When furnishings and floors have collected a little more grime than floating dust or lint, you're probably inclined to ratchet up your efforts. In that case, here are some solutions that involve the sparing use of water.

Dust Buster for Collectibles

White distilled vinegar is a terrific solution for collectibles and fragile items. In a bowl or spray bottle, mix 2 cups water, 1 cup white vinegar, and two drops of lemon oil (optional for scent).

Be cautious when damp-dusting delicate items, antiques, and furnishings with old paint, gilding, or gold leaf. Avoid leaving any water on these pieces and take care not to rub too vigorously. Leave valuable items to the care of professionals in antique care.

Hardwood Floor Cleaner

Vacuum or dry-mop floors first to remove crumbs, chunks of dirt, and dust. Then follow with this cleaner on a damp rag or mop. In a bucket, mix 3 cups white vinegar, 1 tablespoon castile soap, 3 drops grapefruit essential oil, and 3 cups water.

Wood Furniture Polish

Traditional furniture polishes contain beeswax and linseed or lemon oil. You can actually take a chunk of beeswax and rub it into your wood furnishings, buffing in with a soft cloth. An easy homemade favorite is to mix 1 pint linseed or olive oil (or a smaller amount if you prefer) with 4 or 5 drops of lemon essential oil (optional for scent) in an open container. Then dab the mixture with cloth and rub the oil into furniture, using sparingly.

Linseed oil seems to be absorbed more easily than olive oil, which requires a bit more elbow grease to buff in. Both oils are expensive to use in large quantities. This recipe is definitely not a good use for expensive extra-virgin olive oil!