No matter how often you clean, there always seems to be some dust left on ledges and even ceiling fans. Read on to discover some great tips for preventing and removing dust in your home.
While eliminating all the dust in your home is probably impossible, there are some easy ways to significantly reduce dust in your living space. Below are some tips to help you breathe easier. If you want to remove dust because of allergies, read more about our top allergen removal techniques.
Buy an Air Purifier or HEPA Filter
Air purifiers come in many different shapes and sizes, but they all serve the same purpose: to circulate the air and capture dust and other airborne pollutants in your home. HEPA stands for ‘high-efficiency particulate air.’ These pleated mechanical air filters reduce household dust and capture airborne pollutants of all sizes. Don’t forget that HEPA filters and air purifiers require periodic cleaning and filter replacement to effectively prevent dust and produce fresh air. These routine cleanings can be done on your own, or by a service team member. For more information, check out our blog on air purifying here.
Use a Vacuum Cleaner
Carpets and rugs trap lots of dust, so a vacuum cleaner is a great tool to have when combating dust mites and other airborne particles. A thorough vacuum regularly will reduce dust greatly. Many vacuums also come with vacuum attachments that make it easier to clean areas like window sills and ledges. You may also purchase a small handheld vacuum to reach difficult areas and narrow crevices. Some new vacuums even come with built-in HEPA filters to trap smaller particles.
Groom Pets Regularly
Animal dander can be a serious issue for people with allergies. Pets tend to shed a lot, and grooming your dog regularly can help reduce the number of dead skin cells and hair released into your home, meaning you also have less dust flying around when it comes time to vacuum. If you have pets in your home, you should vacuum about twice a week and consider shampooing your carpets 3-4 times a year. If you want a pet but are worried about dander, there are hypoallergenic options available, such as Poodles or Cornish Rex cats. While these animals may not be 100% hypoallergenic, they are much less likely to trigger allergy symptoms in individuals because of their fur or hair.
Buy a Doormat
Doormats can trap dirt from shoes that would otherwise be brought into your home. Dirt is a big component of dust, so having doormats on the exterior and the interior of your house will collect and prevent dust that would enter your home as soon as someone steps foot in the door. Removing shoes outdoors will also keep your floors and carpets cleaner, meaning you have less to vacuum.
Keep the Windows Shut
You may think that opening your windows will freshen the inside air. However, open windows actually attract dust and increase dust levels in your home, especially on windy days. Dust can enter your home through open windows and doors in the form of airborne pollutants like mold spores and pollen. Indoor pollutants may already be an issue within your home, but adding outdoor pollutants can lead to even worse indoor air quality. Keeping your windows closed can reduce dust in your home.
Clean Your Pillows
Did you know that dust mites can live inside your pillows? Luckily, washing bed linens, pillowcases, and even stuffed animals about once a week can help reduce dust in and around your bed. Be sure to use hot water – at least 130 degrees to kill dust mites. Allergy pillow protectors or dustproof covers may also be a worthwhile investment. Detergent fragrances can trigger allergy symptoms for some individuals, so try to use fragrance-free products whenever possible.
Wipe Down Surfaces
This is a simple step that can go a long way in reducing dust. There are many places in your home where dust can accumulate, including ceiling fans, window coverings, and ledges. Sometimes, large collections of dust and dander may build up in small crevices in your home and go unnoticed for weeks or even months. You can use a microfiber cloth or a wet rag to wipe down these surfaces and eliminate dust. You should also clean your hard floors with a wet mop regularly.
If you follow these tips, you and your family members should start to experience cleaner air in the living space and fewer allergy symptoms.