Dusting is an essential task your employees need to do in every office building. Visible dust creates an unsightly office building which can translate into an uncaring image. A well dusted building translates into a positive and pleasing appearance to both employees and visitors. A clean working environment also encourages neatness and better work habits.

Dusting is also essential as it improves environmental safety. Accumulated dust can be an irritation to eyes, lungs and skin, and plays havoc with individuals who have allergies. If dust is left to accumulate, it can soil hands, clothing and paper items and also cause damage to electronic equipment. Proper dusting is an important part of good sanitation practices. Airborne dust and contaminants can spread infection.

If proper dusting is not done on a regular basis, dust builds up, hardens and becomes thick in corners and hard to reach areas. Dust can stain furniture and cause an unsightly film on glass and hard surfaces. If dust is left long enough on hard surfaces it can eventually cause permanent discoloration. Accumulation of dust can also interfere with the proper operation of a building's heating and cooling system.

To properly dust office buildings, you should have the following equipment and supplies on hand: microfiber cloths, static dusters, extension dusters, cotton cloths, disinfectant, all-purpose cleaner, and window cleaner. Back pack vacuums with brush attachments or crevice tools should also be used for getting into hard to reach areas.

How often should you dust? Dusting should be done once or twice a week on horizontal surfaces. Sides of desks, file cabinets and other vertical surfaces should be dusted once every two to four weeks. A good general rule to follow is if the surface is above eye level or below knee level; dust it every two to four weeks. Surfaces that are between eye level and knee level should be dusted on a weekly basis.

Following the steps outlined below will make your dusting faster and more effective:

1) Dust high surfaces first and work downward. Start at one end of the room and move in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction.

2) Move objects (phones, paper weights, pictures, etc.) and dust under them. However, work papers should not be moved. Dust around any papers left on desks or tables. Papers in a pile can be moved slightly so you can dust under and around them unless your client has instructed you not to disturb any paperwork.

3) Do not carelessly flick your dust cloth, static duster or extension duster as you dust. This will spread the dust, but not capture it. Instead, wipe the surface.

4) Telephones should be feather dusted on a daily basis. If the building is not cleaned daily, then feather dust the phones every time you clean the building. Telephone handsets should be cleaned with a disinfectant on a weekly basis. Spray disinfectant on a rag and wipe the handset and cradle only. Never, spray cleaner directly on to the phone.

5) Once a week dust and/or clean the following: light switches, door jambs, hand rails, spot clean walls and smudges on interior glass.

6) Chairs should be dusted from top to bottom. Start by dusting any trim on top, then the sides and work your way down to the bottom legs.

7) When dusting blinds, first dust across the top. Then close the blinds and dust the entire surface. Close blinds to the other side and dust the newly exposed surface area. Another way to dust blinds is to use a back pack vacuum with a brush attachment.

8) In hallways and corridors make sure to dust fire doors, fire extinguishers, exit signs, show cases, bars on exit doors, door frames, and any other horizontal surfaces.

9) Make sure to dust any areas where dust can accumulate, such as clocks, picture frames, cabinet tops and sides, the sides of desks, partitions, air vents, lights, baseboards, and window sills.

10) Use a back pack vacuum to clean hard to reach areas and upholstered furniture.

Proper dusting will help to ensure that your office buildings have a neat and tidy appearance. Dusting is also necessary to ensure a clean work environment and a healthy building. Paying attention to details while dusting will help guarantee a satisfied client!