5 signs it's time to replace your Scrub Daddy Damp Duster – and why neglecting it could be damaging your health

Here on the Solved team at Homes & Gardens, we love the Scrub Daddy Damp Duster.

Whether it's wiping sideboards, battling baseboards, or shining mirrors – they're a versatile, reusable cleaning hero for use all around the home. But, like most good things, they don't last forever.

So, how do you know when it's time for a replacement? From bad odors to mold, these are our signs that it's time for a new Scrub Daddy Damp Duster, available at Amazon.

5 signs it's time to replace your Damp Duster

With the right care, a Scrub Daddy Damp Duster will last up to a year. However, as with most essential cleaning tools, this will largely depend on how often it's used, and how well you treat it.

All prices correct at time of publication.

1. It smells

It goes without saying, but if you're Damp Duster is starting to smell, it's time for a new one.

This is a hard and fast rule that I always stick to when it comes to replacing any kind of cleaning cloth or knowing when to wash a microfiber cloth, as the sour odor is an indicator of the presence of bacteria. You don't want to spread this around your home.

Before trashing it, try rinsing it, wringing it out, and leaving it to dry completely. Then, check whether the odor is still present. If it perseveres, that's a sign that bacteria has taken hold of the material, so replace it to avoid any cleaning mistakes that might make you sick.

2. It no longer works effectively

Chiana Dickson, content editor on Solved, says, 'I swear by my Damp Duster to remove dust, but once it no longer works effectively, or helps me to clean a house fast, I know it's time for a new one.'

Over time, dust will accumulate more and more on the sponge, becoming embedded in the grooves with each use. As Chiana points out, a Damp Duster already needs frequent rinsing, as it gets dirty so quickly when using it, so if it is particularly clogged, it won't work nearly so well.

Look out for dust residue being left behind, or, worse, your sponge spreading dust rather than picking it up.

3. It's falling apart

As with anything, if your Damp Duster is falling apart, it's a clear sign that it is too old for use, and needs replacing.

Punteha van Terheyden, head of Solved, says, 'If your Damp Duster has been used and loved so much that it's falling to pieces, it won't be working properly, and will trap dust and grime in every crevice. Clinging on to old tools is a bad cleaning habit to break, so regularly check yours over for signs of wear, tear and disintegration.'

Indeed, neglecting cleaning tool maintenance is a counterproductive cleaning practice, that could be spreading dirt and dust, rather than cleaning them.

4. It's moldy

No one wants to have to get rid of black mold, so keep an eye out for mold blooming on your sponge, caused by damp and moistness, to avoid spreading it around.

As a Damp Duster works solely with water, getting it wet is, of course, unavoidable. But, neglecting to wring it out, or leaving it to 'dry' in any humid environment such as bathroom ideas, will only allow common types of household mold to thrive.

It is also advisable that you never use your Damp Duster to clean mold in the shower, or anywhere else for that matter, and leave it to thoroughly dry in a cool, dry place.

If you do spot any mold spots or spores, put it in the trash immediately and grab a new one.

5. It's stained or feels different

Much like mold or a bad odor, an unsanitary Damp Duster will simply spread dirt and bacteria.

Unlike washing kitchen sponges, which are items you should always wash in hot water, with some dish soap, such as the Dawn Ultra Liquid Dish Soap available at Walmart, a Damp Duster should not be rinsed or cleaned with anything but water.

Therefore, if yours looks or feels any different, indicating that it's no longer sanitary for use, cut your losses and replace it as soon as possible – you'll thank yourself later.

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FAQs

Why is my Damp Duster hard?

Your Damp Duster will go rock-hard once fully dry, but don't worry – all it needs is a quick soak in some water to re-activate it ready for use. For this reason, some people choose to store theirs damp, in one of the surprising uses for Ziploc bags, but be warned that this is likely to invite mold and bacteria, and may speed up the need to replace it.

Is damp dusting better than dry dusting?

Damp dusting is the most efficient, thorough way of dusting, lifting dirt and debris from surfaces without spreading it, or leaving behind any residue.

If you don't have a Damp Duster, pairing a microfiber cloth, such as the MR.SIGA Microfiber Cleaning Cloth available at Walmart with a homemade cleaning spray to repel dust is a brilliant and inexpensive way to efficiently bust dust.

Next, check out these best Black Friday cleaning deals 2024 to find out what else our team recommend spending on.