Everyone’s heard before that dusting should definitely be a part of your cleaning routine. But, have you ever wondered why? Is dust really that bad? Keep reading for why it’s important to keep your home dust-free and 10 ways to help you do so.
Why Dust Can Be Harmful
Dust has varying effects on things like respiratory health and skin health. The type and size of the dust particle, along with how long a person is exposed to it, has an impact on how harmful it can be.
Different dust particles, that vary in size, can cause:
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Wheezing
- Difficulty breathing
- Irritation of the eyes
- Hay Fever
- Asthma attacks
- Throat irritation
- Skin irritation
- Reduced lung function
- Irritation of the airways
- Compromised air quality
Smaller dust particles can cause more significant problems than larger ones, as they can also enter the bloodstream and get deep into your lungs. For individuals with asthma or allergies, dust is especially not ideal in the home, as it can aggravate these conditions.
10 Ways to Keep Your Home Dust-Free
As you can see, for the sake of your health and your home’s air quality, it’s pretty important to make sure all those particles that make dust are as limited as possible. Fortunately, there’s lots of easy ways to discourage dust build-up in your home.
Keep Your Windows Closed
Surprisingly, opening your windows for fresh air actually increases the amount of dust in your home. This is because of the pollen, mold spores, and airborne pollutants that buildup on your windowsills. Just take a look at your windowsills now; there’s probably a nice coat of dust on them. So, unless you keep your windowsills sparkly clean at all times, keeping your windows closed will help alleviate this problem.
Of course, it’s always nice to open up your windows on nice days. So, when you do, try to thoroughly clean off your windowsills first and limit how often you open them.
Keep Your Pets Groomed
Pets can unfortunately create a lot of dust. This is because they have a lot of fur, and dead skin cells and hair are a primary source of dust. So, an easy way to cut back on the amount of dust in your home is to regularly groom your pets. Doing so will minimize the dead skin and hair from building up in your home. And, your pets will also appreciate it, too!
Use Doormats
Every time you or a visitor walk into your house, you can track a lot of dirt and other particles into your house. Dirt and other particles from outside are another primary source of dust, but you can eliminate a lot of that dirt you would normally track all throughout your house with doormats.
Use both exterior and interior doormats, especially the kinds with a bristly top, and really encourage everyone who enters your house to dust off their shoes first. Also be sure to wash and vacuum these mats regularly.
Wash Your Pillows, Not Just the Pillowcases
It’s always a good idea to wash your sheets and pillowcases weekly. However, even if you do, dust can still be trapped inside your pillows. This isn’t good, considering you lay your face on them every night!
Every so often, wash your pillows in the washing machine on a gentle cycle or by hand. You can also take them to the dry cleaners. Just make sure that however you get them clean, you use a mild detergent. This will help you rest and breathe easier throughout the night.
Wipe Your Home Down With a Damp Cloth
Did you know that just wiping everything down in your home with just a damp cloth or mop can eliminate up to 90% of dust in your home? You don’t even need any fancy cleaners or dusters, just water and a cloth, preferably a microfiber one. It will collect and hold the dust just fine. So, try to wipe down your blinds, counters, dressers, windowsills, and other spaces where dust collects with a damp cloth at least once a week.
Install an Air Purifier
Air purifiers are a great way to significantly reduce the amount of dust and other airborne particulate matter in your home. Installing an air purifier in your home alone can lead to improved sleep quality, improved air quality, decreased symptoms of asthma and allergies, and more. So, if you don’t have one already, be sure to invest in an air purifier.
Vacuum Regularly and Thoroughly
A good vacuum is one of the best tools you can have to keep dust at bay. Thoroughly vacuuming your home at least once a week will significantly decrease the amount of dust that buildups in your home. So, it’s important to invest in an effective vacuum cleaner and incorporate it into your weekly cleaning routine. If you have carpets especially, it may be wise to vacuum even more than once a week.
Clean Off Your Plants
You’d be surprised at how much dust your plants around the house collect! A thick layer of dust can be found on the leaves of many house plants. This isn’t just not ideal for your health, but this also hinders plants from absorbing light. So, every so often, use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe down both your live and artificial plants alike. Not only is it better for you, but also your plants.
Dust Frequently or Clear the Clutter
Clutter on top of cabinets and shelves inevitably collect dust. Though they look nice, all of the knick-knacks, souvenirs, decorations, and even books are primary dust-collectors. One way to eliminate some of the dust in your home is to either dust these objects frequently or try to clear off some of the clutter.
Give Your Area Rugs a Good Beating
Area rugs typically hold a ton of dust and dirt in them. So, one of the best ways to clean them is the old-fashioned way: take them outside and beat them. You can even get a rug beater, as they typically remove more dust than a vacuum.
Need Your Home, Business, or Rental Property Thoroughly Cleaned Without Harmful Chemicals?
Do you know what’s worse than dust? The toxic chemicals in many mainstream cleaners. That’s why our team at Kauai Green Cleaning Services will thoroughly clean your home, rental property, or business without the use of toxic chemicals. Our green cleaning methods will have your property thoroughly taken care of in the safest and most effective manner possible.
Be sure to take a look at our full list of services, and schedule your green cleaning today.
