Why not use a slightly damp cloth?
this post was submitted on 22 Mar 2026
27 points (100.0% liked)
Ask Lemmy
38847 readers
1796 users here now
A Fediverse community for open-ended, thought provoking questions
Rules: (interactive)
1) Be nice and; have fun
Doxxing, trolling, sealioning, racism, toxicity and dog-whistling are not welcomed in AskLemmy. Remember what your mother said: if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all. In addition, the site-wide Lemmy.world terms of service also apply here. Please familiarize yourself with them
2) All posts must end with a '?'
This is sort of like Jeopardy. Please phrase all post titles in the form of a proper question ending with ?
3) No spam
Please do not flood the community with nonsense. Actual suspected spammers will be banned on site. No astroturfing.
4) NSFW is okay, within reason
Just remember to tag posts with either a content warning or a [NSFW] tag. Overtly sexual posts are not allowed, please direct them to either !asklemmyafterdark@lemmy.world or !asklemmynsfw@lemmynsfw.com.
NSFW comments should be restricted to posts tagged [NSFW].
5) This is not a support community.
It is not a place for 'how do I?', type questions.
If you have any questions regarding the site itself or would like to report a community, please direct them to Lemmy.world Support or email info@lemmy.world. For other questions check our partnered communities list, or use the search function.
6) No US Politics.
Please don't post about current US Politics. If you need to do this, try !politicaldiscussion@lemmy.world or !askusa@discuss.online
Reminder: The terms of service apply here too.
Partnered Communities:
Logo design credit goes to: tubbadu
founded 2 years ago
MODERATORS
Fair enough, but I’m not looking for alternative cleaning methods. I’m specifically looking for a small vacuum recommendation. Cheers!
is your desk is a carpet
I take the opposite approach. I use the puffer bulb that came with my camera cleaning kit. Then I can vacuum the floor.
The danger with vacuuming things off of your desk (or at least my desk, which is inevitably strewn with tiny screws, 3D printed parts, bits of fountain pens, etc.) is that you'll suck up something that you'd really rather you hadn't. And then you have to get it back.
I can recommend you avoid those sub-$10 USB mini vacuums from China you see everywhere. I have one. It's practically worthless.
Thanks, that makes sense for your setup, but I’m specifically trying to find a small vacuum that is actually worth buying. The cheap junk warning is useful; the rest is not really what I’m after!
What's your budget exactly? I haven't tried them, but Consumer Reports has high ratings for the DustBuster CHV1410L and the ION HHVI315JO42. You can get either one for under $50.
Thanks!
Another vote for rags.
Less waste plastic over all.
Old toothbrushes are great for cleaning keyboards and anything with crevices.
I've had this vacuum for a few years. Can't remember how much we paid for it originally but it's currently $22.
We have a shared hand held vac at work that's a very expensive name brand, and when I have to use it, I always find myself surprised at how much better this one is.
It's got more attachable parts, fits better into tight spaces, and it's got a little flashlight to help you see if you're actually getting everything from dark corners.
Also the filters are washable, so you don't have to buy replacements.
I feel like the battery might not be super great, but I just try to keep it charging when not in use. Other than that, no complaints.
Been using it for two days now. This thing is almost perfect. Thanks again for the recommendation!
In the States there used to be something called a DustBuster vacuum.
Not sure what the current options are these days, nor how it looks in other countries. (i'm more of a wet rag, broom, and feather duster-type)
What a callback. We had one in a red and black plaid dustcover!
Do you have any power tools with swappable batteries? I got a knockoff DeWalt vacuum for about half the price of an official DeWalt vacuum, and it's about as powerful. At full charge it's even as powerful as as my plug in shop vac, and takes the same attachments. It's become by go-to for picking up small messes and for cleaning my car. I also clean my PC vents and keyboard with it. The same brand also makes a version for Milwaukee and Makita batteries, and you can find something similar for just about any brand of power tools.
https://www.amazon.com/Cordless-Handheld-Electric-Powerful-Filtration/dp/B0CRHF7H7M
Electric air duster