If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a sunbeam slicing through your living room, only to notice a flurry of dust motes dancing in the light, you’re not alone.
Dust is the silent invader of every Australian home, and for many of us, keeping on top of it can feel like a never-ending battle.
But what if we told you there’s a $9 Kmart hack that professional cleaners swear by—and it could make dusting your entire home a breeze?
Let’s face it: cleaning isn’t exactly anyone’s idea of a good time, especially when it comes to those hard-to-reach places.
But according to cleaning expert Allan, there’s one affordable tool that’s a total game-changer: the Kmart two-in-one mop head attachment, paired with the extendable telescopic pole.
For just $9 ($4 for the pole, $5 for the mop head), you get a dust-busting duo that’s not only budget-friendly but also built to last. Allan’s been using hers for five years and says it’s still in perfect nick!
So, what makes this humble Kmart find so special? For starters, the microfibre head is a cinch to remove and toss in the washing machine, meaning you’re not just pushing dust around—you’re actually getting rid of it.
The telescopic pole extends, making it easy to reach those pesky ceiling crevices, fans, and exhausts without risking life and limb on a wobbly step ladder.
The flat side of the mop head is perfect for skirting boards and ceiling corners: just spritz on your favourite multipurpose cleaner, press the pad against the surface, and watch the dust disappear.
It’s easy to overlook these out-of-sight spots, but Allan reminds us that ceiling crevices, fans, and skirting boards are dust magnets. Even if you can’t see the grime, it’s there—and it’s building up.
Her advice? Give your walls a good clean every three months, and tackle ceiling fans, skirting boards, and crevices at least once a fortnight.
If you live near a construction site or a particularly dusty area, you might want to up the ante and clean those skirting boards and crevices weekly.
Once you’ve finished your cleaning session, simply remove the microfibre head and pop it in the washing machine on a standard cycle.
Easy as! The same goes for Allan’s other favourite, the Mr Clean microfibre duster. For her third go-to, the cobweb broom, just hose down the bristles and let them dry thoroughly.
Now, while the Kmart mop head is a whiz for most jobs, Allan says the cobweb broom is actually the MVP when it comes to ceiling fans.
Its flexible bristles can be shaped to fit the fan blade, cleaning all four sides in one simple back-and-forth motion. No more balancing acts or awkward angles!
For shelves and other surfaces, Allan recommends a two-step approach: first, wipe with a damp microfibre cloth to lift the dust, then follow up with a dry cloth to make sure the surface is spotless. It’s a simple trick, but it makes a world of difference.
Want to keep dust at bay for good? Allan’s top tips include vacuuming daily (especially if you have pets), limiting clutter (less stuff = less dust), and sticking to a regular cleaning routine.
Don’t forget to clean your air conditioner filters every two weeks, and always dust from top to bottom so you’re not undoing your hard work.
The best part? You don’t need to spend a fortune on fancy gadgets or cleaning products. Sometimes, the simplest solutions—like a $9 Kmart mop—are the most effective.
Have you tried this Kmart hack, or do you have your own dust-busting secrets? We’d love to hear your tips and tricks! Share your thoughts in the comments below and help your fellow YourLifeChoices members keep their homes sparkling clean.
Also read: Try the 60-second rule that transformed cleaning for one woman