Until recently, dust in the house could only be removed with a cloth, and cleaning with a multi-colored brush could only be seen in the movies.
Not so long ago, people in our country learned that this is a dust broom, as this device is called. Officially, this panicle is called pipidastra. Because of its funny and ambiguous sound, this word has not taken root among housewives.
The etymology of the word is simply a tracing paper from the English PP Duster, that is, a panicle. As you can see, there is no catch in the English version, although there is no consensus on the abbreviation PP. Most likely, it is polypropylene, although the “pom pom” option (in English “pom pom”) is also possible, since the pipidastra was originally often used for cheerleading shows.
Cleaning gadgets
Dust often becomes the main “enemy” of cleanliness in the house. To clean it, you can use various available means:
Today, it is not necessary to use a wet rag to remove dust; special brushes greatly simplify the process.
- Impregnated flannel napkins. Their main disadvantage is that after use the napkin will have to be thrown away. This will increase spending;
- Microfiber (microfiber) cloths. They are great for dry cleaning: they clean well and can be reused after washing. They vary in hardness and have different degrees of absorption;
- Any wool fabric. During friction, the electrified dust will settle on the fabric, after which it can be washed and used again;
- Dust collection brush (“duster”, “duster”, the name translates as “boot”, “dust bag”). Their work is based on the same principle of electrification: dust is attracted to the hairs and removed in one movement. Its main advantage is the absence of wet stains from the rag and the complete elimination of dust.
In addition, there are a large number of electrical appliances: vacuum cleaners, steam mops, etc.
What is the correct name for a dust brush?
The brush was invented by Chinese manufacturers, but the name “grew in” from the Americans. The fact is that the cleaning item, with its long pile and multi-colored color, is similar to the American pom-poms (pom-pom or PP) that the cheerleaders of a sporting event used in their “minute” performances. However, this similarity is only in appearance, and the functionality of the brush is akin to a duster. Thus, the innovation was nicknamed Ppduster.
It reached the Russian market without translation or transformation of the name - pipidastr . There is a version that the abbreviation PP is translated as polypropylene (polypropylene). However, the brush is not always made of this material. Therefore, it would be more correct to stick to the first version.
Choosing a brush
First of all, you should decide on where to clean: a brush for blinds and a broom for the floor will differ significantly.
There are several types of brushes:
- Pipidastr for dry cleaning: this is a stick, most of which is covered with artificial, most often multi-colored, pile. The operation of the brush is based on electrostatics: dust is attracted to electrified hairs and removed;
- Dust broom: features a long handle that allows you to remove dust from walls, ceilings, chandeliers, tall cabinets;
- Furniture brush: similar to the pipidastra, but smaller in size. Helps clean polished surfaces, such as acrylic or wood, without leaving streaks;
- Brush for blinds: made in the form of tongs with short, hard bristles. By clamping one bar, you can clean it on both sides at once. You can clean curtains in the same way;
The pliers brush allows you to clean the blinds on both sides
- Broom for the floor: you need to choose depending on the floor itself. For living rooms, products with short soft pile are suitable; for utility rooms, where there is more debris, it is better to choose a longer and harder one. For short-pile carpets, a hard roller is suitable; if you have pets, a brush with rubber bristles is suitable;
- Carpet brush (“combs”): they differ in the length of the bristles and their hardness. They can also be used when cleaning the car;
- Electric brush: has several attachments, which allows you to use it to clean any surface and corners. They often have antistatic hairs to which dust sticks. Since the electric brush rotates itself, you don’t have to make any effort: just swipe through the dust.
Depending on the materials of the hairs, the dust broom can be of 2 types:
- Natural: sheep wool, bird feathers, horsehair. They are softer and aesthetically beautiful; after cleaning, you need to clean the brush dry. The disadvantage of such dusters is that they do not remove dust well: particles fly up and settle back.
- Artificial: microfiber, rubber, polypropylene. Unlike natural brushes, artificial ones are much more effective: dust is attracted to electrified hairs and “sticks.” When choosing, you should pay attention to microfiber: it can be called an improved version of the usual one. Thanks to more fine hairs, it captures more dust particles and does it much better.
What is dust and where does it come from?
Dust is small solid particles. It can be mineral or organic. Their diameter can vary from microns to 0.1 mm. In apartments, about 70% of the dirt that settles on all surfaces comes from the outside, only about 30% appears due to the life activity of the people themselves. The main sources are deserts, volcanoes and evaporation from the World Ocean: they can travel with the wind for several thousand kilometers and even reach remote places.
Human activity also creates a layer of microscopic particles. Most of them are dead skin cells. Additionally, dust particles come from pet hair (if any), dry food crumbs, and occur when small particles become separated from furniture due to friction.
Popular models
The most popular option, familiar to everyone, is a multi-colored duster.
Perhaps the most popular model of dust brushes will be a colored duster from an unknown company, which can be found in any market or store. This is an antistatic cleaning broom that needs to be rotated during operation - this way it collects more dust particles.
Buyers note that this brush has virtually no drawbacks, although you should not use it only for general cleaning - it is better to wipe it with a damp cloth after using the brush. It is also recommended to pay attention to the material of the handle: the plastic may be too thin and break.
Among the electric brushes, the following models and companies are distinguished:
- "GoDuster": can be used to clean almost any surface, even plant leaves. The kit includes 3 attachments of different lengths and volumes: a long fluffy brush, a long thin brush and a short fluffy brush; sometimes liquid is also added to attract dust.
- “Master Duster” (): its characteristics are practically no different from “Go Duster”. The main and only difference is in the color of the nozzles: “Master Duster” is blue, usually dark, and “Go Duster” is green, often light green. It also has 3 nozzles: long (45 cm), medium (20 cm) and small (pile length 6 cm).
- “Anti-dust” (): a similar device, 5 cm longer than the previous one and a little lighter. Technical characteristics and operating principles are similar to previous models.
- “Spin Duster”: the kit includes 2 nozzles and 2 metal rods, which allow you to significantly increase the length. This way you can remove dust from the highest shelves or from a chandelier.
- “Spin Duster 360”: its main difference from the previous dust collector is the ability to bend the upper part of the base (it turns out to be the letter “L”), which allows you to remove dust more efficiently. The telescopic handle-base with motor is smaller and lighter than previous brushes, making it easier to hold in your hand. The set includes 3 nozzles. The equipment costs a little more than others.
All devices operate on 4 AA batteries.
On a note! It is worth noting that almost all electric brushes are produced in China; they can be purchased on AliExpress and similar websites, in TV stores, etc. The price for electric brooms does not exceed 1 thousand rubles, on average it is 300-700 rubles.*
Unfortunately, purchasing on such sites does not allow you to check the quality in advance. Some buyers note that the goods they sent broke quickly, were made of low-quality materials, or were not fully equipped. Before ordering, you should read the reviews: some buyers provide links to the sellers from whom the devices were purchased.
is Israeli and has its own website for ordering. In addition to electric brushes, it produces electric and steam brooms, brushes for cleaning tiles and plumbing, brushes for cleaning barbecues and many other products in various fields.
How to wipe furniture to prevent dust from settling?
Before using any products, read the instructions. It is best for allergy sufferers to consult with specialists before purchasing - household chemicals often cause unwanted reactions.
Enamel helps prevent dust from settling. The surface becomes smooth, dust particles do not stick to it, but slide across the floor. It also improves the appearance of the furniture.
You can get rid of static electricity using special sprays that can be purchased at any hardware store. Treat elements covered with fabric no more than once a year - the product is powerful and does not require frequent use.
You can purchase special impregnations for upholstered furniture. The product is sprayed onto the surface, after which a dense protective film is formed. Cleaning is necessary every 6 months (otherwise a thick coating will form).
Terms of use
A telescopic bendable electric brush is more expensive than simpler models, but it is also more convenient to use.
Cleaning brooms do not require special care or preparation for work:
- Before cleaning, you need to pull out the dust brush and shake it properly, rotate it so that the fibers are straightened and electrified. You can also actively rub the villi with a plastic bag so that they “stand on end”;
- During operation, the brush must be rotated - this way the surface being cleaned will come into contact with a large number of fibers;
- The dust broom should be rinsed regularly and shaken to remove settled dust;
- They are easy to care for: they must be stored away from direct sunlight to avoid fading, in a dry place. After each cleaning, rinse and dry.
Consumer Reviews
I bought a tool called Master Duster at a cost of 649 rubles. with 3 attachments: a long-haired brush for brushing away dust, artificial hairs that collect dust on a long stick and an attachment with a short handle. This device is very convenient to combat dust on blinds and other hard-to-reach surfaces. I also use a long bristled brush to clean my keyboard.
Irina, 30 years old
When cleaning I use an electric broom. I can't imagine how I managed without this device before. When using it, cleaning becomes easy and relaxed. I advise everyone to use an electric brush!
Victoria, 42 years old
I have been using a pipidastra broom for many years.
With it I save time because I don’t have to deal with stains, as happens after using a wet rag. When the brush becomes dirty, I wash it with running water and soap and dry it. I'm happy with my brush, but I want to buy an electric brush soon. I think the cleaning process will go even faster with it. Marina, 29 years old
Reviews and recommendations
Each dust removal brush has certain advantages and disadvantages; the choice of a specific unit largely depends on the buyer’s requirements.
Elena, Vologda: “I’ve been using the Spin Duster electric brush for several years now and I’m not going to change it. Firstly, it has several attachments, which means it can easily replace several brushes. Secondly, it easily removes dust - it does not lift it into the air, but rather removes it; the dust appears only after a few days. Thirdly, working with it couldn’t be easier: take it out, shake it, clean a few shelves, rinse it under water and you can continue working. The batteries last for 2-3 months, I clean every other day, however, you can insert batteries and save even more.”
"Spin Duster" is one of the most popular models
Oksana, Magnitogorsk: “I used to wash off the dust with a damp cloth, but with the birth of a child it became difficult: constantly running with a cloth to the kitchen and room is difficult, but I have to clean more often. I bought a duster, and the problem was solved: it collects dust perfectly, does not raise it into the air, does not leave marks, and has been in service for six months. Cleaning the Duster is simple: rinse in water and leave to dry. The only negative: the hairs are too thick to clean the keyboard and small figurines. I plan to purchase an electric toothbrush with a set of attachments to solve this problem.”
Maria, Komsomolsk-on-Amur: “Unfortunately, my acquaintance with electric brushes can be considered unsuccessful. I ordered a dust brush on AliExpress, it arrived quickly, but there was no dust cleaning liquid included. They promised 3 nozzles: large, medium and small, but as a result, large and medium turned out to be the same length. After a week of use, the small attachment fell apart: the plastic part that was inserted into the base broke off. Probably, the plastic was glued to a metal rod, which connected the plastic and the fibers, and it can also be repaired, but still the impression was negative. Later I found out the name of the dust brush - it was the Israeli “Master Duster”, or rather, its fake. I ordered an original brush on the company’s website, which fully corresponded to the description and has been in service for a year.”
Dust brushes (also called dusters) are gradually becoming more popular: they are simpler, more effective and do not leave marks. The action of such brushes is based on electrostatics: when electrified, they “glue” dust to themselves. In addition to manual brooms, they also sell electric ones: rotating attachments allow you to collect more particles.
Functionality
Functionality varies greatly depending on the type of product. You should choose taking into account the characteristics of the room where you plan to clean: laminate and parquet are best cleaned using models with long and soft bristles; short and stiff are best for rugs or rugs.
The principle of operation of dust brooms. Composition of villi
Villi attract dust under the influence of static electricity. Because the fine particles adhere to the bristles of the brush, there is no staining that occurs when using a damp cloth. This saves a lot of cleaning time. In addition, particles can be collected from hard-to-reach places, so dirt does not accumulate in corners or elements of souvenir figurines and furniture.
The advantage is environmental friendliness, lack of contact with aggressive chemicals harmful to humans. Brushes can be washed with warm water; you don’t even need to buy special care products, which significantly saves money on household chemicals.
Fibers can be made from a variety of materials; When choosing which mop is best to clean, you can look at the label. Horsehair is often used; products have hard and thick fibers. You can also use synthetic materials (for example, polypropylene). Wool binders are often made from rubber.
Antistatic dirt brush
The anti-static dust removal brush consists of a long handle and a long fiber spout. Most often, the pile is painted in bright colors. Polypropylene fibers are antistatic. Suitable for allergy sufferers, since when cleaning, dirt does not get into the air, but sticks to the whisk.
Such devices are more convenient than using a damp cloth to remove dust. Surfaces remain cleaner.
you need to rest the bristles on the surface (vertical or horizontal) and quickly begin to rotate the brush. When all dirt has been removed, rinse the item thoroughly and then dry. The effect can be improved by rubbing the fur against fur or synthetic fabric before brushing.
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Pros: simplicity of the process: even a small child can be trusted to remove dust from most surfaces; Children will enjoy cleaning due to the fast flickering of the light fibers. It will be possible to clean not only smooth, but also rough objects (for which using a rag is ineffective). It is also suitable for cleaning fabric-covered furniture.
Advantages of an electric brush
Electric dust collectors allow you to put in less effort and spend less time getting the desired result. They are suitable for removing dust from fragile objects, furniture, carpets, floors, fabric coverings and other surfaces - just choose the right accessory.
How a feather duster brush works - “magic”
Many people consider this vacuum cleaner to be useless, since they believe that the broom sweeps away dust from only one surface, after which small particles settle on objects located below, after hovering in the air for some time. Dust sticks to the synthetic material the feathers are made from.
The effect of using such brooms is much greater than that of wet cleaning. However, they are not suitable in situations where there is too much dust: a limited number of particles can stick to the broom, after which it will need to be washed and dried before continuing to clean the room.