Jul 3 - Ask Maria: Dusting a Large Volume of Books

Jul 3 - Ask Maria: Dusting a Large Volume of Books - GON in 5 Minutes Newsletter

Published: Thu, 07/03/25

Updated: Fri, 07/04/25

Get Organized Now!

In Less Than 5 Minutes!

by Maria Gracia

July 3, 2025

GetOrganizedNow.com

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Take a close look at one single shelf of books today. Dust the tops and spines, and while you’re at it, choose just one book you know you’ll never read again. Place it in a donation bag. Repeat this once a week, and before you know it, you’ll have lighter shelves, cleaner air, and more space for the books you truly love.

Ask Maria: Dusting A Large Volume of Books

Question from a GON Reader

I have a lot of books...several thousand, in fact. Thoughts about dusting them?
-- D. Horwitz, Houston

Response from Maria Gracia

Great question, D.!

As an avid reader myself, I completely understand how easy it is for books to accumulate and how quickly they can start collecting dust. So, let’s talk strategy.

First, work in sections
Don’t try to tackle everything at once. Choose one shelf or one bookcase at a time and give yourself permission to stop there if that’s all you can handle that day. You’ll still be making progress.

Second, dry dust first
Use a microfiber cloth or electrostatic duster to gently dust the top edges of the books, the spines, and the shelf surface.

Third, if possible, remove a few books at a time.
You don’t need to take every book off the shelf. Instead, take out 4 to 5 books, dust the shelf, then dust the tops, spines, and edges of those books before putting them back. Rotate through your shelves this way.

Fourth, keep the air clear.
Dusting stirs things up. If you’re sensitive, wear a mask. Consider running an air purifier nearby or opening a window. It really helps.

Fifth, maintenance matters.
Once the initial dusting is done, consider setting a rotating schedule. Dust one shelf or case each week. That keeps it manageable going forward.

And now for the part that might ruffle a few feathers—but I say this gently and kindly: That many books adds a lot of work, especially if many of them are ones you’re unlikely to read again.

If you're open to it, try donating a tote bag full each month until you're left with only the most special ones—the ones that still inspire, entertain, or hold meaning for you. You’ll create breathing room on your shelves and make dusting much easier, all while sharing good reads with others who will appreciate them.

Thanks again for your question!

On another note...

High-end beauty can be expensive. So I created this special list of affordable beauty products I use that provide the same luxurious results for a lot less! Access here: Beauty on a Budget

The Pony Express

Long before text messages or overnight shipping, the fastest way to get a message across the American West was by horseback—and grit. The Pony Express, launched in 1860, was a daring mail service that carried letters nearly 2,000 miles from Missouri to California in just 10 days—an incredible feat at the time.

Riders were young (often teens), lightweight, and fearless. They rode at a gallop, changing horses every 10 to 15 miles and rarely stopping, even in dangerous conditions. Each carried a special leather mail pouch called a mochila, which could be quickly thrown over a fresh horse at relay stations along the route.

Though the Pony Express only operated for 18 months, it became an American legend—symbolizing determination, speed, and frontier bravery. It ended in 1861 when the transcontinental telegraph connected the coasts, making horseback mail obsolete almost overnight.

Still, the spirit of the Pony Express lives on as a reminder of what people can do when the message has to get through.

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The Lazy Days List
10 Ways to Soak up Summer Without Losing Momentum

How to Organize the Garage
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The Surprising Origins of the Picnic
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Hair Rescue 101
Giving Your Hair TLC After Pool, Beach and Sun Exposure

Lemon Bars
A Bright, Buttery Treat You Can Make Ahead and Enjoy Anytime

How to Keep Bugs Out of the House
Natural Ways to Keep Insects Outside Where They Belong

Yes, You Can Freeze That!
Time-Saving, Waste-Cutting, Totally Useful Freezer Tips You'll Wish You’d Known Sooner

Make a Summer Memory Jar
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As a valued member of my GON in 5 Minutes Newsletter, you get exclusive bonuses—PLUS unlimited access to all of my previous ones. This month's featured bonus is my...

15-Minute Decluttering Projects Printable

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Results of Last Month's Web Poll: Your dryer cycle just ended. What do you do? Access the results of this poll including a bunch of GON reader comments.

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"Some books are so familiar that reading them is like being home again."

-- Louisa May Alcott

I'd love to hear from you.

I LOVE GON reader mail! Whether it's a comment, suggestion, or just a note to say hello, REPLY to this email with a short note.

And remember...there's no better time to get organized, than to Get Organized Now!

Warmly,

Maria Gracia
GetOrganizedNow.com

How to Use This Newsletter

In this newsletter, you will find stories, ideas, inspiration, links and more to help you live a less stressful, more organized, more fulfilling life.

We encourage you to apply these ideas to your own life AND share them liberally with your family, friends, and fan base via email, on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, other social media outlets, and in person, of course!

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Thank you for helping to spread the gift of organizing far and wide!

-- Maria

Maria Gracia,

Get Organized Now!

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-- Maria Gracia

Get Organized Now!
611 Arlington Way
Watertown Wisconsin 53094
USA

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