My Dad’s Decades-Old Trick for Sweeping Is Such a Game-Changer
No matter how many exist, there seems to never be a shortage of cleaning hacks and tricks. When I was growing up I mostly learned these from my mom, and any new knowledge I gain is typically from a viral video I saw (anybody else obsessed with #Cleantok?). Last month, however, I learned a new cleaning trick from my dad, whose hair-styling experience came in handy for more than just a haircut.
From the time I was 9 years old to 19, my dad was a hairstylist. I have fond childhood memories of him returning home from cosmetology with his mannequin head, and of him taking us to the salon after school to wait for my mom to pick us up. Although it’s been more than a decade since he got out of this line of work, I still go to his house regularly to get my ends trimmed.
During a recent visit, my dad, as he typically does, swept my hair off his bathroom floor into a dustpan. He then got a piece of tape to clean up that pesky line of debris that never makes it onto the dustpan.
I raised my forehead in total surprise, telling him I couldn’t believe I hadn’t thought of that before. He said it was something an old coworker taught him, and expressed the same surprise that I had never noticed he did this.
I have always used a paper towel to clean up this line of dust and debris and always felt guilty about “wasting” a paper towel. Once I witnessed my dad’s cleaning trick, I knew this would be my go-to method — especially because I seldom use tape except to wrap gifts.
Because the adhesive works so well at trapping those tiny particles, I also figured a lint roller could be useful if tape is not an option. Ultimately, I left my dad’s house with healthier hair and an invaluable trick that I’ll be using regularly to both keep my home debris-free and remind me of the man who raised me.
Further Reading
I Tried the 90/90 Rule and My Closet Is Now Fully Decluttered
We Tested (and Rated!) All the Sofas at Ashley — Here Are the Best to Suit Your Style and Space
We Tested (and Rated!) All the Sofas at Pottery Barn — Here Are the Best for Every Type of Need
