The 9 Best Dusting Tools, Tested and Rated

Top Pick Duster

The ease of using a disposable duster is hard to beat; after cleaning, simply discard it without any concern for lingering particles. This starter kit includes three disposable dusters and a handle that extends up to three feet.

We found this Swiffer duster comfortable to hold, thanks to its ergonomic handle. The duster head is soft like a cotton ball and won’t scratch any surfaces. It excelled at picking up dust, with various sides and textures on the head that captured dust from every surface we tested. It also had great reach and maneuverability—whether extended or bent to different angles, it easily reached tight spots like under a table, in a bookshelf corner, or inside a vase.

The duster didn’t release any dust back into the air or onto the floor, and one dust head lasted throughout our entire test. Replacing the head was simple, ensuring a fresh one for every use. The only downside is its lack of sustainability, but to reduce waste, you might be able to reuse a disposable duster more than once.

Type/Material: Extendable duster | Dimensions: 3 x 5 x 11 inches | Care: Disposable

Top Microfiber Duster

With its flexible microfiber head that bends in various directions and a non-slip grip, the OXO Good Grips Microfiber Hand Duster easily reaches those difficult spots. During our tests, we found the duster to be comfortable and easy to maneuver, though it struggled to reach far under furniture like an entertainment center due to its short handle. However, it was long enough to keep dust away from our hands. The duster head is soft and traps dust effectively, with only a small amount of fine dust falling when shaken.

After dusting, you can easily detach the microfiber head from the handle and toss it into the washing machine. The duster head was simple to clean, showing only slight wear, such as a few loose threads. Thanks to its reusability, this duster stands out as an eco-friendly and cost-effective choice.

Type/Material: Microfiber handheld duster | Dimensions: 1 x 4 x 18 inches | Care: Machine washable

Best Microfiber Dusting Cloth

Microfiber cloths are multipurpose tools for dusting, cleaning spills, or using with an all-purpose cleaner. They capture dust effectively, are highly absorbent, and leave surfaces streak-free and lint-free. We found these Amazon Basics cloths to be quite versatile as they can be folded into various sizes and shapes. When dampened, the fibers effectively trap dust particles without releasing them.

The cloths are made of a soft, thick material that won't scratch surfaces. However, accessing certain hard-to-reach areas proved challenging without a handle. We couldn’t reach high places or deep under furniture. The cloths also had trouble picking up dust from narrow spots like window sills, computer monitors, or irregularly shaped vases, but they did an excellent job cleaning smaller objects like keyboards and plant leaves.

These cloths are machine washable and can also be rinsed with cold water. After washing, we noticed some specks of dust on the surface and a bit of fraying at the corners. However, the pack includes 24 cloths in different colors, so you can assign specific colors to particular rooms or tasks.

Type/Material: Microfiber cloth | Dimensions: 12 x 16 inches | Care: Machine wash

Top Lambswool Duster

This ultra-soft and flexible duster is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Even though it's a simple design, it proved to be very effective at gathering dust, particularly in narrow or irregularly shaped areas such as between blinds or in the crevices of a faux plant. While the handle doesn’t bend or extend, the duster’s head features loose fibers that can squeeze into tight spaces—roughly two inches wide. However, on flat surfaces, it tended to push dust rather than pick it up.

The wooden handle is ergonomically designed with a comfortable grip that won’t scratch surfaces. While using the duster, most dust stayed contained, though about 20% of the loose particles came off when shaking it. For this reason, it’s best to shake it over a trash can to catch those excess particles. The duster can be rinsed with water and left to air dry afterward.

Type/Material: Handheld lambswool duster | Dimensions: 18.9 x 5.9 x 5.9 inches | Care Instructions: Rinse with water and hang to dry

Top Duster for Cleaning Blinds

Cleaning blinds can often feel like a hassle. You might try swiping across them in hopes of removing enough dirt, or you may painstakingly dust each individual blind from top to bottom. This duster, however, has been specifically designed to tackle the job with three blades that clean both the top and bottom of two blinds at once.

The handle of the duster is comfortable to hold, though individuals with grip strength challenges may find it difficult to maintain enough pressure for optimal cleaning. It was easy to maneuver between the blinds, and the microfiber heads were soft, effectively collecting dust. However, thorough cleaning required several passes and a slow approach, as the duster cleans only two blinds at a time.

After washing, we noticed that some dust remained on the duster, and the color of the material appeared to fade. Nevertheless, the brush comes with five replaceable, machine-washable sleeves, making it affordable even if you need to replace the dusters periodically. For those looking to save time and effort, this tool is a great asset for deep cleaning your blinds.

Type/Material: Handheld microfiber duster | Dimensions: 8.54 x 3.86 x 1.69 inches | Care Instructions: Machine washable

Top Duster for Cleaning Under Appliances

While it's easy to remember to clean the visible surfaces in your home, what about the hidden areas? When was the last time you dusted underneath your refrigerator? This under-appliance duster ensures you won’t overlook these spots.

The OXO duster was comfortable to handle during our tests. The 27-inch long head is quite large, and although it felt a little unwieldy at times, it was highly effective in capturing dust with just one swipe. The head is flexible and can easily reach into tight corners. We didn’t notice any dust flying around while using it, and only a small amount of dust was released when we shook it after use.

The duster head is machine-washable, and while there was some shedding after washing, the seams, color, and microfiber texture remained intact. Though it's marketed as an under-appliance duster, we found it equally effective for cleaning shelves, light fixtures, ceiling fans, tables, and much more.

Type/Material: Handheld microfiber duster | Dimensions: 31.5 x 4.5 x 1 inches | Care Instructions: Machine washable

Top Extendable Duster

Ceiling corners, the tops of shelves, and other hard-to-reach spots tend to collect more dust than expected. An extendable duster is the perfect solution, allowing you to clean these areas without the need for a ladder or stool. The OXO Extendable Duster features a large microfiber brush that rotates 270 degrees and locks into place for easy cleaning. Its lightweight aluminum pole extends up to 52 inches and retracts to 24 inches for convenient storage.

This duster was simple to use and comfortable to hold, even when fully extended. Its head is soft, long, and flat, making it ideal for cleaning flat surfaces and shelves. However, its shape isn’t the best for tackling rough or oddly shaped areas, like the interior of vases or the leaves of artificial plants. It efficiently removed most dust with one long swipe without stirring up dust during use. We did notice that around 30% of the dust came off when we shook the duster.

We appreciated that the brush head detaches from the pole and is machine-washable. After washing, there was some minor wear, including 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 washable

Top Dry Mop Duster

For both floors and more, a dry mop captures more dust than a typical broom. The O-Cedar dust mop comes with a flexible head crafted from microfiber and ultra-dense chenille, making it safe to use on multiple surfaces, including hardwood floors.

This dust mop is light and features a long handle, allowing you to clean floors without the need to bend or stoop. The chenille cloth is soft enough to prevent scratches, and with its 360-degree swivel, the duster head can easily reach various angles and cleaning spots.

In our shake test, a noticeable amount of dust fell from the mop, and when we lifted it after use, some dust also landed on the floor. After washing the mop head, we observed that the chenille fabric did not hold up well—some threads unraveled, and a few seams loosened. 

Type/Material: Chenille dry mop | Dimensions: 9.25 x 2.75 x 18.25 inches | Care: Machine washable

Top Duster Kit

For cleaning even the highest corners, both indoors and outdoors, this kit is an excellent option. It includes a telescoping pole and three different attachments: a microfiber feather duster, a chenille and microfiber ceiling duster, and a cobweb cleaner.

All three tools attach easily to the pole, which can extend up to 20 feet. We were impressed by the pole's length and stability, even when fully extended. The microfiber head is flexible, and the cobweb duster can be adjusted to target specific angles.

The duster may be too large for compact spaces such as apartments, as it requires ample room to accommodate the pole. However, it is an excellent choice for outdoor cleaning tasks like removing cobwebs, wasp nests, or cleaning exterior lighting.

In our tests, the feather duster proved to be highly absorbent, effortlessly picking up dust in a single pass. Very little dust fell out when shaken. However, the microfiber head seemed to push dust around rather than attract it, although it was effective for cleaning under low furniture like coffee tables.

The feather and microfiber heads are machine-washable, but the cobweb duster is only suitable for rinsing. After washing, both heads came out clean without any trapped dust, although they absorbed so much water that they needed an extended drying time.

Type/Material: Extendable microfiber hand duster | Dimensions: 5–12 feet | Care: Cobweb duster requires rinsing only; microfiber duster and ceiling fan duster are machine washable

Final Thoughts

Our top choice is the Swiffer 360 Heavy Duty Dusters with Extendable Handle Starter Kit for its exceptional ability to capture dust on a variety of surfaces and its design that allows it to reach into narrow and hard-to-access areas. Additionally, the replaceable duster heads provide added convenience. If you prefer a more traditional approach, the Green Vivid Lambswool Duster is perfect for light dusting tasks.

Our Testing Approach

To determine the best dusters, we evaluated 20 different models in our lab. Each duster was tested across four distinct areas: a desk with a computer, a bookshelf with decorations (including a vase and a fake plant), a living room (featuring an entertainment center), and vinyl blinds.

For every area, we evenly distributed a quarter teaspoon of sawdust from a salt shaker. With each duster, we started at the highest or furthest point and moved downward, aiming to draw the dust toward us instead of simply pushing it around. After dusting, we ran a finger over the surface to check for any visible streaks or leftover dust.

While dusting, we assessed the percentage of dust removed from the area, the duster's ability to trap dust, how much dust remained in the air during cleaning, the comfort of the handle, and how well the duster could reach difficult spots. After dusting, we gave each duster five shakes over a table, checking for dust fallout and how much dust remained in the duster. For models with multiple head attachments, we tested which one worked best for various surfaces.

To evaluate cleaning ease, we followed the care instructions for each duster, observing how effectively the dust came off and how clean the duster was afterward.

How to Shop for Dusters Like an Expert

Types

There are several types of dusters available, including handheld, cloth, and disposable options. Handheld and cloth dusters are lightweight, easy to hold, and simple to maneuver. Handheld dusters are designed with materials that grab and hold dust, and they generally require minimal maintenance—you can shake the dust off, dispose of them (if they're disposable), or wash the head by hand or machine.

The best duster for you depends on your specific needs. Handheld dusters are the most user-friendly, easily reaching tight corners with little effort. Cloth dusters are easier to clean as they can be washed with your other towels, but they can be harder to manage. Disposable dusters provide maximum convenience, though they're not the most eco-friendly since they are single-use.

Material

Before making a purchase, consider the material of your duster. Microfiber features fine fibers that create an electrostatic charge, efficiently capturing dust particles. As Toner explains, "They are also reusable and can be easily washed, making them highly effective for general dusting tasks."

Feather dusters provide a gentler cleaning option, "made of natural feathers that create a soft brushing motion, effectively picking up dust without scratching or damaging items," she explains. "However, feather dusters may not trap dust as well as microfiber dusters."

No matter the material, regular cleaning or replacement of your duster will ensure it stays effective, according to Toner. "Shake out or wash microfiber dusters as instructed by the manufacturer, and clean feather dusters by gently tapping them outdoors to release trapped dust," she advises.

Targeted Areas

The type and material of your duster may vary depending on the area of your home you are cleaning. For flat surfaces like shelves and counters, handheld dusters can easily sweep over the area, picking up most of the dust. When cleaning blinds, a duster specifically designed for reaching the tops and bottoms of blinds might be a better choice.

For small crevices, delicate objects, or electronics, a feather or lambswool duster like the Green Vivid Lambswool Duster could be ideal. Toner also recommends using dusters with small brush attachments or flexible bristles to handle tight spaces and intricate areas. "These attachments can reach into corners, crevices, and window sills where dust tends to gather," she says.

Dusters with extendable handles are perfect for reaching high-up spots, like ceiling fans, tall shelves, and corners, as dust doesn’t settle only on lower surfaces. "The adjustable length lets you modify the reach, enhancing your dusting efficiency and sparing you from straining your arm or using step stools," explains Toner.

Additional Dusters Worth Considering

Ettore Poly-Fiber Professional Cobweb Duster: Despite being extendable and designed to reach high or hard-to-reach corners, we found this duster cumbersome to use and too large to fit under furniture or into tighter spaces.

Scrub Daddy Damp Duster: This duster resembles a thick sponge and is meant to be used damp. During testing, a single swipe proved effective, but a second swipe resulted in some dust returning to the surface. For optimal results, dusting in one direction and frequent rinsing of the duster is recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

What tools do professionals use for dusting?

"Most professionals use different types of dusters for various tasks," says Micetich. "For instance, they may opt for a duster with an extender to clean ceiling fans, but use a damp cloth for bookshelves."

"Microfiber cloths are also commonly used by professionals because they work well for both dry and slightly damp dusting," says Toner. "They're incredibly versatile and gentle on different surfaces. Additionally, professionals might use soft-bristle brushes or specialized tools to reach tight spots or clean delicate items."

Are microfiber cloths superior to dusters?

"Microfiber cloths are a fantastic all-purpose tool to have around the house," says Micetich. "If you're tight on space, a microfiber cloth can be a solid option for dusting. However, it does take longer to clean with a microfiber cloth compared to a duster, so you might want to keep a duster handy for quick cleanups."

Trust Our Experience

This article was authored by Lesley Chen, a contributing writer for Mytour with expertise in home and lifestyle content. To create this list, we tested 11 different dusters in our lab, evaluating their performance, ease of cleaning, maneuverability, and overall value. Lesley also consulted Mallory Micetich, Home Expert at Angi, and Karina Toner, Operations Manager at Spekless Cleaning, for their professional insights.