One of the most labor-intensive household chores is dusting. For the simple reason that as soon as you clean, it seems to magically reappear. Dust isn’t just annoying; it’s also harmful to your health, especially if you have allergies or respiratory problems. There are certain things that can help, such as using a HEPA filter, cleaning frequently, ensuring good airflow in your home, and ensuring that no external factors interfere.
“Dust can be composed of various particles, such as skin cells, hair, fibers, pollen…”
While proper house cleaning is essential, there are other factors that can be detrimental to our homes. According to Marla Mock, president of Molly Maid, “Dust can be composed of various particles, such as skin cells, hair, fibers, pollen, and other environmental materials.” So, it’s something that’s always present. We can avoid its impact, but keep in mind that without constant cleaning, dust will simply continue to increase.
There are some tricks that can help reduce the amount of dust in your home. In addition to regular cleaning, you can use a microfiber cloth, preferably a damp one. Wipe it over all areas of your home, as this microfiber tool helps capture and concentrate dust, instead of spreading it through the air.
Dust can be very difficult to manage, and even leaky windows and doors could contribute to the dust problem
And ventilation, in any case, is also important. As we noted before, dust can be very difficult to manage, and even leaky windows and doors could contribute to the dust problem. “Check all the doors and windows in your home to make sure they’re properly sealed,” says Mock.
The screens that filter air in HVAC systems such as air conditioners can easily become filled with dust
On the other hand, cleaning ventilation filters can also be essential to keeping the environment cleaner. Although we may not realize it, the screens that filter air in HVAC systems such as air conditioners can easily become filled with dust over time. Sometimes, they may even malfunction because of this.
In this regard, experts recommend changing HVAC filters every three to six months in pet-free homes. If you have pets in the home or if a family member suffers from allergies or other respiratory difficulties, it’s advisable to replace them every two months.
Keep windows closed most of the time or use insect-proof screens to prevent dust and other pollutants
Another place where dust can accumulate most is on curtains, blinds, pillows, and other textiles. Therefore, it’s important to dust, clean, and wash these surfaces regularly. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid damaging the objects. Another important way to keep dust at bay is to keep windows closed, especially in spring when pollen can more easily enter our homes. It’s essential to keep windows closed most of the time or use insect-proof screens to prevent dust and other pollutants from entering the home from outside.
Additionally, as Marla Mock says, “High-traffic areas of the home, like entryways, tend to accumulate dust quickly because it’s an area frequented by people and pets who bring in outside particles like dirt and pollen, which contributes to faster buildup.”
In this regard, experts also recommend keeping just the right amount of necessary items at home, rather than accumulating too much. The more things you have in your home, the more room there is for dust to travel freely. All furniture, household goods, and other items in a home become covered in dust over time, so reducing the number of items on display can help prevent the buildup of dust. Maintaining the humidity in your home is also important, as drier environments are more likely to experience dust accumulation.
