting Cloth Amazon Basics Microfiber Cleaning Cloths Amazon View On Amazon $14 Our Ratings Design 5/5 Effectiveness 4.5/5 Maneuverability 4/5 Ease of Cleaning 3/5 Value 4.5/5 What Stands Out Microfiber cloths are great for wiping up dusty surfaces, and this set includes 24. What Could Be Improved It's hard to reach certain areas with cloths alone. Microfiber cloths are versatile tools for dusting surfaces, cleaning spills, or wiping with an all-purpose cleaner. They trap dust, are absorbent, and leave no streaks or lint behind. We found that these cloths from Amazon Basics were versatile because you can fold them into different sizes and shapes, and since you use them while damp, the fibers pick up dust particles without dropping them. The cloth is a soft, thick material and doesn't scratch surfaces, though we had a hard time reaching all areas without a handle—unsurprisingly, we couldn’t reach high up places or far underneath tables. The cloths also struggled to collect dust from small corners like the window sill, monitor, or inside an irregular-shaped vase, but easily cleaned smaller objects like a keyboard or plant leaves. These cloths are machine-washable and can also be rinsed in cold water. Post-wash, we noticed specks of dust on the surface and slight unraveling in the corners. However, the set comes with 24 cloths, and they come in different colors, so you can dedicate a color to particular rooms or cleaning tasks. Type/Material: Microfiber cloth | Dimensions: 12 x 16 inches | Care: Machine wash Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Best Lambswool Duster Green Vivid Lambswool Duster Amazon View On Amazon $13 Our Ratings Design 4.8/5 Effectiveness 4.3/5 Maneuverability 5/5 Ease of Cleaning 5/5 Value 5/5 What Stands Out The duster head's loose fibers attract dust and reach small, odd-shaped spaces. What Could Be Improved It may not be as effective for heavy-duty dusting. Super soft and malleable, this simple duster is effective and attractive. Despite being low-tech, we found the duster to be effective at attracting dust, and it worked particularly well at reaching small and odd-shaped spaces, like between blinds and in the crevices of a fake plant. Though the handle doesn’t extend or bend, the duster head has loose fibers to squeeze into different spots (we guessed it could fit into any space around two inches in diameter). On flat surfaces, however, it seemed to push dust piles more than pick it up. The wooden handle has a contoured grip that is very comfortable and doesn't scratch any surfaces. While dust didn’t fly around while we used it, about 20% of loose dust came off when shaking the duster, so it would be best to shake it over a garbage can to catch the loose particles. You can also rinse off the duster with water and hang it to dry. Type/Material: Handheld lambswool duster | Dimensions: 18.9 x 5.9 x 5.9 inches | Care: Rinse with water and hang dry Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Best Duster for Blinds Hiware Blind Cleaner Duster Brush Amazon View On Amazon $7 Our Ratings Design 4.8/5 Effectiveness 4.5/5 Maneuverability 4.5/5 Ease of Cleaning 3/5 Value 4.5/5 What Stands Out It has three blades specifically designed to clean blinds, and it comes with five microfiber sleeves that can be machine-washed. What Could Be Improved Some dust was left on the brush after washing it. If you have blinds, you know they can be a pain to clean. You can swipe across them and hope you pick up enough dirt or painstakingly dust each blind from one side to the other. This duster brush, though, is designed to clean blinds, with three blades that can clean the top and button of two blinds. We found that the handle was comfortable and easy to grip, though if you have any grip strength issues, it may be harder to continually squeeze the duster to get good contact with the blinds. It was easy to maneuver the duster between the blinds, and the microfiber duster heads were soft and picked up dust well. However, we had to make several passes and go slowly to clean the blinds thoroughly, as the duster cleans only two blinds at a time. We noticed that after washing, there was still dust left over on the material, and the color dulled. Still, the brush comes with five machine-washable sleeves, so the cost is low even if you need to replace the dusters semi-frequently. If you want to save time and effort, this tool is useful for deep cleaning your blinds. Type/Material: Handheld microfiber duster | Dimensions: 8.54 x 3.86 x 1.69 inches | Care: Machine wash Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Best Duster for Under Appliances OXO Under-Appliance Microfiber Duster Amazon View On Amazon $17 View On Macy's $17 View On Oxo $17 Our Ratings Design 4.8/5 Effectiveness 5/5 Maneuverability 5/5 Ease of Cleaning 4.8/5 Value 5/5 What Stands Out The large head dusts effectively with just one swipe. What Could Be Improved The size of the duster head can be awkward to maneuver. While it's obvious that you should clean all the surfaces you can see in your house, what about the hidden ones? For example, do you remember the last time you dusted under your fridge? This under-appliance duster will make sure you don’t forget. The OXO duster was comfortable to hold and use in our test. The duster head is sizable at 27 inches long, and while we found it to be a little floppy and awkward, it was also very effective in picking up all the dust in just one swipe. The duster head is easy to maneuver and flexible enough to fit into small nooks and crannies. We didn’t notice any dust in the air while using the duster and only some dust when we shook it after cleaning. The duster head is machine-washable, and while we noticed some shedding after washing, the seams, color, and microfiber texture were intact. While this duster is designed as an under-appliance duster, thanks to its efficient cleaning capability, we found it equally useful for shelves, lights, ceiling fans, tables, and more. Type/material: Handheld microfiber duster | Dimensions: 31.5 x 4.5 x 1 inches | Care: Machine wash Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Best Extendable Duster OXO Microfiber Extendable Duster Amazon View On Amazon $17 View On Staples $30 View On Oxo Our Ratings Design 4.3/5 Effectiveness 4.7/5 Maneuverability 4.8/5 Ease of Cleaning 4.8/5 Value 5/5 What Stands Out Thanks to the long extendable handle, this duster is especially helpful for cleaning flat surfaces higher than your head. What Could Be Improved The duster doesn't work well on objects or in crevices. Ceiling corners, top shelves, and other hard-to-reach places accumulate more dust than you can imagine. That’s where an extendable duster comes in handy—it lets you tackle every corner without balancing on a ladder or stool. The OXO Extendable Duster has a large microfiber brush that can rotate 270 degrees and lock in place for effortless cleaning. The lightweight aluminum pole has a non-slip grip and can extend up to 52 inches or retract to 24 inches for storage. This duster was easy to use and comfortable to hold, even in the extended position. The head is soft, long, and flat, which makes it best for flat surfaces and shelves, though the shape is not conducive for cleaning rough or oddly shaped surfaces such as inside vases or on top of the leaves on a fake plant. The duster picked up most of the dust after one long swipe, and it didn’t kick up dust while in use. We did notice that about 30% of the dust came off when we shook the duster. We like that the brush head detaches from the pole and is machine-washable. After washing, there was some minor wear and tear and loose threads, but no dust remained within the fibers. Type/Material: Extendable microfiber duster | Dimensions: 1.65 x 4.15 x 27–54 inches | Care: Machine wash Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Best Dry Mop Duster O-Cedar Hardwood Floor ‘N Baseboards Dust Mop Amazon View On Amazon $14 View On Walmart $14 View On Home Depot $14 Our Ratings Design 4/5 Effectiveness 4.5/5 Maneuverability 5/5 Ease of Cleaning 2/5 Value 4.5/5 What Stands Out The large flexible head and long handle enables quick. What Could Be Improved The chenille fabric may not withstand multiple washes. For floors and more, a dry mop can help trap more dust than a regular broom. This O-Cedar dust mop has a flexible head made of microfiber and ultra-dense chenille and is safe to use on various surfaces, including hardwood floors. The dust mop is lightweight and has a long handle, allowing you to clean the floors without hunching or bending over. The chenille cloth is soft and doesn’t scratch surfaces, and thanks to the 360-degree swivel, it’s easy to maneuver the duster head to reach different angles and areas you need to clean. During our shake test, quite a bit of dust fell out of the mop, and when we lifted it after dusting, some dust also fell on the floor. After cleaning the mop head, we noticed the chenille fabric didn’t hold up well—some strings unraveled, and some seams were loose. Type/Material: Chenille dry mop | Dimensions: 9.25 x 2.75 x 18.25 inches | Care: Machine wash Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Best Duster Set DocaZoo DocaPole Dusting Kit Amazon View On Amazon $70 View On Walmart $58 Our Ratings Design 4.3/5 Effectiveness 4.5/5 Maneuverability 4.5/5 Ease of Cleaning 4/5 Value 3/5 What Stands Out It includes an extendable pole and multiple attachments to clean large or outdoor spaces. What Could Be Improved This is more expensive than other dusters on our list. When you need to clean the highest areas of your home, indoors or outdoors, this set has you covered. In addition to an extendable pole, it includes three different attachments: a microfiber feather duster, a microfiber and chenille ceiling duster, and a cobweb duster. All three attachments screw into the pole, which can expand to give you up to 20 feet of reach. We were pleasantly surprised at the length of the pole and how sturdy it was at full extension. The microfiber head can bend, and the cobweb duster can be adjusted to point in a specific direction. The duster might be too large for a small indoor space like an apartment, as you need a lot of clearance to accommodate the pole. But it would make a good tool for outdoor use (like clearing cobwebs and wasp nests or cleaning exterior lights). In our tests, the feather duster was absorbent and great at picking up dust with just one swipe, and hardly any dust fell out when we shook it. The microfiber head did push the dust around instead of attracting it, though we did find it effective in cleaning under a coffee table. The feather and microfiber heads are machine-washable, but the cobweb duster is not—you can rinse it with water. Both came out clean without dust stuck in them after washing but soaked up so much water that they may require a lengthy drying time. Type/Material: Extendable microfiber hand duster | Dimensions: 5–12 feet | Care: Cobweb duster rinse only, microfiber duster and ceiling fan duster are machine-washable Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Final Verdict The Swiffer 360 Heavy Duty Dusters with Extendable Handle Starter Kit is our top pick thanks to its overall effectiveness in picking up all dust across multiple surfaces and its ability to fit in tight and irregular spaces. The duster heads are also replaceable for added convenience. For a more traditional feather duster, the Green Vivid Lambswool Duster is a good option for light dusting. Our Testing Process To find the best dusters, we tested 20 models in our lab. We tested each duster on four areas, including a desk with a computer, a bookshelf with decorations (a vase and fake plant), a living room (including an entertainment center), and vinyl blinds. For each area, we poured ¼ teaspoon of sawdust into a salt shaker and sprinkled it evenly throughout. With each duster, we started from the highest or furthest areas and worked our way downward, trying to pull dust toward us instead of pushing it around. After dusting, we swiped a finger over the area to see if there was a noticeable streak on the surface or any dust on our finger. When dusting, we noted what percentage of the dust we captured from the area, how well the duster trapped dust, how much dust was in the air when dusting, how comfortable the handle was, and the ability of the duster to reach awkward areas. After dusting, we gave each duster five shakes over a table and looked for dust fallout and how much dust was still in the duster. For dusters with multiple head attachments, we evaluated which worked best for different surfaces. To test the ease of cleaning, we followed the care instructions of each duster and looked at how well dust came off the duster and how clean the duster was afterward. How to Shop for Dusters Like a Pro Type There are various types of dusters including handheld, cloth, and disposable dusters. Handheld and cloth dusters are lightweight, easy to hold, and easy to maneuver. Handheld dusters are made of materials that grab and trap dust, and most are low maintenance too—you can shake the dust out, toss them in the trash (if disposable), or hand or machine wash the head. The one that's best for you will depend on your needs. Handheld dusters are the easiest to use, as they can reach nooks and crannies with minimal effort on your part. Cloth dusters are easier to clean since you can throw them in with your other towels, but they can be more difficult to manage. Disposable dusters offer the most convenience, but they aren't very sustainable since they are single-use. Material Consider the material of your dusters before making a purchase. Microfiber has “fine fibers that create an electrostatic charge that effectively traps dust particles, making them highly efficient for general dusting tasks," says Toner. "They are also reusable and can be easily washed." Feather dusters are a gentler option “made of natural feathers that create a soft brushing motion, effectively picking up dust without scratching or damaging items," she says. "However, it's important to note that feather dusters may not trap dust as effectively as microfiber dusters." Regardless of the material, regularly cleaning or replacing the duster will maintain its effectiveness, according to Toner. “Shake out or wash microfiber dusters according to the manufacturer's instructions, and clean feather dusters by gently tapping them outdoors to remove trapped dust,” she says. Targeted Area The type and material of your duster can also vary depending on what area of your home you need to clean. For most common, flat areas like shelves and counters, handheld dusters can sweep over the surface and pick up most of the dust. When cleaning blinds, you may want a duster designed to target the tops and bottoms of blinds. For small crevices, small electronics, and delicate objects, a feather or lambswool duster like the Green Vivid Lambswool Duster may be best. Toner also recommends dusters with small brush attachments or flexible bristles for tackling tight spots and intricate areas. “These attachments can reach into corners, crevices, and window sills where dust tends to accumulate," she says. And since dust doesn’t only collect on low surfaces, dusters with extendable handles are great for reaching high areas such as ceiling fans, tall shelves, and corners. “The adjustable length allows you to customize the reach, making your dusting tasks more efficient and saving you from straining your arm or using step stools,” says Toner. More Dusters to Consider Ettore Poly-Fiber Professional Cobweb Duster: Even though this duster is extendable and designed to reach higher spots or corners, we found it awkward to dust with and too large to fit under furniture or in tight spaces. Scrub Daddy Damp Duster: This duster feels like a thick sponge and is used damp. In our tests, swiping the duster once was effective, but when we swiped again, some dust deposited back on the surface. To clean effectively, you would need to dust in one direction and rinse the duster often. Questions You Might Ask What do professionals use for dusting? “Most professionals use different types of dusters for different purposes,” says Micetich. “For example, they may use a designated duster with an extender to dust ceiling fans, but a wet cloth to dust bookshelves.” “Microfiber cloths, in general, are also a go-to for professionals as they can be used for both dry and slightly damp dusting," adds Toner. "They're super versatile and gentle on various surfaces. In addition to that, professionals may also use soft-bristle brushes or specialized dusting tools for those hard-to-reach spots or delicate items.” Is it better to dust with a wet or dry cloth? “Dusting with a wet cloth may take longer, but it’s usually more effective than dusting with a dry cloth," says Micetech. "I recommend dusting with a wet cloth now and then to deep clean your home and remove any lingering dust." Dry dusting is also effective for most surfaces and doesn't require additional cleaners, according to Toner. “Dry cloths or dusters, like microfiber or electrostatic ones, work like magic to attract and trap dust without the need for any moisture," she says. "However, there might be times when you encounter stubborn or sticky dust. In those cases, a slightly damp cloth can be used. Just make sure it's only slightly damp and not dripping wet, as excessive moisture can potentially damage certain surfaces like wood or electronics." Are microfiber cloths better than dusters? “Microfiber cloths are a great multi-purpose material to have in your home," says Micetech. "If you’re limited on space, dusting with a microfiber cloth could be a good option for you. However, dusting with a microfiber cloth takes longer than using a duster, so you may want to keep a duster on hand for quick cleaning sessions." Take Our Word for It This article was written by Lesley Chen, a contributing writer for Real Simple with experience writing commerce, home, and lifestyle stories. To compile this list, we tested 11 dusters in our lab for effectiveness, ease of cleaning, maneuverability, and value. For expert advice, Lesley spoke to Mallory Micetich, Home Expert at Angi, and Karina Toner, Operations Manager at Spekless Cleaning. What Is Real Simple Selects? Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn’t an option. All products go through the same rigorous process, whether they are purchased or sent by the company. Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit