'I'm a cleaning expert and you need to stop this dust hack immediately as it's dangerous'
Reach Daily Express August 02, 2025 03:39 PM

TikTok trends have infiltrated all walks of day-to-day life, with ways in which to best keep your home clean being no different, as 'Cleantok' continues to rack up millions of views.

Whether it's the satisfying before-and-after comparisons or the everyday household item replacement hacks, the video-sharing app can be a deep rabbit hole many fall down.

But there is one cleaning trend promising clean skirting boards that has recently taken off, in which people are being encouraged to do something which might end up making their home dirtier than before.

"There's a popular cleaning hack going around TikTok where individuals use fabric conditioner on their skirting boards and surfaces around the home to clean and prevent dust from accumulating,' explains cleaning expert, Emily Barron, of Property Rescue.

"But, this method isn't a foolproof approach. Not only will it fail to remove all dust, but it can also introduce a whole host of other and more serious issues into the home."

This so-called hack has been widely shared and uploaded by several cleaning influencers on the app, who add it keeps your home smelling good as well as keeping it clean, removing dust.

But, alongside Emily, Lynsey Crombie, the Queen of Clean, with more than 380,000 followers on Instagram and often appearing on This Morning, has also sounded alarms to stay clear of the advice.

"NOT a wise Cleaning Tip," Lynsey states in one of her videos, bashing the trend, adding "fabric conditioner might seem like a quick fix for dusting, but here's why it's not your best be - fabric conditioner may leave your home smelling amazing, but it can leave behind a thin layer of residue on surfaces, which attracts more dust over time.

"Instead, opt for a damp microfiber cloth for a cleaner, longer-lasting shine!"

The sentiment is echoed by product development scientist Olivia Young, of Astonish cleaning, who adds: "We definitely wouldn't advise people to use fabric conditioner on their skirting boards as this will leave a thin coating that could cause dust to stick to them more."

By following the trend, you are also posing a potential fire risk to your home, as most fabric conditioners are highly flammable.

Other natural solutions to use include spraying a mix of water with white vinegar or lemon juice, before wiping with a dry microfiber cloth.

Although the idea of a cleaning 'hack' or trick can be enticing, it's often best to follow the instructions on cleaning products as the manufacturer intended to avoid unnecessary risks.

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