6 Best Dusters, Tested by Cleaning Experts
These tools make cleaning hard-to-reach spots a breeze.
Tested by Carolyn FortéHome Care & Cleaning Lab Executive Director
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Dust has a frustrating habit of settling on every shelf, piece of furniture, windowsill and corner of the house that's just out of reach (cue the step stool to wipe the top of a bookcase). Getting rid of dust may be tedious, but the right tools can help trap dust particles quickly and leave your furniture looking shinier than ever.
To find the best dusters that are easy to use and clean efficiently, the experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab tested multiple dusting tools and evaluated their materials, design and how well each tool cleaned dust. We also considered our years of experience testing the best methods to get rid of dust, clean surfaces and rid your home of allergens. Ahead, find the best dusters that will make your house look clean and feel clean.
- Best Overall: Swiffer 6 Foot Dusting Kit
- Best Value: O-Cedar Flex & Catch Heavy Duty Dusting Starter Kit
- Best for Under Appliances: OXO Under Appliance Duster
Pros
- 6-foot long handle reaches high surfaces
- Double-sided and flexible fluffy brush
- Sturdy handle
- Comes with four refills
Cons
- Not washable
Material: Microfiber | Handle length: 6 feet | Machine washable: No | Cost of refills: $15 for 11
Swiffer has long been a favorite brand among the pros in the GH Cleaning Lab, and this dusting kit did not disappoint. Featuring a handle that extends up to 6 feet, the duster easily reaches ceiling fan blades, tops of bookshelves, and crown moldings without needing a step stool or ladder. One Amazon reviewer reported finally being able to clean their ceiling fan blades: "This is totally monumental!! I was disgusted by what this thing found and fell in love immediately."
Beyond the long handle, this dusting kit easily and efficiently removed dust from surfaces in our tests. We love that it has a fluffy head that pivots, locks in multiple directions, is flexible and can be easily squished into tight spaces. You can swipe each slot in your blinds and then dust a piece of furniture all in one cleaning session. Plus, it's double-sided, so we found it easy to use on baseboards and moldings.
Our only gripe is that the fluffy head is not machine washable, so once it gets too dirty (especially after deep cleaning thick layers of dust), you'll need to replace it. The kit comes with four refills, but once you use those, you can purchase a set of replacements for around $15.
Pros
- Head pivots to the perfect angle
- Folds up to save storage space
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Not machine washable
Material: Microfiber | Handle length: 3 feet | Machine washable: No | Cost of refills: $12 for 10
In our Lab tests, the O-Cedar dusting kit was one of the most flexible tools we tested. We were able to dust around objects without having to move them, which is great for dusting shelves with tons of knick-knacks or books. Not only is this tool amazing at cleaning tight spaces and trapping dust, but it's also only $10, making it the least expensive option of our top picks.
The flexible head can swivel, or you can use the secure hook to keep it locked at the perfect angle for dusting high-up surfaces. When you're all done cleaning, the duster folds up to save storage space after you remove the dirty, fluffy head. Like our top pick, this dusting kit is not machine washable, and the initial kit only comes with three heads. However, you can pick up a pack of 10 refills for around $12.
Pros
- Thin, long microfiber head can swipe under heavy appliances
- Machine washable
Cons
- A bit heavier than other options we tested
Material: Microfiber | Handle length: N/A | Machine washable: Yes | Cost of refills: N/A
Have you ever moved your fridge or a heavy dresser only to find layers of dust underneath? This tool with a long, slim microfiber cloth head is the perfect solution for reaching under large appliances that you can't move easily, like a fridge, oven, washer, dryer, dresser, armoire or couch, especially if you have tiled or hardwood floors. The thin cloth portion is nearly 3 feet long, so even with the short handle, this duster covers a large surface area with a few swipes.
One five-star Amazon reviewer said this duster "is perfectly designed for its intended use, and it's so much better and faster than any other method I've tried." The best part is that the cloth is machine washable, eliminating the need for refills. Just toss it in the washer with detergent after you're done cleaning.
It's a bit heavier than our other picks on this list, but not so much so that it'll feel like an arm workout cleaning hard to reach places (it's still under one pound). And since the handle itself is short, you most likely won't use this long tool for high shelves or ceiling fans anyway.
Pros
- Includes reusable and disposable heads
- Comes with a storage bag
- Handle extends up to 6 feet
Cons
- Cost of refills is a bit higher than other options
Material: Microfiber and plastic | Handle length: 6 feet | Machine washable: Yes | Cost of refills: $15 for 9
If you can't choose between a machine washable duster or one with replaceable heads, this kit from Bona will be right up your alley. The dusting system includes one reusable duster that is machine washable, three disposable heads and a storage bag to keep your cleaning supplies tidy. A pack of nine Bona refills costs around $15.
With a handle that extends up to 6 feet, this duster is ideal for reaching above ceiling fans, top shelves and above high furniture. Not only did the microfiber head efficiently remove dust in our tests, but this duster is made of 90% post-consumer recycled materials. While we love that the duster head can adjust to six different positions, it is not flexible and must be manually pivoted to change the angle.
Pros
- Mini size is great for small spaces
- Reusable
- Comes with a case
Cons
- Must hand wash
Material: Polyester and nylon | Handle length: 2.56 feet | Machine washable: No | Cost of refills: N/A
Rather than rummaging through a supply closet when it's time to clean, this inconspicuous mini duster can be tucked in the corner of a room for easy access. We like the small size of this tool and the storage case that comes with this duster, so you can place it on the floor and grab the handle whenever you want to swipe away some dust.
While it's just over one foot tall, the handle can be extended up to 2.56 feet. You'll likely still need a step stool to reach a top shelf, but the slight extension means you won't need a whole ladder to clean up high. We also love that this duster is reusable, although you will have to hand wash it.
Pros
- Long lasting
- Made of natural materials
- Brush is very fluffy
Cons
- Must hand wash
Material: Lambswool and wood | Handle length: N/A | Machine washable: No | Cost of refills: N/A
This eco-friendly cleaning product is made of lambswool, a stark difference from the typical microfiber dusters on the market. Those who prefer something more natural and long-lasting should consider a lambswool duster like this one over a microfiber material. The lambswool is fluffy and does an excellent job of trapping dust and leaving furniture shiny. Even the handle is made of wood rather than the typical plastic.
While you do have to hand wash this reusable duster, an Amazon reviewer said they vacuum the dirt off the brush between light cleaning sessions. "It does a great job of picking up the everyday dust and even performed well during pollen season in Alabama, which is saying something," said one of our testers, who noted that they leave their windows open and dust frequently.
How we test dusters
To test the best dusters, we use each tool in our Cleaning Lab and evaluate how well they pick up and hold onto dust. We also check how far the duster can reach, the sturdiness of the handle, the flexibility of the fluffy head, how easy each duster is to use and whether or not the duster can be stored away easily.
We also consider the materials, size, features and online reviews for each duster. For reusable dusters, we evaluated how well the reusable heads wash and how easily the fluffy head reattaches to the handle.
We also swiped under appliances like washers, dryers and ovens to see how well dusters picked up dirt and dust particles in tight spaces.
What to look for when shopping for the best duster
Dusters may not seem like something that requires much comparison, but some tools are much less efficient at removing dust than others. Here are some things to keep in mind when you're picking the best duster for you:
✔️Choose the right size: You'll want the size and length of your duster to suit your needs (shorter people and those with high ceilings may need a longer handle), but you'll also want to keep storage space in mind. If you live in a small apartment, consider a mini duster that can be tucked away in a corner.
✔️ Look at the material: Our Cleaning Lab pros do not recommend feather dusters, which spread dust from one surface to another. You are much better off with a microfiber cloth or microfiber duster that will better trap particles. If you want a more natural material, check out dusters made with lambswool and wood rather than plastics.
✔️ Check the flexibility: Flexible Dusters can more easily twist and squeeze into tight spaces and different positions. This makes it easier to quickly clean awkward spots in the house, like in between the blinds or underneath a large appliance.
✔️Consider the surface: Small items like computers and TVs are best cleaned with a small microfiber cloth. In contrast, ceiling fan blades, walls and high bookshelves need a duster with a longer handle and a larger surface area. For cleaning under appliances, a duster with a thin, long head is ideal. Meanwhile, smaller, more flexible dusters work well for between blinds, slots on the back of chairs and around knick-knacks on a shelf.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Our experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab have decades of experience testing, evaluating and reviewing all sorts of cleaning tools. We've tested the best methods for getting rid of dust and the best products to do so, including dusters, floor cleaners and microfiber cloths.
Isabella Cavallo is the Assistant Commerce Editor at the GH Institute. She has experience writing and updating cleaning stories, including the best deals on vacuums, the best dishwasher cleaners and eco-friendly cleaning products.
For this article, Cavallo consulted Carolyn Forté, executive director of the Home Care & Cleaning Lab at the GH Institute. Forté has more than 40 years of experience testing cleaning methods, products and appliances. She evaluated tons of dusters in our Cleaning Lab to find the picks that are worth your money.
Carolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor's degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York.
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