What many people like to do on a Sunday morning after sleeping late, getting up, and eating breakfast, is to enjoy making a fresh café au lait and tidying up their apartments. They usually check off everything on their weekly cleaning list, but there are still things they don’t know that some of the ways they clean actually make their stuff dirtier.

A feather duster can make your surfaces look good, but by using one, you’re making them dirtier. If you have a hard floor, this type of duster can make tiny particles of dust spread and scatter. In addition, the little feathers can get stuck in the fibers and are very difficult to remove.

A feather duster can also have the opposite effect on upholstered furniture. No matter how often you clean it, the dust will keep returning and sticking to the feathers. The only way to remove it is to shake the duster outside or vacuum it.

Most people have a favorite rag to wash the dishes, the floors, and the countertop. If you’re like me, your favorite rag should be thick, plush, and dry. But this should be reserved for wiping down the countertop, the fridge, and the oven.