Natural Dusting Spray Alternatives (+ Ingredients to Avoid)

Although small, dust particles harbor significant amounts of contaminants, pathogens, heavy metals and allergens that negatively affect the air you breathe. Frequent dusting with a human-safe dusting spray is an inexpensive, time saving and effective alternative to toxic store-bought options. 

And the best thing about dusting spray alternatives is they are made with minimal ingredients, are completely all-natural, and effectively repel dust (meaning you don’t have to dust nearly as much!).

But first, let’s take a look at the ingredients to avoid in dusting products commonly found on store shelves. And then, we’ll share our favorite dusting spray alternatives and why you should make and use your own.

Ingredients to Avoid in Dusting Sprays 

Here’s a brief overview of the concerning ingredients that commonly appear in dusting products: 

• Galaxolide - a synthetic musk fragrance used in household dusting sprays. This highly toxic chemical can cause skin irritation, trigger allergic reactions, and damage the endocrine system and reproductive organs.[source]
• D-Limonene, Linalool, and DL-citronellol - synthetic citrus and floral endocrine-disrupting fragrances known to cause serious respiratory issues.
• Dimethicone - a silicone film former commonly found in household dusting sprays. Dimethicone coats furniture - and anything else it’s sprayed on - to prevent dust from settling. According to the EWG, persistent dimethicone use leads to bioaccumulation (harmful to aquatic environments), and causes non-reproductive organ system toxicity.
• Butane and Isobutane - when inhaled, these poisonous neurotoxins can cause respiratory issues and lung damage.[source]
• Methylisothiazolinone - used as a preservative in dusting sprays, methylisothiazolinone is associated with allergic reactions. Studies have shown brief exposure to cause significant neurotoxicity.
• Dipropylene glycol - an odorless synthetic solvent, dipropylene glycol can cause organ damage and irritation to the skin and eyes.[source]
• Propane - commonly found in aerosol dusting sprays, propane is highly flammable and may explode if exposed to heat. If inhaled, propane decreases the amount of oxygen in the air and can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, unconsciousness, and can be fatal.[source]

Materials Needed

• Spray bottle
• Branch Basics Concentrate
• Water
• White distilled vinegar
• Olive oil
• A dry microfiber towel or an unscented, dry handheld duster
• Ladder or step ladder (for hard-to-reach surfaces, walls, and ceilings)

Related Read: Why Household Dust Matters To Your Health 

1. Branch Basics 

If the above list of harmful chemicals concerns you, be encouraged because natural dusting spray alternatives do exist - and they actually work!

For example, damp wiping with a human-safe cleaner like Branch Basics and a microfiber cloth cuts through surface film and removes dust leaving a clean, dust-free surface. Branch Basics can be used as a natural dusting spray on almost any surface including:

• Walls and ceilings
• Hard floors including hardwood, tile, vinyl, and cork
• Cabinets and kitchen surfaces, including appliances
• Wood furniture, sofas, and chairs
• Bedding and mattresses
• Children’s toys and accessories
• And much more!

You can also use our All-Purpose spray (created by diluting our Concentrate with water, see our Starter Kit for more details) for any and all dusting -- it's truly all-purpose! 

Use The Official Branch Basics Spring Cleaning Method to banish dust for better air quality and to help maintain a healthier dust free home.

2. Water + Vodkar + Olive Oil

Toss the toxic household dusting products and opt for a natural homemade spray instead. Mix together water, vodka and olive oil to quickly create this budget-friendly, natural and effective dusting spray alternative.

In a clean spray bottle, combine:

• 2 cups of water
• 1 cup of inexpensive unflavored vodka
• If vodka is not available, 1 cup of vinegar can be substituted
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• For extra cleaning power, add a drop or two of Branch Basics Concentrate

Shake well and use in place of common household dusting products.

Why Vodka?

Vodka is an all-natural cleaner that is excellent at cutting through dirt and grime. It is odorless and helps neutralize odors as well.

If vinegar is used in the dusting solution, avoid dusting when the elderly, infants, children, or the chronically ill are present. Vinegar contains acetic acid which is a lung irritant and responsible for the potent scent. Ventilate and open windows when cleaning with vinegar. 

Why Olive Oil?

Olive oil acts as a natural dust-repellent when used in conjunction with water and vodka. The oil creates a thin protective coating to help keep dust from building up. Because dust slides right off cleaned surfaces, we recommend vacuuming at least weekly. Cheers to less dusting!

Where to Store Natural Dusting Sprays

The ingredients used in the dusting spray alternatives mentioned above are very shelf stable. Meaning, they do not need to be refrigerated and, if stored properly, work best if used within a year or so.

Store your dusting spray in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight and heat such as a cupboard, in a closet, or on a countertop. 

FAQ’s 

Looking for more information about dusting spray alternatives?

Check out these FAQs below.

What kinds of surfaces can I use natural dusting sprays on? 

Natural dusting sprays are so versatile they can be used on practically any hard surface in your home.

Great for use on hard floors like tile, vinyl, wood, and cork, as well as wood furniture, baseboards, walls and ceilings. 

But before you go spraying, be sure to test the mixture on a small portion of the surface to ensure no damage occurs. 

Also, avoid saturating wood furniture with dusting spray, as excessive moisture can cause damage. Lightly spritz an area and wipe with a dry microfiber towel.

Dusting frequently with a natural dusting spray (at least once a week) can significantly reduce dust levels in your home. We dive deeper in Why Household Dust Matters To Your Health, with more tips and tricks to reduce these tiny toxic particles.

What is the best oil for dusting sprays? 

Common dusting products are made with the chemical dimethicone. When sprayed on an item or furniture, dimethicone creates a thin silicone-based film meant to prevent the accumulation of dust. Overuse of this chemical, however, poses serious health threats to those living in your home.

For natural dusting sprays, olive oil is the best alternative to dimethicone, as it creates a similar (but safer) thin, invisible shiny coat that dust bounces off of. 

Additionally, when used on wood, olive oil nourishes and conditions, while improving the look and feel of the wood.

Keep in mind, however, that water and oil do not mix. Before and during use, shake the bottle to ensure the ingredients are distributed evenly. 

How do I keep my home dust free without dusting? 

Although dust can’t be completely eliminated, there are a few things you can do to minimize buildup around the house.

To keep dust at bay, give these tips a try:

• Make and use a natural dusting spray.
• Clean regularly with a HEPA vacuum to remove dust versus just spreading it around.
• Use a high-quality indoor air purifier with a true medical-grade HEPA filter to remove 99.97% of dust particles floating in the air.
• Dust tends to accumulate on trinkets, books, and other items sitting around the house. To reduce dust, declutter your home often.
• Wash curtains and clean blinds regularly.
• Change air filters once a month with high-quality filters.

Also, using a plant-based household cleaner, such as Branch Basics, eliminates nasty toxic chemicals often found riding on dust particles.

Follow the steps found in our Home Cleaning Guide for Allergy Sufferers to reduce and remove indoor allergens, such as dust.

Toss the Toxins With Branch Basics 

If you’re looking for a natural dusting spray alternative that safely and effectively cleans, dusts, and protects your home, Branch Basics is an excellent choice.

All of our household cleaning products start with Branch Basics Concentrate, a gentle, all-natural, multi-purpose, and versatile cleaner.

Interested in trying Branch Basics as a human-safe, plant-based, chemical-free dusting spray alternative?

Check out our Starter Kit, available in refillable plastic or glass. You’ll see that our Concentrate can be diluted with water to create All-Purpose, Bathroom, Streak-Free, Laundry, and Foaming Wash.