How to Clean Dusty Bookshelves (and Keep Them That Way)

If you're a word nerd like me (guilty as charged), you likely have dozens of books sitting on a large bookshelf in your home. And while you’ll happily spend time poring over said books, cleaning the shelving is a different story altogether. But even though it may be a pain, it's important to regularly clean your bookshelves to keep them from getting dusty (and you from sneezing 24/7). 

To nail the proper dusting technique, we consulted with two cleaning experts for the 4-1-1 on the process and helpful tips for keeping shelving dust-free for longer.

How Often Should You Clean Your Bookshelves?

Both of our experts agree that when it comes to cleaning and dusting shelving, consistency is the key. “Light dusting should be done about every two weeks, while deeper cleaning—removing everything—should happen every three to four months or at least twice a year,” Reshmina Ahmad, owner of Cura Maids, explains. “If you live in a moist or hot area, keep humidity balanced so dust doesn’t cling or accumulate as easily.” 

Cleaning professional Alicia Sokolowski recommends a similar cleaning schedule, saying that light dusting should be done every two to four weeks, especially if you have lots of books or decorative items on your shelving. She also concurs with Ahmad that a deep clean every three or so months is ideal.

Do You Have to Remove Everything from Shelving Before Cleaning?

The answer to this question is based entirely on whether you plan to deep clean the bookshelf or just give it a light dusting. “For deep cleaning, yes—you’ll need to remove everything,” Ahmad explains. “But if you clean regularly every week or two, a quick dusting around items with a microfiber duster works fine. It helps maintain a fresh look without the need to restyle every time.”

How to Clean Dusty Bookshelves

If you haven’t cleaned your bookshelves in a while, you’ll need to take everything off the shelves to get a proper clean. Ahmad recommends grabbing a mask to wear so you don’t inhale tons of dust during the process. 

Materials Needed:

• Microfiber cleaning cloths
• Feather duster
• Warm water
• Dish soap
• Vacuum with brush attachment 
• Soft-bristled cleaning brush

Instructions:

1. First, you’ll want to remove everything from the shelf for a thorough clean. As you take down each piece, use a clean, dry microfiber cloth to gently remove dust from each item so as not to return debris to your newly cleaned surface.
   
2. Using your feather duster, work your way from the top shelf to the bottom, dusting the surface. If you have a wooden bookshelf, our experts recommend following with a microfiber cloth slightly dampened with a wood-safe cleanser or polish to catch any remaining stray particles.
   
3. Grab your soft brush and gently sweep any dust out of hard-to-reach crevices (think carved detailing, small corners, or shelving joints).
   
4. If there is any stuck-on residue, slightly dampen a microfiber cloth with diluted dish soap (coupled with warm water) to wipe the area. Do not oversaturate the cloth.
   
5. Grab your vacuum (with the brush attachment on) and clean directly around the shelves, sucking up any additional dust spread during the process.
   
6. Carefully add your books and décor back to the shelf, ensuring each piece is clean before returning it to its place. 

How to Minimize Dust Buildup on Shelves

Want to minimize the dust buildup on your bookshelf? Here are a few tips our experts recommend.

• Use an air purifier nearby and replace the filter regularly.
  
• Keep shelving away from vents or fans that can stir up dust.
  
• Rotate the items on the shelf regularly so dust doesn't settle.
  
• Consider decorating your bookshelf with fewer, larger pieces. This way, it'll be easier and quicker to clean since you won't have to move tons of little items.
  
• If you're redecorating, look into glass-front bookcases to minimize dust.