All homes contain dust. This dust is typically a mixture of dead skin cells, pet dander, clothing fibers and dirt brought in from outdoors.
Dust naturally accumulates over time and can usually be easily removed by vacuuming regularly and dusting surfaces with a cloth. However, in some homes, dust can accumulate fast – so fast that it can be a nightmare to keep on top of it all. This dust won’t just make your home look attractive, but it could also potentially be a health hazard if you’re continuously breathing it in. This is because dust often contains bacteria, toxins, mold spores, allergens and other things that aren’t good for our bodies.
So just how do you keep on top of excessive dust levels? First, you need to understand where exactly all this dust is coming from. By tackling the source, you can often prevent dust from building up as fast. Below are just some of the potential reasons your home may be very dusty.
Your HVAC system needs cleaning
Dirty HVAC systems are a common cause of excess dust. Over time, dust builds up in a HVAC system’s air ducts, which is then pumped out around your home whenever the vents are on. By looking into air duct cleaning services, you can remove all dust from these ducts and greatly reduce the amount of dust being circulated around your home. Consider whether this is a service you need to schedule.
Your carpets need a deep clean
Carpets can harbor a lot of dust, which can get kicked up into the air every time you step over them. Vacuuming your carpets can help you to remove a lot of the dust, but you need to make sure you’re vacuuming every part of your carpet and that you’re doing it regularly so that dust is less likely to get trod in. Cleaning your carpets with a carpet cleaning machine occasionally can be worthwhile for getting rid of all the stubborn dust and dirt. You can buy your own machine to do this or hire a carpet cleaning service.
You’re not using a damp microfiber cloth
You should also consider your method of dusting. If you’re using a dry regular cloth to wipe surfaces, you could just be wiping the dust off into the air, only for it to eventually settle back in the same place. You’re much better off using a slightly damp microfiber cloth that will pick up the dust. You can then wash the cloth and get rid of the dust once and for all.
You wear shoes indoors
Our shoes pick up lots of dirt from outdoors, which can end up in our homes. Wiping your shoes on a doormat and taking them off before you walk indoors can help reduce the amount of dust entering your home. Consider whether it’s worth adopting a ‘no shoes in the house’ policy if you haven’t already got one in place.
Dust is coming in through your windows
Opening windows can help ventilate your home and can help dust to escape. However, it can also allow dust in. This could be particularly the case if you live near a busy road or directly next to fields. Opening windows and keeping blinds and curtains closed can help to catch a lot of this dust, however you need to make sure that you clean your curtains and blinds regularly. Another option is to keep windows shut when dust levels are at their highest (i.e. when a road is most busy or when a field is being ploughed).
Your pets are making your home dusty
Pets like dogs and cats shed a lot of hair and can also bring dirt in. Meanwhile, bedding used by animals like rodents can also produce a lot of dust. This is something that you have to largely accept if you have animals. Keeping your pets’ fur groomed and experimenting with different bedding may help to minimize dust.
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