Hidden Household Dust Can Trigger Allergies and Impact Your Well-being

 Hidden Household Dust Can Trigger Allergies and Impact Your Well-being 

One cleaning task you shouldn’t procrastinate on is dusting. Most people don’t think about the dust in their homes and tend to only dust certain places or areas that may look unsightly. While dust is seemingly innocuous, in reality, it’s a complex matrix of organic matter, that includes dead skin cells, hair, dust mites, dust mite feces, bacteria, mold, fibers, crumbs, insects, and other particulates. Hidden household dust can trigger allergies and impact your health. In truth, everyone is exposed to dust in some form or other, and the human body has various defense mechanisms in place to deal with the dust we breathe in.

With most household dust being microscopic in size, it is important to remove the invisible dust from the corners of our homes that we often overlook, in order to keep our homes healthier. As dust gets stirred up into the air, these particles and contaminants can trigger allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and other health issues. Dust can also serve as a “fomite”, potentially carrying viruses and possibly passing on infections. Regular dusting and vacuuming are key to a healthy home, but there are several out-of-sight, out-of-mind spots you might be forgetting during your routine cleaning sweep.

To ensure a clean and healthy living space for your family, pay attention to the following spots and areas in your home that are often missed and where dust and contaminants lurk:

1). Ceilings and walls

When dusting, you want to follow a top-down strategy. Start with ceilings and work your way down the walls to limit dust and other particulates from redistributing to freshly cleaned surfaces. According to Dyson’s 2021 global dust study, which included more than 10,000 participants, the ceiling is the top spot people forget to dust – “Ceilings are neglected by 62% of Americans.”  Despite gravity, airborne dust collects there. The easiest way to get rid of the dust and cobwebs is to run a microfiber dust cloth (such as Swiffer) on a long-handled sweeper over your ceilings and walls every couple of months. Vacuuming with a soft brush works, too, and so does a clean, white cloth wrapped around the head of a broom.

2). Shelving

Dusting shelving requires first removing everything on them such as books, framed photos, and knickknacks – making it a chore that many would rather avoid. To get rid of allergens and buildup, you will need to start at the top and work your way down. Vacuum or wipe down shelves with a damp microfiber cloth and allow them to dry completely. Make sure to dust all of the items you took off the shelves before putting them back as well. If possible, pull the shelving unit away from the wall and vacuum up any dust that has accumulated underneath. 

3). Mattresses and bedding

Dust mites feed on dead skin cells and thrive in dark, humid, warm places – making beds the ultimate breeding ground. Keep dust mites at bay by regularly vacuuming your mattress on both sides. Do this about once a month or every time you change your sheets if you suffer from dust allergies.  Although you may be in the habit of changing your sheets every week, your blankets, duvet, and pillows are also exposed to the same dead skin cells along with all kinds of dirt and bacteria. So, be sure to wash all of your bedding along with your sheets. 

4). Upholstered furniture

Upholstered furniture like sofas and armchairs collect a lot of dust. Be sure to vacuum cushions regularly and run a damp cloth over the backs and arms of any furniture with a washable surface. Lift up the cushions to make sure you’re getting any dust bunnies, crumbs, dust mites, etc. If you haven’t looked under your couch or armchairs in a while, you’ll most likely find a few tumbleweeds rolling around, which can be eliminated with a vacuum or a quick swipe of a dust mop. Make sure to dust the actual bottom of your furniture as well. Layers of dust, spider webs, and even eggs can cling to bed frames and the underside of tables, chairs, and sofas. Wipe away the gunk with a vacuum or dust wand.

5). Curtains and blinds  

Curtains attract dust and absorb odors over time, while grease, dust, pet hair, and particles floating around in the air can make blinds really grimy. Make sure to vacuum your curtains from the top down at least once a month or launder them if possible every 4 to 5 months. You’ll enjoy cleaner window coverings and less dust to aggravate your allergies. For blinds, use a handheld vacuum tool, a microfiber blind duster, or even an old sock over your hand wiping from side to side, starting at the top. Do not use water on wood blinds. 

6). Lampshades 

Lampshades can get pretty dusty and pet hair sticks to them. Use your vacuum’s dusting brush to gently remove dust or wipe off dust with a microfiber cloth. Slowly work your way around the lampshade, making slow passes with the vacuum attachment. Wipe paper or plastic shades with a microfiber cloth to remove dust. Carefully wipe the shade from top to bottom. Make long, slow strokes as you work your way around the lampshade. You can also use a regular lint roller to easily remove the dust of a fabric lampshade. Position it at the top of the lampshade and slowly pull it down the lampshade. Work your way around the shade to remove all of the dust.

7). Baseboards

Because baseboards are near the floor and often hidden from view behind furniture, they can become major dust collectors and go uncleaned. Baseboards can feel like an arduous deep cleaning task that involves a lot of crouching and scrubbing, but it doesn’t have to be. Use the dusting brush attachment on your vacuum to suck up the dust in hard-to-reach nooks and crannies without having to bend down. And if there’s any dirt or marks left after vacuuming, you can use a damp cloth to gently remove them and follow up with a dryer sheet to deter dust from gathering again.

8). Pet beds 

Pet beds are a prime spot for dust mites, pet hair, and dander. Made up of tiny microscopic skin flakes, pet dander is notorious for causing people to sneeze and sniffle, especially those who suffer from pet allergies. Once a week, launder any removable covers in hot water to kill dust mites and wash away dander. If you can’t remove the cover, use a vacuum with an attachment to pick up pet hair, dander, and allergens. You can also sprinkle baking soda on the bed and let it sit for at least 30 minutes before vacuuming it up. According to the American Lung Association, the best way to prevent allergies from flaring up around your pet is to keep Fido off of your furniture, fabrics, and carpets as much as possible and regularly vacuum/clean your furry friend’s bed to keep dust mites, dander, pet hair, and odors under control.

9). Houseplants

It doesn’t take long for dust to accumulate on houseplants. Dust on the leaves of a plant will reduce its ability to photosynthesize, which is how the plant feeds itself. A clean plant will be a healthier plant and healthy plants don’t get diseases and pest infestations. Periodically cleaning the leaves of your houseplants actually makes less work for you in the long run—and it will make your houseplants and home look better. Gently wipe leaves with a damp cloth or use a soft brush to sweep away buildup.  Rinsing plants in warm water is another way to get rid of dust as well as pests. Place small plants in the sink and larger ones in the shower. If your plants are really grimy, you can spray them with a diluted soapy water mixture and then rinse with lukewarm water (use about 1/4 tablespoon dish soap per one quart of water).  

10). Air filters

Allergy sufferers should be particularly diligent about regularly changing the air filter. Contaminants like dust, pet dander, pollen, and other particulates can saturate the filter, and the dust and dirt particles that it won’t be able to trap will recirculate throughout your home. This means dust and dirt will collect quickly and settle on surfaces. Chances are that if you notice more dust in your home than usual, it’s probably time to change the air filter. No one wants to live in a dusty home, but the worst part comes from breathing it in, especially for those with allergies, a weak immune system, or other respiratory issues.  

The takeaway

While you can never fully prevent dust in your home, regular dusting and vacuuming will help keep it to a minimum. Just remember to tackle the hidden dust spots mentioned above so that dust accumulation doesn’t become a health problem. And if you need some extra help with house cleaning chores, you can always call on the professionals at Clean Nation Company. 

Clean Nation Company 

Are you in need of house cleaning services in Spokane, Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, or Post Falls? Whether you are looking for cleaning help on a regular basis or just need a really good once-over, a cleaning service is not only practical, it can be a real game-changer, especially if you have a hectic schedule with little time leftover for tasks like cleaning house. The cleaning pros at Clean Nation Company are standing by and ready to get your home sparkling clean just the way you like it!

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