Ways to Keep Dust Down in Your Home

2/29/2016 (Permalink)

Dust.

Dust is made up of a lot of unsavory characters; dead skin cells, fabric fibers, dust mites, animal dander, dirt, hair, pollen, mold spores and a bunch of other unknown components depending on where you live, work and play. Dust is not only a visible nuisance but can also cause health problems such as allergies. Below are some of the top ways to keep dust down in your home and increase your quality of living.

Vacuum. The more you stay on top of vacuuming, the less dust you will have in your home! Vacuum at least once a week, if not more to cut down on the amount of dust floating around. Remember to vacuum upholstery such as couches and curtains that hold onto dust particles as well. Be sure to empty the canister, replace the bag or better yet, get a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter to trap tiny particles.

Dusting. A simple dusting can go a long way. Microfiber cloths work best but if you don’t have one handy, run any cloth under a bit of water to use. Microfiber and damp cloths capture and collect dust instead of just spreading it around your house like a dry cloth would.

Declutter. The more things you have to collect dust, the more dust you will have! We all have knick- knacks of some sort but try to minimize them or keep them covered in a glass case if possible. Books can be pushed to the front of the bookshelf to minimize dust collection there as well.

Air filters. Change your air filters in your heating and air-conditioning system once a month to cut down and catch dust particles before they spread throughout the home. Try a pleated or paper filter that carries an electrostatic charge which attracts dust.

Closets. One of the biggest components of dust is fabric fiber shed by your clothing. Keep your closets clean and organized by using clear plastic bins. This way, you can easily see what is in them and you’ll be able to move them around to dust. Store seasonal clothes in plastic bins and garbage bags to prevent their fibers from shedding when they aren’t in use. Another good rule to follow is keeping your closet floor clean. Too often we have items on the closet floor that never get moved and therefore, never get cleaned and hold dust. Would you vacuum the floor more if there was nothing in your way? Probably.

Bedding is another big culprit of dust and dust mites. Change and wash your bedding once a week and don’t forget about those pillows either! Pillows can be taken to the dry cleaners, hand washed or, if you have a new dryer, check for a setting meant for pillows and bedding specifically.

Cut back on carpeting. Hardwoods and tiles don’t collect dust like carpets do. Even if you vacuum regularly, dust can get deep down in the carpet fibers and stay suck there irritating you and your family. If you have rugs, make sure you take them outside and beat them. Beating rugs often loosens up trapped particles that a vacuum can’t get to.

Doormats help trap dirt before it gets throughout the house. Invest in a bristle top mat outside the door and another mat right inside the door as well. Don’t forget to vacuum and beat the dirt out of the mats once a week for best results.

Pet care. Grooming and washing pets regularly can cut back on dead skin cells, hair and dander throughout the house. Using a cover for your cat’s litter box can also help significantly.

Filter the air in the house while you clean by turning your thermostat to “fan on.” This filters the air even when the heating and air conditioning system aren’t on. Just make sure you turn the fan off after about 15 minutes as they are not meant to run all the time.

Using all of these tips combined or even a few at a time, the amount of dust in your house should decrease and provide you with cleaner, fresher air quality. Keep the dust down and breathe deeply!