Curbing Cobwebs

What are cobwebs? - A cobweb is typically made up of the leftover threads of an abandoned spider's web. The web stays sticky after a spider dies or migrates elsewhere. And those sticky threads are great at snagging dirt, dust, cat hair and so forth. While the thin silk of an active spider web may be hard to spot, the accumulation of dust and dander on a cobweb can quickly become an eyesore.

How to clean cobwebs - There's no great secret to figuring out how to clean cobwebs. All you have to do is dust regularly. Ideally you should dust your house on a weekly basis. But over the course of a week, your schedule may be so hectic that you find yourself wondering how to dust, clean the kitchen, make dinner and take the dog to the vet without sacrificing sleep or purchasing a time machine. Since time machines and sleep deprivation aren't viable options, you can push out dusting every two weeks. When you do dust, you'll want to work from top to bottom, making sure you hit upper corners where cobwebs tend to form. Cover any furniture or items below corners with a towel so they don't get dusty and vacuum the floor afterwards to prevent the dust and dirt from recirculating. Additionally, don't forget to dust your window blinds, ceiling fans and around air conditioning vents. Because these items move or circulate air, they play a large role in spreading dust and dander about your home.

How to prevent spiders in your home - To prevent cobwebs from accruing in your corners, you need to spider-proof your home as much as you can. Below, you'll find several ways to curb cobweb accumulation in your house.

• Regular cleaning - The best way to keep cobwebs out of corners is by dusting and vacuuming regularly. This removes spiders and their webs. And when those variables are eliminated, cobwebs can't form.

•  Vinegar - Distilled white vinegar is great for everything from cleaning the shower to keeping spiders away. Mix vinegar and water in a spray bottle and mist corners (high and low) along with baseboards, window sills and the bases of doors.

Top places to look - Corners of ceilings, corners of the rooms, behind drapes and valences, behind shutters and blinds, inside lampshades and light fixtures, behind dressers and headboards, behind TVs and entertainment units, behind doors, under furniture and behind computer equipment.