Here are some easy ways to deal with dust and prevent it.
This time of year, dust can be a huge problem. Most of us have spent the last few months crammed in our homes with lots of pets, people, and dust mites. We have been bringing in dirt on our shoes and have ash on the hearth of the fireplace. Dealing with dust can feel overwhelming. Not only is it a cause of allergies, but it also doesn’t really add to a lovely, welcoming home. Here are some easy ways to deal with dust and prevent it.
Easy Ways to Deal with Dust
Tips for dealing with household dust include changing linens, cleaning up dust rather than spreading it, dusting top to bottom, replacing filters, and minimizing clutter.
Don’t spread the dust.
Many people like to use feather dusters to clean dust off surfaces. While they can be handy for going around small knick-knacks, they often just spread dust around rather than actually clean it. Later, the dust settles back onto these objects. Instead of using a feather duster, use a microfiber cloth or duster that traps the dust and dirt. Additionally, using a good polish can help minimize surface dust from flying around. I recommend Method brand polish.
Dust from top to bottom.
Many people dust at eye level, and then dust higher shelves and baseboards at random. To dust most effectively, work from the top to the bottom. This means that any dust you knocked loose while cleaning the higher shelves will be cleaned as you move down to the lower furniture, eventually to the baseboards and floor.
Minimize clutter in your home.
One way to keep dust out is to not have places for it to settle or hide. You can do this by minimizing clutter in your home. A minimalist decor style is easier to clean. You don’t have to live with bare walls or no knick-knacks at all, but you should consider if something is easy to clean when you buy it. Also, consider if you actually need it to avoid adding to clutter.
Change linens regularly.
Most of us know that dust mites live in our linens, especially in our bed. Changing out your linens frequently, such as once a week, can really help keep dust to a minimum. In addition to changing your linens, make sure you wash and dry your pillows as well. Also, vacuum and clean valances and drapes at least once a month as they tend to really gather dust.
Vacuum on a regular schedule.
Vacuuming is an incredible way to control dust. You can vacuum carpets as well as hard floors. Use your attachments to get into corners and reach dusty areas. Vacuum attachments are also excellent for reaching places that are too high for you to get to with a rag.
Use a Micro-Fiber Mop
To clean wood and tile floors, use a microfiber mop or a Swiffer to pick up dust and dirt. If the floors are especially dirty, you may want to sweep or vacuum first, then follow up with the microfiber mop to get the fine dust that remains.
Consider having less carpet in your home.
Carpet is lovely and warm on floors, but it can also be a massive trap for dust. This is especially true if you have animals. If you or a loved one has allergies, consider avoiding carpet in most rooms. If it’s already installed, consider having it taken up and replacing it with something else.
Replace filters.
Replace the air filters in your home regularly, and they will do a better job of trapping dust. Filters are often found on furnaces and uptake vents, and air conditioners, so make sure you check them several times a year.