How to get rid of dust in your home

Did you know hundreds of thousands of dust mites can live in bedding, mattresses, upholstered furniture, carpets, or curtains in your home? Gross, right? Furthermore, dust mites’ body parts and droppings are one of the major triggers for persons with allergies and asthma (via the American Lung Association). This is why it’s essential to protect your family and reduce dust in the house. 

You’ll need to do several things to reduce dust and dust mites in your home. Here are some tips for getting rid of dust. 

1. Minimize clutter

Yes, it sounds like a given, but we’re here to remind you one more time! Having less clutter means having fewer spaces for dust bunnies to form. Make time to organize clothes, toys, and various knickknacks. Organize your desk because it’s essential to have a clean study area or workspace. You can also recycle or donate things you don’t have use for anymore. 

2. Clean linen and furniture where dead skin can accumulate

This includes deep-cleaning your mattress, couches, and chairs. Wash your bedsheets, blankets, and pillow sheets, as these come into contact with skin more often. 

To keep dust from collecting under beds, make sure your floor is clutter-free, and make it a habit to put shoes away in your closet after using them outdoors. You can also attach a bed skirt to your bed. Just make sure to wash it regularly, along with your bedsheets and other linen.  

3. Opt for hardwood or tile floors instead of carpets

Opting for hardwood or tile floors makes it easier to remove dust by mopping, sweeping and vacuuming. If you have carpets in the house, clean them regularly to minimize dust accumulation. When vacuuming, make sure to use a vacuum with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.

4. Use door mats and remove shoes when entering the house

The same goes for coats and hats. A lot of dust in the house comes from the outdoors, so removing outdoor gear when entering means less dust. You can opt to have “house only” shoes and slippers and set up a shoe rack, so the rest of the family knows where to put their shoes. As for your door mats, make sure to clean them with a hand vacuum every few days. 

5. Invest in an air purifier 

Do air purifiers help remove dust? Good Housekeeping says air purifiers capture particles like dust, smoke, and pollen. While air purifiers can help remove dust in the air, it’s important to do your research before purchasing one. Not all air purifiers are effective.

6. Wipe surfaces with a damp cloth

Wipe dust off furniture, frames, and fixtures using moist paper towels or cloth. You could also try a microfiber hand duster. However, be careful with using a duster, as it might just end up redistributing dust.

7. Pay special attention to doors and windows

How do you stop dust from coming through windows and doors? As much as possible, keep them closed, especially if you live near a busy or traffic-prone street. There’s also the option to install a dust screen on your windows to prevent dust buildup. 

8. Make sure to dust hard-to-reach areas

Have you dusted behind the refrigerator recently? How about the ceiling fan blades or your air conditioner? Most of us tend to forget these areas simply because we don’t see them often. It’s important to clean these areas regularly as well. 

9. Groom your pets outdoors

Unfortunately, our beloved pets’ fur contributes to dust formation. Don’t worry; you can bathe your dogs or cats, trim their nails, and brush their fur outdoors. Bathing sessions can be more enjoyable for your pets in the yard than in the bathroom!

10. Wash your hands frequently

Make it a habit. Teach kids in the house to do this, too, especially before eating. Regular hand washing not only keeps germs away but also removes dirt and other debris that can easily be transferred to surfaces. 

Need some help removing dust from your home? 

Airtasker is here to help with all your dusting and home cleaning needs! If you simply do not have the time to clean your home, it’s time to hire some help. All you need to do is put up a task, and you will be able to connect with rated and reviewed house cleaners near you. 

For a closer look at what to expect from cleaning services, check out our house cleaning cost guide.