How to Reduce Dust in Your House

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Jul 22, 2016

How to Reduce Dust in Your Home

Dust can include fine particles of animal fur, dead skin, pollen, fine soil particles, paper and clothing fibres among others. A high level of dust accumulation can make surfaces in your home unappealing, and it can cause asthma and allergies in some people. Common symptoms that occur in dust allergies include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and difficulties in breathing. Dust also comes with dust mites which worsen allergies and cause itchiness. The proteins in dust mite droppings are often responsible for the allergies triggered by dust, and the effect of the droppings continues even after the death of the dust mites. Unfortunately, no matter how much you clean, dust keeps on accumulating each day. You cannot completely keep dust away from your home, but here are various things that you can do to reduce dust.

Filter Your Air

By installing and running an air conditioning system with high-quality filters you can help prevent the dust from building up in your home. Ensure you change the filters regularly to improve air filtration and reduce dust levels in the air.

Change Your Bedding

Regular changing and cleaning of bedding should be carried out at least once a week. This habit will eliminate dust mites, which often stay within mattresses, sheets, and pillows. You could also encase your mattress in a dust-proof cover to prevent surface accumulation of dust. 

De-clutter Your Floors

You should not leave books, toys, clothing, or magazines to pile up on the floor as this attracts unnecessary dust. It is best to  re-arrange them appropriately in a shelf or cupboard.  

Sweep, Mop, and Vacuum Your Floors Regularly

Do not underestimate the power of your regular broom! Sweep regularly and mop the floors after sweeping. You should also vacuum your floors at least once a week with a vacuum that has a high-efficiency particulate filter, which will ensure more dust is sucked up. It is also advisable to always change the vacuum’s filters for better dust filtration. Also, ensure that the vacuum is in good condition to avoid possible spit outs of vacuumed dust. A Rug Doctor machine could also be used to get deep down into the carpet fibres with its unique vibrating brush for a through clean.  These carpet cleaning machines are available for hire from supermarkets and leading hardware stores nationwide. 

Dust the Indoors Using a Microfiber Cloth and Beat Rugs and Pillows Outdoors

Feather dusters offer very little help in dust removal. Instead, they just unsettle the dust temporarily before it settles again on other surfaces. It is advisable to use a moist piece of cloth to wipe dusty surfaces. Alternatively, you could use a microfiber cloth. Beat dusty pillows, doormats, and rugs outside to prevent the dust from settling on your indoor surfaces. 

Adopt a Top-to-Bottom Cleaning Approach

Clean high surfaces first and continue downwards to the floor. This approach ensures that any dust on higher surfaces does not fall onto the lower surfaces.  

Clean the Pets Regularly

Pets often shed their fur, which contributes to dust accumulation. Always clean your pets regularly.

Remove Shoes

Make your home a shoe free zone.  Ask guests to remove their shoes prior to entering your home to reduced dirt and dust being carried in.

Gina Gibbs

Author: Gina Gibbs

Gina is the Business Manager at Rug Doctor NZ. With over 20 years at Rug Doctor, she's dedicated to helping New Zealanders keep their homes clean and healthy. Outside of work, Gina enjoys hiking, reading, and enjoying Vietnamese and Asian fusion cuisine. Oh, and let's not forget her expertise in cleaning up after everyone, especially her two kids!