Any materials scientists around who can explain something?

[intrepidity]

Plastics--in particular ABS--what's the deal with them holding onto dust/dirt so strongly? Is there some relatively new technology going on which makes certain/many plastics really difficult to clean?

I swear, I can remember a time when just passing a dusty part under running cold water was enough to clean the dust off. Now, I have to physically wipe every square millimeter of a surface with soapy water to release the dust! What is going on? It feels like manufacturers are doing this on purpose, to encourage the disposable lifestyle. Has anyone else noticed this over, say, the past few decades?

And more importantly, what are some tips that I may not have thought of? I have tried countless cleaning products, microfiber cloths, etc. Tried soaking plastic parts in various solutions, and they appear clean--until they dry and then you see the layer of dust remains.

It seems like it's an electrostatic issue. What can I do to remove this dust layer, on parts that often have millions of nooks and crannies?? Even a toothbrush with soap isn't thorough!

Help please? It is driving me bonkers!