by Gill Jennings

Created on: October 27, 2007

There are a number of ways to reach high ceiling cobwebs: try one or two and see how you get on!

1. Climb on something - preferably something intended for the purpose, like a set of steps, rather than a chair - and use whatever cleaning tools you prefer. I don't actually recommend this option, as it's too easy to fall when you're looking up at the ceiling.

2. Use a hand-held vacuum cleaner with the longest extension hose on. You may then find you have to clean the vacuum cleaner, as cobwebs are sticky.

3. Use a long-handled filament duster (the type that attracts dust by static electricity). Again, this will leave you with the challenge of removing the cobwebs from the duster!

4. Use a soft-bristled floor broom. After use, remove the cobwebs from the broom by washing it in a bucket of warm water with a little washing-up detergent added.

5. This is my favorite: use the broom handle! How? First you will need to find an old sock: wet the sock and wring it out so that it is just damp. Pop it onto the broom handle (if it has so many holes in the toe that it slips down, fix an elastic band around it so that it stays at the end of the broom handle). Now, holding the other end of your broom handle, swish that sock around and through the cobwebs. They will stick to it as if by magic! When you've finished cleaning, remove the dirty sock from the broom handle, and either throw it away, or, for the more thrifty among you, wash and keep it for further use.

If you don't have a broom to hand? Any long stick or pole will do: a cane from the garden, a snooker cue, a fishing rod ... use your imagination, have fun, and wave 'goodbye' to all those cobwebs!

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