The 10 Best Feather Dusters
Special Honors
Goat Hair Duster Wand Made using dense goat hair, this beautifully crafted tool effectively grabs small particles without scratching surfaces. Handmade and built to last a lifetime, it can be easily shaken out when full, and should be hand washed using cold water and specialty wool and cashmere shampoo occasionally to maintain its effectiveness. thelaundress.com
Editor's Notes
February 12, 2021:
As you might imagine, feather dusters don't see too much innovation every year. In fact, some of the very best models still look and act much like models sold decades ago. Take the Norpro Pure Lambswool and GM Royal Ostrich, both of which are effective and durable options. You could easily have found something similar in homes 50 or even 100 years ago, perhaps just with different materials used for connecting the various components. That being said, there are some modern dusters, like the Oxo Good Grips Delicate and Swiffer 360 Extender, that have some smart features that definitely show an improvement over the classic design. For example, the head on the former pops off for easy machine washing, and the latter has an angle-adjustable joint on the pole that makes it easy to get at tall shelves or the top side of fan blades. We have all types represented here, and all of which have proven to stand up to the test of time while performing reliably. Because of that, we have decided not to make any changes to our recommendations currently.
August 12, 2019:
Feather dusters have come a long way in recent years, so much so that many don't use actual feathers anymore. While ostrich feathers are still one of the most effective choices for gently picking up dust without causing damage, we felt this list needed to showcase more than just one type of dusting tool. That being said, the classic GM Royal Ostrich is a reasonably priced model that should fit the bill if you're looking for a tried-and-true cleaning implement. Just be sure you're not allergic to bird feathers before you invest in one.
The Swiffer 360 Extender is a popular favorite for many, but be aware that the disposable heads are treated with a special coating and should be kept away from children and pets. If you're looking for models that eschew chemicals in favor of static electricity, consider the Mr. Clean Mini and Kitchen + Home Compact. The latter is great for use in vehicles, especially when paired with other dedicated car dusting tools.
For general around the house cleaning, the Oxo Good Grips Delicate, Oxo Good Grips Microfiber, and Norpro Pure Lambswool are all perfectly suited to wipe various surfaces, while selections like the Lecamebor Flexible Upgraded and Estilo Removable are excellent for getting at high, hard-to-reach places.
Unfortunately, one of the major flaws in this category is durability, so we were sure to select some of the most well-made choices on the market, and favored items that are backed by a satisfaction guarantee of some kind in the event they become damaged in transit. When used properly, cleaned and cared for correctly, and stored in an area where they won't be knocked around, any one of these dusters should perform for a long time.