Speed-Clean a Big Bookcase

Put on an apron with pockets, and lay an old sheet around the base of the bookcase.

Scan your books. If you see any you’ve been meaning to get rid of, toss them in a pile for donation.

Load your apron pockets with a few Swiffer sheets, about a dozen silica-gel packets, and the dry-cleaning pad. Grab the extendable duster and swipe the top of the bookshelf.

Plug in a hair dryer and climb a step stool to the highest shelf. Turn the dryer on a high-cold setting and blow dust off the tops and spines of books, working your way down the bookcase.

Head back to the top. Pull books halfway out, four or five at a time, and reach back with a Swiffer sheet to pick up the dust that you just blew off. If you see any dirt on cloth spines or covers, gently dab it away with the dry-cleaning pad.

Push books all the way back and use a Swiffer sheet to clean the area in front.

Wipe the frame of the bookcase with a Swiffer sheet or the extendable duster.

Reposition books a couple of inches from the edge of each shelf. Toss a few silica-gel packets behind each row.

Roll up the sheet and shake the dust from it outdoors. Now peruse your pristine library and find the right title to read (or reread) next.