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vacuuming time.

Be careful. Vacuuming fabric with the beater brush can catch
certain loose fabrics, can catch tassels or strings, can damage
certain delicate fabrics, or may accelerate the wear and tear of
the couch. If you prefer to avoid any risk, use the little vacuum.
If the amount of pet hair on the couch demands that the entire
couch be vacuumed, then don't whisk it at all. It can be
vacuumed with the small vacuum after the dusting. The signal
to remind the vacuumer to vacuum the entire couch is to stand a
cushion straight up.

Plants
Continuing top to bottom and left to right, you come upon a
large potted plant in the corner. Dust the plant with the duster
top to bottom. On broad-leaf plants, support a leaf with one
open hand while you dust with the other so the stem doesn't
snap. Pick up the dead leaves, which often clog the vacuum, and
put them in the apron trash pocket. Our sample plant is close to
the wall and too heavy to move easily, so with a cleaning cloth,
dust the hardwood floor around and behind it where the
vacuum can't reach—once again, saving the vacuumer time.

Drapes and Window Frames
Next is a wall with windows. With your duster, dust the top of
the drapes and curtain rods for cobwebs. Working from top to
bottom, dust all the window frames. Don't use a duster on wet
windows unless you want to ruin your day. (A wet duster is a
pitiful sight.) Often in the winter you'll have to wipe with a
cloth because the frames are wet. Then dust the windowsill.

Leather Chair
Particles of dust, sand, and grit work their way into leather and
wreak havoc with the finish and stitching. The whisk broom is
excellent for dusting leather furniture, especially if the
upholstery is tufted and has buttons or piping. And use your
toothbrush if the cracks and crevices are dirty. Keep both in
hand, because with the whisk broom you can brush away
particles the toothbrush dredges up. (Brush/swipe,
brush/swipe, brush/swipe. . . .)

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