Extendable Feather Duster

A feather duster is a tool used for cleaning dust, dirt, hair, and particles that accumulate on various surfaces in your home. The extendable model is an upgrade on regular feather dusters because the handle can be lengthened to allow the user to dust hard-to-reach places, such as light fixtures, fan blades, cobwebs, and window trim, among others.

Uses

Feather dusters are not a new product, but the extension is a nice additional feature to the traditional feather duster model. Extendable feather dusters can easily maneuver around delicate objects or items that would otherwise be out of reach, for instance light fixtures.

The light touch is an advantage, as is being able to access places that aren’t easily accessible.

Feathers

Feather dusters may be manufactured using feathers from various types of birds, but ostrich feathers are the most common. They are also the most expensive, as they attract dust particles better than most other varieties of feathers. Ostrich feathers for feather dusters are usually taken from the male bird. They are soft and stringy, making it easier to cover surfaces that aren’t flat. The highest quality ostrich feathers available on the market are called “floss” feathers. They are the most expensive and hence, the best quality feathers used in feather dusters. On the lower end of the price range, “chick” feathers are firmer, pointed, and less effective when dusting.

Height

The feathers are typically attached to the extendable handle. When it comes to extendable feather dusters, the added length should bring the total length of the implement close to one meter. Unless you have extremely high ceilings in your house, this should be sufficient to reach corners, fans, and anything above shoulder-level. With an extendable feather duster, you save yourself the risk of having to climb a step-ladder or stand on a chair in order to clean your home.

Effectiveness

Consumer reviews indicate that only ostrich-down feathers work reliably and consistently to attract dust. Synthetic dusters, chicken-feather dusters, and other varieties are less likely to do anything but move the dust in your home around. If you are using an extendable duster to reach high places, you want to attract dust rather than have it spread throughout the room. While you will have to pay more for an ostrich down extendable feather duster, it’s worth the price. Plus, unlike other types of dusters, it’s an investment that you can reuse.

Tips

• Keep in mind that an extendable feather duster should be used for everyday cleaning. If your living area hasn’t been cleaned in some time, you may need to pass over surfaces with a wet cloth, as a duster isn’t always powerful enough to tackle stuck-on dirt and dust.
• Use the extension only for places you cannot reach. Fold down the handle when you don’t need it, otherwise you risk knocking over items while dusting and being unable to maneuver in tight areas.
• A good dusting technique will help you to avoid stirring up dust and having it fly all over before it’s trapped by the feathers on your duster. An even, steady hand will make it easier to trap dust.