Dust has frequently been identified in various studies as the number one cause of certain health issues related to the household. It has contributed to numerous cases of asthma, allergies, and respiratory problems in both children and adults. So, what can you do to reduce dust in your home?
The unfortunate reality is that even if we clean our homes regularly, dust is still present. It can enter through open windows and can even travel on the clothing and shoes of people who come into the house. But the first step in understanding how to alleviate the problem lies in understanding the nature of the problem itself.
The most common form of dust found in the home is dust mites, tiny bugs that live in household dust. Dust mites survive on the skin cells humans shed. In addition to upholstered furniture, dust mites are commonly found in rugs, carpets, and in the bedroom.
This is not a comforting visual, and although we cannot eliminate dust entirely, we can take measures and precautions to at least reduce or control it around our families. Naturally, engaging in frequent cleaning will help address the problem, and there’s no such thing as “too much cleaning” when there is evidence of a severe dust problem in the home.
Steps to Reduce Dust in Your Home
Keep in mind that closets are a popular location for dust, due to the fabrics of clothing stored in them. The fibers accumulate on your clothing and float in the air, coming into contact with the dust and spreading it everywhere. If you open a window on a nice day to let in some sunlight, it is not uncommon to see the dust floating in the air.
To avoid this, start by tidying up the floor of your closets to ensure you don’t miss any spots when vacuuming. If you’re storing clothing in the closets, consider using plastic containers during your cleaning process. Plastic containers lock in fibers and, more importantly, keep dust out. If plastic containers aren’t available, you can drape trash bags over clothing you don’t wear often (like seasonal clothing) while cleaning.
The cleaning accessories you use also matter. For example, when cleaning countertops and surfaces, it’s better to use a damp cloth rather than a feather duster, which is known to spread dust around instead of eliminating it. A damp cloth is ideal because the electrostatic force keeps the dust steady, making the removal process smoother.
Your bed may be the most comfortable piece of furniture in your home, but it can also contain a lot of dust. Whether due to fiber-shedding or the release of your own skin flakes, dust is released into the air every time you move on the bed.
Changing and cleaning your bedding weekly is a great way to reduce dust circulation. If your comforter or blanket doesn’t fit in the washing machine, shake it outside before returning it to the bed. The same principle applies to area rugs and cushions—beat and shake them outside your home. Additionally, plan to have them professionally cleaned approximately every six months to a year.
For homeowners with large amounts of carpeting, dust can be a significant problem because dust is attracted to carpets like a moth to a flame. Regular weekly vacuuming is necessary for carpet owners. Although it may be costly, investing in a vacuum with an allergen filtration feature is worth considering. An air cleaner is another great item to consider in your efforts to reduce dust. In the long run, these small investments can help create a healthier environment.
Remember, dust mites are essentially derived from household dust. They are more prevalent during the colder months when windows are kept closed.
Winter months contribute to an increase in dust mites because they remain active when we use the heater in the home. This is also the time of year when our skin becomes dry and sheds skin cells rapidly. Once dust mites form, they attach themselves to fabrics—mainly bedding—and float in the air. They can cause allergic reactions in children, so it’s especially important to vacuum children’s rooms regularly.
Children’s bedding should be washed in hot water and dried on a high setting. There are also mattress covers and pillowcases available that help keep dust mites away or reduce their impact on your home.
Another aspect to consider is the type of window coverings used in your home, which can trap dust mites. Blinds, which catch the most dust, should be wiped clean regularly with a damp cloth. If you have curtains, remember to wash and change them regularly.
Other places where dust mites are attracted include stuffed animals, children’s toys, picture frames, and even houseplants. Stuffed animals should be washed in hot water to avoid allergies, and be sure to wipe every surface where dirt may accumulate with a damp cloth.
As for the heating problem during winter, turn down the temperature as much as possible to prevent dust mites from thriving in the humidity. Even in the summer, you should eliminate humidity by keeping the air conditioning on. Reports show that dust mites thrive in humidity levels of 75-80%. It’s best to keep your home’s humidity between 35-50%. Investing in a dehumidifier and air filter system will help significantly solve the dust problem.
You can reduce dust in your home by being diligent about keeping the surfaces and air clean regularly. While there are great products on the market to help with this, in the end, it all comes down to you and how much effort you’re willing to put into addressing the issue.
