17 Surefire Ways to Reduce Dust in Your Home

17 Surefire Ways to Reduce Dust in Your Home

Does it feel like no matter how often you clean your home, you still have a dust problem? Household dust is one of those things we all have to deal with. It’s made up of a complex matrix of pollen, hair, dead skin cells, dust mites, insect carcasses, insect feces, textile fibers, paper fibers, soil minerals, and other materials in the local environment.

By reducing dust in your home, you can improve indoor air quality, which is crucial if you or someone in your home suffers from asthma, allergies, or other respiratory problems. Minimizing dust can also prolong the life of furniture, appliances, and household electronics.

Keeping your home as dust-free as possible starts with regular weekly cleaning. The following 18 suggestions will help keep your home clean, comfortable, and as free of dust as possible:

1). Create a Daily Cleaning Routine

When it comes to dust, prevention is the best cure. Create a daily cleaning routine and adhere to it as much as possible. Sure, you might miss a day now or then because you’re tired from work or afterschool activities, and that’s fine. Just make sure you pick up where you left off the following day so that dust doesn’t get out of hand.    

2). Dust and Wipe Down Surfaces

One of the best ways to reduce dust in your home is to clean it away. Microfiber cloths or microfiber cleaning tools are great for removing tiny dust particles. Also, be sure to clean those commonly overlooked places that attract dust or cobwebs, such as blinds, baseboards, floor and ceiling corners, closet floors, light fixtures, lampshades, etc.

3). Keep Windows Closed

Opening your windows for fresh air adds to your household’s dust. Pollen, mold spores, and airborne pollutants all enter through doors and windows, resulting in significant buildup on windowsills. On windy days, especially, keep the windows closed to minimize the problem.

4). Damp Mop and Dust

The combination of damp mopping and dusting will eliminate about 90 percent of your home’s dust, and plain water is just about as environmentally friendly as it gets.  A damp microfiber cloth or mop captures and holds dust, which can then be rinsed down the drain.

5). Vacuum Regularly 

Keep dust at bay by investing in a good vacuum cleaner. A thorough vacuuming once or twice a week will go a long way towards eliminating dust. Using a vacuum with a HEPA or high-efficiency particulate air filter will safely trap dust and other allergens inside the machine and keep them from being released back into the air. In addition to vacuuming your floors, you should also vacuum your curtains, upholstered furniture, and other textiles for a less dusty home. 

6). Use Door Mats

Small dirt particles are a component of dust, which is tracked into the house whenever visitors enter from the outside. Use welcome mats and walk-off mats to prevent dirt from traveling farther into your home. Wash or vacuum the mats regularly to prevent buildup.

7). Beat Area Rugs

One of the best ways to get rid of dust and dirt on area rugs is to take them outside and beat them, just like in the old days. Rug beaters, which come in rattan, wire, or plastic versions, typically remove more dust than vacuuming. 

8). Eliminate Static 

Static electricity builds up inside your home when the rooms are dry. Dust is attracted to it and clings to surfaces. An effective way to eliminate static is to install a humidifier in your home, either a whole-house unit or a room unit. Ideally, you should aim for relative humidity levels between 40 and 50 percent throughout your home to eliminate static and reduce dust levels.

9). Invest in an Air Purifier

Consider investing in an air purifier. Air purifiers constantly scrub dust and particulates, which are unhealthy.  An air purifier circulates the air in a room, and as it draws in the air, it also pulls in all of the tiny particulates floating in it, including dust. The particles become trapped when the air passes through the HEPA filter. Air purifiers come in various shapes and sizes, from whole-house units to small, portable single-room models. 

10). Increase Pet Care

If you have pets, you know the struggle of keeping your home clean. Not only do you have to deal with regular dirt and dust, but you also have to worry about pet hair and other debris your fur babies track in. If you or your family suffer from allergies, it’s especially important to minimize pet hair, dust, dirt, and allergens. 

• Wipe your pet’s paws before they enter the house  
• Brush your pets at least once a week 
• Use a robot vacuum cleaner 
• Put washable covers on your furniture 
• Wash your pet bedding regularly 

11). Have Your Air Ducts Professionally Cleaned

If you find that you are cleaning daily and then some, you may be wondering why you have so much dust and dirt buildup everywhere. The culprit could be dirty air ducts within your walls and HVAC system. Cleaning your ductwork will help reduce airborne dust and accumulation, purifiy the air, and leave a cleaner home environment.  

12). Change Air Filter Regularly

One of the most important ways to minimize dust buildup in your home is to change the filter monthly. By using an air filter, you can keep the air clean and prevent dust from blowing back into your home.  

13). Clear the Clutter

Collectibles and knick-knacks on shelves and in curio cabinets attract a lot of dust. These items are often difficult to reach, which means they don’t get cleaned as regularly as they should be.  Do some editing if you can, or be vigilant about regularly dusting. 

14). Change Bedding Weekly

Bedding fibers not only produce dust but capture dead skin particles from your body while you sleep. Keep your bedroom dust-free by washing your sheets once a week and your blankets, comforters, and mattress pad once every month or two. 

15). Limit Textiles

Textiles not only capture and hold dust but also create it. You can minimize dust by limiting the number of throw pillows, blankets, and other textiles you place on your bed and furniture. In addition, choose window coverings that are less dust-attracting, such as roller shades, roman shades, or valances, which can be easily wiped down or dusted.

16). Remove Shoes Before Entering

The soles of your shoes collect all kinds of debris. Avoid bringing dust and dirt from the outside into your home by removing shoes at the door when entering the house. A group of environmental chemists who study what kinds of contaminants people are exposed to in their homes found that wearing your outside shoes inside won’t just mess up your carpet; it is scientifically gross.

17). Wipe Down Houseplants

Houseplants collect a lot of dust. This dust is not only unsightly and unhealthy, but a layer of dust hinders a plant’s ability to absorb sunlight. Use a microfiber cloth on plant leaves to brush off the dust. A mixture of milk and water can also be used to keep leaves shiny, so don’t be afraid to rub a bit of it on the leaves after you clean them. 

It is impossible to eliminate every speck of dust from your home, but following the above tips will greatly reduce it. In addition, you may want to consider hiring a professional cleaning service to help you dust and clean.

Whether you prefer a one-time deep clean or recurring cleanings weekly or bi-monthly, Clean Nation Company’s professional cleaners will leave your home spotless and ready for your family to enjoy. We 100% guarantee our services, and all of our cleaners are background-checked, bonded, and insured.

What we offer:

• Over 50 years of combined experience in the cleaning industry
• Recurring and one-time cleanings
• Flexible Scheduling
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• Licensed, bonded, and insured
• Customized cleaning solutions
• Quick response times
• Emergency Cleanings
• Electrostatic Spray disinfection
• Highest standard of clean
• 100%  satisfaction guarantee
• OSHA, HIPAA, EPA, CDC, compliant
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Call (509) 217-4729 for more information about our quality services or to schedule cleaning for your home or business. Request a free estimate now! Our Inland Northwest service area includes Spokane, Spokane Valley, Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls, Liberty Lake, and surrounding communities.

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