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B1 verb #20,000 most common 6 min read

desempolvar

Examples Notes & Tips desempolvar in 30 Seconds
Explanation desempolvar in your Level:
At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'polvo' means 'dust'. You might not use 'desempolvar' yourself yet, but you can recognize it because it has 'polvo' inside it. Think of it as 'removing dust'. If you see a picture of someone with a cloth cleaning a table, that is 'desempolvar'. It is a regular verb ending in -ar, so it follows the same rules as 'hablar' or 'limpiar'. You can say 'Yo desempolvo la mesa' (I dust the table). It is useful to know for basic chores around the house. Don't worry about the long name; just remember 'des-' (remove) + 'polvo' (dust).
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At the A2 level, you start learning more specific verbs for daily life. Instead of just saying 'limpiar' (to clean) for everything, you can use 'desempolvar' when you are specifically talking about furniture or shelves. You will learn to use it in the past tense, like 'Ayer desempolvé mis libros' (Yesterday I dusted my books). This level also introduces the idea of helping at home, where 'desempolvar los muebles' is a common task. You should also recognize the phrase 'quitar el polvo' as a synonym that means the exact same thing in a literal sense.
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At B1, the word 'desempolvar' becomes much more interesting because you start using it figuratively. You don't just dust furniture; you 'dust off' your old skills. For example, if you haven't played tennis in three years, you can say 'Voy a desempolvar mi raqueta'. This implies you are going to play tennis again. This level requires you to understand the nuance of 'neglect'—you use this verb for things you haven't done or used in a long time. It is a great way to talk about your past hobbies or interests that you want to start again. You should be comfortable using it in various tenses, including the future and the present perfect.
At the B2 level, you should be able to use 'desempolvar' in professional and formal contexts. You might hear it in an office when a manager says, 'Vamos a desempolvar el proyecto del año pasado' (Let's dust off last year's project). This means the project was paused or forgotten, and now it is being revived. You should also be able to distinguish between 'desempolvar' and other similar verbs like 'sacudir' or 'restaurar' based on the specific context. Your usage should feel natural, reflecting the nostalgia or the 'renewal' aspect that the word carries. You can also use it in writing to add more color to your descriptions of cleaning or rediscovering old items.
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At the C1 level, you use 'desempolvar' with stylistic flair. You might use it in literary analysis or high-level journalism. For instance, 'El autor desempolva mitos antiguos para criticar la sociedad moderna'. Here, the word implies a sophisticated process of selection and adaptation. You understand the subtle differences between 'desempolvar un recuerdo' (bringing back a memory) and 'evocar un recuerdo' (evoking a memory). The former suggests the memory was buried or ignored. You are also aware of regional variations and idioms that might involve the word, and you can use it in complex sentence structures with ease.
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At the C2 level, 'desempolvar' is a versatile tool in your vocabulary. You can use it with irony or metaphor in almost any context. You might use it in a speech to describe the revival of an ideology or a cultural movement. You understand the etymological roots deeply and how the word has evolved in the Spanish language. You can play with the word in creative writing, perhaps personifying the dust or the act of removal. Your command of the word is such that you can use it to convey very specific emotional tones—ranging from the mundane chore of cleaning to the profound act of reclaiming one's lost identity or history.
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Examples Notes & Tips

desempolvar in 30 Seconds

  • Desempolvar literally means to remove dust from surfaces using a cloth or duster.
  • It is frequently used metaphorically to mean reviving a forgotten skill or project.
  • The word is a regular -ar verb, making it easy to conjugate in all tenses.
  • It combines 'des-' (remove) and 'polvo' (dust), highlighting its logical structure.

The Spanish verb desempolvar is a fascinating word that bridges the gap between domestic chores and the revival of forgotten memories or skills. At its most literal level, it means 'to dust'—the physical act of removing polvo (dust) from a surface. However, its usage in modern Spanish extends far beyond the feather duster. It is frequently employed metaphorically to describe the act of bringing something back into use after a long period of neglect or inactivity. Imagine an old guitar sitting in an attic for a decade; when you finally decide to play it again, you are not just cleaning it; you are desempolvando your musical talents.

Literal Use
Used when cleaning furniture, books, or shelves. It implies the removal of accumulated particles. Example: Tienes que desempolvar esos libros antes de donarlos.
Figurative Use
Used when resuming a hobby, a project, or a language. It suggests a 'brushing off' of the metaphorical rust. Example: Es hora de desempolvar mi francés para el viaje a París.

Decidí desempolvar mis viejos apuntes de la universidad para el nuevo examen.

The word is composed of the prefix des- (indicating reversal or removal), the prefix em- (into/on), and the root polvo (dust). This logical structure makes it very intuitive for learners. While you might use limpiar for general cleaning, desempolvar specifically targets the dust aspect. In a cultural context, it often carries a nostalgic tone, suggesting that the object or skill being 'dusted off' holds value but has been momentarily forgotten in the rush of daily life.

Mañana voy a desempolvar la bicicleta y salir a dar un paseo por el parque.

Mastering desempolvar requires understanding its transitive nature. It almost always takes a direct object—the thing being dusted. Grammatically, it follows the standard pattern for regular -ar verbs, which makes conjugation straightforward for B1 learners. However, the complexity lies in the variety of objects it can take. You can desempolvar physical items like muebles (furniture), estantes (shelves), or cuadros (paintings), but also abstract concepts like recuerdos (memories) or conocimientos (knowledge).

Direct Objects (Physical)
Objects that literally collect dust: estanterías, libros, vitrinas, teclados.
Direct Objects (Abstract)
Concepts that have been ignored: habilidades, proyectos, planes, tradiciones.

El director decidió desempolvar un viejo guion que escribió hace veinte años.

In professional settings, desempolvar is often used when a company revisits old strategies or archives. In literary contexts, an author might desempolvar a character from a previous book. When using it, consider the passage of time; you wouldn't 'desempolvar' something you used yesterday. It implies a significant gap, usually months or years, during which the object or idea was 'gathering dust'. This temporal element is key to using the word authentically.

Después de la mudanza, tuvimos que desempolvar todas las cajas antes de abrirlas.

You will encounter desempolvar in three primary environments: the home, the workplace, and in storytelling. In a Spanish-speaking household, a parent might tell a child, 'Vete a desempolvar tu habitación', though sacudir is also common. However, desempolvar carries a slightly more thorough connotation. It sounds more like a deep clean or a preparation for a special event, like Christmas or a visit from relatives.

News & Media
Journalists often use it when a cold case is reopened or an old law is being reconsidered: 'La policía decide desempolvar el caso del robo de 1995'.
Creative Hobbies
In blogs or podcasts about self-improvement: 'Es el momento de desempolvar tus sueños y empezar a trabajar en ellos'.

Al llegar la primavera, es costumbre desempolvar los muebles de la terraza.

In Spain and Latin America, the word is also common in political discourse. When a politician brings up an old scandal or a dormant piece of legislation to gain leverage, critics might say they are just 'desempolvando' old issues to distract the public. This figurative usage is perhaps more common in adult conversation than the literal cleaning definition. If you are watching a Spanish TV drama, listen for it when characters find old letters or photos in an attic; the act of desempolvar usually precedes a major plot revelation.

One of the most frequent errors for English speakers is confusing desempolvar with limpiar or sacudir. While they all belong to the cleaning family, they are not interchangeable. Limpiar is the generic term for 'to clean'. If you say you are going to 'desempolvar' a floor, it sounds strange because you usually 'barrer' (sweep) or 'fregar' (mop) a floor. Desempolvar is specifically for surfaces where dust settles, like tables, shelves, or decorative objects.

Confusing with 'Sacudir'
'Sacudir' means to shake. You can 'sacudir' a rug, but you 'desempolvar' a fragile vase. Using 'sacudir' for a vase might imply you are going to pick it up and shake it vigorously!
Overusing Figuratively
Don't use it for things you did recently. If you didn't play piano for two days, you don't 'desempolvar' your skills. It requires a sense of 'long-term neglect'.

Incorrect: Voy a desempolvar los platos después de comer. (Use 'lavar' instead).

Another mistake is the spelling. Students often forget the 'm' before the 'p' (writing 'desenpolvar'). In Spanish, the rule is always m before p and b. Additionally, ensure you don't confuse it with empolvar (to cover in dust or powder). Adding the des- prefix is crucial for the meaning of 'removing' rather than 'applying'.

If you find desempolvar too long or specific, there are several alternatives depending on the context. The most common synonym in a domestic setting is the phrase quitar el polvo (to take away the dust). This is very natural and used daily by native speakers. For figurative contexts, verbs like retomar (to resume) or rescatar (to rescue) are excellent substitutes.

Quitar el polvo
The most common way to say 'to dust' in a casual, literal way. Example: ¿Me ayudas a quitar el polvo de la sala?
Sacudir
Specifically means to shake off dust. Often used for rugs, clothes, or pillows. Example: Sacude la alfombra fuera de la casa.
Retomar
Used for the figurative meaning of 'desempolvar' when referring to hobbies or projects. Example: Quiero retomar mis clases de piano.

En lugar de desempolvar, podrías decir 'limpiar a fondo' si vas a hacer una limpieza profunda.

In technical or archival work, you might hear restaurar (to restore), which implies not just cleaning but returning something to its original state. However, desempolvar remains the most evocative word for the specific act of awakening something from its 'sleep' under a layer of time and particles.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word literally describes the reverse of 'empolvar', which was used historically to describe the act of putting powder on wigs in the 18th century.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /des.em.polˈβaɾ/
US /des.em.polˈβar/
Last syllable (oxytone/aguda).
Rhymes With
cantar bailar altar lugar mirar azahar estelar ejemplar
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing the 'v' as an English 'v' (it should be a soft 'b').
  • Stress on the wrong syllable (don't say des-EM-pol-var).
  • Nasalizing the 'em' too much.
  • Forgetting the 'm' before 'p'.
  • Swallowing the final 'r'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize because of the root 'polvo'.

Writing 4/5

Requires remembering the 'm' before 'p' and the 'des-em' prefix.

Speaking 3/5

Regular conjugation but long word to say quickly.

Listening 3/5

Clear pronunciation, usually easy to catch in context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

polvo limpiar muebles viejo quitar

Learn Next

sacudir fregar pulir restaurar retomar

Advanced

desuetud arcaísmo obsoleto reivindicar evocar

Grammar to Know

Regular -ar verb conjugation

Yo desempolvo, tú desempolvas, él desempolva.

Prefix 'des-' for reversal

Hacer -> Deshacer; Empolvar -> Desempolvar.

Orthography: 'm' before 'p'

Desempolvar (not desenpolvar).

Transitive verbs and direct objects

Desempolvar [objeto].

Oxytone stress (aguda)

Desem-pol-VAR.

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Examples by Level

1

Yo desempolvo la mesa todos los días.

I dust the table every day.

Present tense, 1st person singular.

2

¿Puedes desempolvar los libros?

Can you dust the books?

Infinitive after a modal verb.

3

Mi madre desempolva el televisor.

My mother dusts the TV.

Present tense, 3rd person singular.

4

Nosotros desempolvamos la estantería.

We dust the bookshelf.

Present tense, 1st person plural.

5

Ellos desempolvan los muebles los sábados.

They dust the furniture on Saturdays.

Present tense, 3rd person plural.

6

Tengo que desempolvar mi cuarto.

I have to dust my room.

Periphrasis: tener que + infinitive.

7

El gato mira cómo desempolvo.

The cat watches how I dust.

Present tense.

8

No me gusta desempolvar.

I don't like to dust.

Infinitive used as a noun object.

1

Ayer desempolvé toda la sala.

Yesterday I dusted the whole living room.

Preterite tense.

2

Mañana vamos a desempolvar el desván.

Tomorrow we are going to dust the attic.

Future with 'ir a'.

3

Ella estaba desempolvando los cuadros.

She was dusting the paintings.

Past continuous.

4

¿Has desempolvado ya tu habitación?

Have you already dusted your room?

Present perfect.

5

Siempre desempolvaba sus trofeos con orgullo.

He always used to dust his trophies with pride.

Imperfect tense for habits.

6

Es importante desempolvar las lámparas.

It is important to dust the lamps.

Impersonal expression.

7

Desempolva los estantes antes de poner los adornos.

Dust the shelves before putting the ornaments.

Imperative (tú).

8

No olvides desempolvar detrás del sofá.

Don't forget to dust behind the sofa.

Negative imperative.

1

Es hora de desempolvar mi vieja guitarra.

It's time to dust off my old guitar.

Figurative use.

2

Desempolvé mis conocimientos de alemán para el examen.

I dusted off my German knowledge for the exam.

Metaphorical use.

3

Si desempolvas ese proyecto, podrías ganar dinero.

If you dust off that project, you could earn money.

Conditional sentence.

4

Me gusta desempolvar viejas fotos familiares.

I like to dust off old family photos.

Gerund/Infinitive context.

5

¿Cuándo vas a desempolvar tus patines?

When are you going to dust off your skates?

Informal question.

6

Ella decidió desempolvar su sueño de ser pintora.

She decided to dust off her dream of being a painter.

Abstract direct object.

7

Tuvimos que desempolvar el manual de instrucciones.

We had to dust off the instruction manual.

Obligation in the past.

8

Desempolvaré mi vestido de gala para la boda.

I will dust off my gala dress for the wedding.

Future tense.

1

El gobierno quiere desempolvar una ley de los años 80.

The government wants to dust off a law from the 80s.

Political context.

2

Al desempolvar el sótano, encontramos un tesoro.

Upon dusting the basement, we found a treasure.

Temporal clause with 'al + infinitive'.

3

No basta con desempolvar la idea, hay que ejecutarla.

It's not enough to dust off the idea, you have to execute it.

Adversative sentence.

4

El museo desempolvó varias piezas para la exposición.

The museum dusted off several pieces for the exhibition.

Professional context.

5

Espero que desempolves tu sentido del humor.

I hope you dust off your sense of humor.

Subjunctive mood.

6

Desempolvando el pasado, descubrí la verdad sobre mi abuelo.

Dusting off the past, I discovered the truth about my grandfather.

Gerund as a circumstantial connector.

7

Habría sido mejor desempolvar el plan original.

It would have been better to dust off the original plan.

Conditional perfect.

8

El detective desempolvó el expediente del caso cerrado.

The detective dusted off the file of the closed case.

Narrative past.

1

La editorial decidió desempolvar la obra inédita del poeta.

The publishing house decided to dust off the poet's unpublished work.

Literary context.

2

Tras años de silencio, el músico desempolvó sus partituras.

After years of silence, the musician dusted off his scores.

Prepositional phrase 'Tras...'.

3

Resulta imperativo desempolvar los valores éticos de la empresa.

It is imperative to dust off the company's ethical values.

Formal register.

4

El historiador se dedicó a desempolvar archivos olvidados.

The historian dedicated himself to dusting off forgotten archives.

Periphrasis: dedicarse a + infinitive.

5

No pretendas desempolvar nuestra relación ahora.

Don't try to dust off our relationship now.

Negative imperative with metaphorical meaning.

6

Fue necesario desempolvar la retórica clásica para el discurso.

It was necessary to dust off classical rhetoric for the speech.

Passive voice structure.

7

Al desempolvar la buhardilla, afloraron muchos recuerdos.

Dusting off the attic, many memories surfaced.

Complex verb 'aflorar'.

8

Cualquier intento de desempolvar el conflicto será en vano.

Any attempt to dust off the conflict will be in vain.

Subject clause.

1

El ensayista desempolva arcaísmos para dotar al texto de solera.

The essayist dusts off archaisms to give the text character.

Highly formal vocabulary ('solera').

2

Desempolvar la memoria colectiva es un acto de justicia.

Dusting off collective memory is an act of justice.

Philosophical subject.

3

La crítica acusó al director de desempolvar clichés agotados.

Critics accused the director of dusting off exhausted clichés.

Accusatory context.

4

Se limitó a desempolvar una vieja excusa para no asistir.

He limited himself to dusting off an old excuse for not attending.

Restrictive structure 'Se limitó a'.

5

El viento parecía desempolvar los secretos de la estepa.

The wind seemed to dust off the secrets of the steppe.

Poetic personification.

6

Conviene desempolvar la doctrina para adaptarla a la modernidad.

It is advisable to dust off the doctrine to adapt it to modernity.

Formal recommendation.

7

Desempolvaron el hacha de guerra tras años de tregua.

They dusted off the tomahawk (war hatchet) after years of truce.

Idiomatic expression.

8

No es cuestión de desempolvar rencores, sino de avanzar.

It's not a matter of dusting off grudges, but of moving forward.

Contrastive structure.

Common Collocations

desempolvar los muebles
desempolvar un recuerdo
desempolvar el currículum
desempolvar viejos apuntes
desempolvar un proyecto
desempolvar la guitarra
desempolvar los libros
desempolvar una ley
desempolvar el hacha de guerra
desempolvar los trastos

Common Phrases

hora de desempolvar

— Expression used when starting something long neglected.

Es hora de desempolvar las zapatillas de correr.

desempolvar a fondo

— To perform a very deep cleaning of dust.

Este fin de semana vamos a desempolvar a fondo la biblioteca.

desempolvar por encima

— To do a quick, superficial dusting.

Solo desempolva por encima, no tenemos mucho tiempo.

desempolvar el pasado

— To bring up old stories or events.

No es bueno desempolvar el pasado si quieres ser feliz.

desempolvar habilidades

— To practice a skill not used in a long time.

Estoy desempolvando mis habilidades culinarias.

desempolvar la maleta

— Preparing for a trip after a long time.

Por fin voy a desempolvar la maleta para irme de vacaciones.

desempolvar archivos

— Searching through old records.

El historiador pasó el día desempolvando archivos.

desempolvar ideas

— Revisiting old creative thoughts.

Estamos desempolvando ideas para la nueva campaña.

desempolvar el piano

— Starting to play piano again.

Mi abuela volvió a desempolvar el piano tras años de silencio.

desempolvar la ropa de invierno

— Taking out seasonal clothes as the weather changes.

Ya hace frío, hay que desempolvar la ropa de invierno.

Often Confused With

desempolvar vs limpiar

Limpiar is general cleaning; desempolvar is specifically for dust.

desempolvar vs sacudir

Sacudir involves shaking an object; desempolvar is wiping or removing dust.

desempolvar vs espolvorear

Espolvorear means to sprinkle (like sugar), not to remove dust.

Idioms & Expressions

"Desempolvar el hacha de guerra"

— To resume a conflict or fight after a period of peace.

Los dos países han desempolvado el hacha de guerra por la frontera.

informal/journalistic
"Desempolvar los trastos"

— To get ready to do something, often involving physical equipment.

Venga, desempolva los trastos que nos vamos de pesca.

informal
"Desempolvar la artillería"

— To prepare one's best arguments or resources for a confrontation.

El abogado desempolvó toda su artillería legal para el juicio.

figurative
"Desempolvar el esqueleto"

— A humorous way to say 'to go dancing'.

¡Vamos a la discoteca a desempolvar el esqueleto!

slang/humorous
"Desempolvar la corona"

— To assert one's authority or status again.

El campeón volvió a desempolvar la corona en el último torneo.

figurative
"Desempolvar los laureles"

— To remind others of past successes.

No dejes que tus éxitos se llenen de polvo; desempolva los laureles.

literary
"Desempolvar la lengua"

— To start speaking a language again after a long break.

Necesito desempolvar la lengua antes de ir a Italia.

informal
"Desempolvar el baúl de los recuerdos"

— To reminisce about the past.

Esta tarde vamos a desempolvar el baúl de los recuerdos con estas fotos.

poetic
"Desempolvar la billetera"

— To spend money after a period of saving or being stingy.

¡Por fin desempolvó la billetera y nos invitó a cenar!

humorous
"Desempolvar el manual"

— To go back to basics or follow rules strictly again.

El entrenador tuvo que desempolvar el manual de disciplina.

neutral

Easily Confused

desempolvar vs empolvar

Opposite meaning.

Empolvar means to cover in dust; desempolvar means to remove it.

El viento empolvó la casa, así que tuve que desempolvarla.

desempolvar vs polvorear

Similar root.

Polvorear/Espolvorear is used in cooking to sprinkle powder.

Espolvorea el bizcocho con azúcar.

desempolvar vs pulir

Both are cleaning actions.

Pulir means to polish or shine; desempolvar is just removing dust.

Primero desempolva el metal y luego púlelo.

desempolvar vs fregar

Both are cleaning actions.

Fregar usually involves water and scrubbing (like floors or dishes).

Fregó el suelo después de desempolvar los muebles.

desempolvar vs barrer

Both are cleaning actions.

Barrer is specifically for the floor using a broom.

Barrió el polvo que cayó al desempolvar la estantería.

Sentence Patterns

A1

Sujeto + desempolva + objeto.

Ana desempolva la mesa.

A2

Sujeto + va a + desempolvar + objeto.

Voy a desempolvar los libros.

B1

Es hora de + desempolvar + objeto.

Es hora de desempolvar mi inglés.

B1

Sujeto + decidió + desempolvar + objeto.

Él decidió desempolvar su vieja radio.

B2

Al + desempolvar + objeto, [consecuencia].

Al desempolvar el desván, encontré una carta.

C1

No es necesario + desempolvar + [abstracto].

No es necesario desempolvar viejos rencores.

C1

Sujeto + se dedica a + desempolvar + objeto.

Se dedica a desempolvar archivos históricos.

C2

Cualquier intento de + desempolvar + objeto + será...

Cualquier intento de desempolvar la ley será polémico.

Word Family

Nouns

polvo (dust)
desempolvado (the act of dusting)
plumero (duster)

Verbs

empolvar (to cover in dust)
polvorear (to sprinkle)
limpiar (to clean)

Adjectives

desempolvado (dusted)
empolvado (dusty)
polvoriento (dusty/powdery)

Related

suciedad
limpieza
restauración
recuerdo
práctica
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How to Use It

frequency

Common in both spoken and written Spanish.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'DES-EM-POLV-AR'. 'DES' is 'undo', 'POLV' is 'dust'. You are 'undoing the dust'.

Visual Association

Imagine a thick layer of dust on a trophy. As you wipe it, the shiny gold appears. That is 'desempolvar'.

Word Web

limpiar polvo muebles recuerdos habilidades viejo atención cuidado

Challenge

Try to use 'desempolvar' in a sentence about a skill you haven't used in over a year.

Word Origin

From the Spanish prefix 'des-' (removal) + 'em-' (into) + 'polvo' (dust) + '-ar' (verbal suffix).

Original meaning: To remove the dust that has settled on something.

Romance (Latin root 'pulvis' for dust).

Cultural Context

Generally neutral, but 'desempolvar rencores' (dusting off grudges) can be seen as negative.

Directly equivalent to 'to dust off' in both literal and figurative senses.

Often used in titles of nostalgic Spanish blog posts. Common in song lyrics about returning to old loves. Used in historical documentaries when 'desempolvando archivos' (dusting off archives).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Home Cleaning

  • desempolvar los muebles
  • quitar el polvo
  • usar un plumero
  • limpieza general

Hobbies

  • desempolvar la guitarra
  • retomar la práctica
  • volver a jugar
  • practicar de nuevo

Work/Projects

  • desempolvar un informe
  • revisar archivos
  • actualizar planes
  • volver a empezar

Memories

  • desempolvar el pasado
  • recordar viejos tiempos
  • mirar fotos antiguas
  • evocar recuerdos

Education

  • desempolvar apuntes
  • repasar la lección
  • estudiar de nuevo
  • refrescar la memoria

Conversation Starters

"¿Has tenido que desempolvar alguna habilidad antigua recientemente?"

"¿Cuál es el objeto más viejo que has tenido que desempolvar en tu casa?"

"¿Crees que es bueno desempolvar recuerdos del pasado?"

"¿Cuándo fue la última vez que desempolvaste tu bicicleta?"

"¿Qué libro te gustaría desempolvar y leer de nuevo?"

Journal Prompts

Escribe sobre una pasión que hayas decidido desempolvar este año y por qué.

Describe el proceso de desempolvar una habitación que ha estado cerrada por mucho tiempo.

¿Qué proyecto olvidado en el trabajo te gustaría desempolvar?

Relata un momento en el que desempolvar un viejo objeto te trajo mucha alegría.

Reflexiona sobre la importancia de desempolvar nuestras metas personales de vez en cuando.

Frequently Asked Questions

9 questions

Usually only figuratively, like 'desempolvar a alguien' meaning to bring someone back into the spotlight. Literally, you wouldn't 'dust' a person unless they were covered in actual dust.

There is no difference in meaning. 'Quitar el polvo' is more common in daily speech, while 'desempolvar' is a bit more formal or literary.

Yes, it is very common to 'desempolvar el teclado' (dust the keyboard) or 'desempolvar el ordenador' figuratively if you haven't used it in years.

Yes, it is a perfectly regular -ar verb in all tenses.

Absolutely! It's a very common figurative use. 'Voy a desempolvar mi español' means you are going to start practicing it again.

A duster is called a 'plumero' (feather duster) or 'trapo del polvo' (dusting cloth).

Yes, it is universally understood, though some regions might prefer 'sacudir' or 'espanar'.

Yes, in legal or political contexts, you can 'desempolvar una ley' to bring it back into effect.

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