If you hate dust like I do, but hate cleaning it just as much, this post is for you!
Dust is made up of a variety of particles, including skin cells, hair, textile fibers, pollen, soil, and other debris from the environment. It can also contain pollutants such as pet dander, mold spores, and chemicals from cleaning products. So it’s pretty yucky stuff!
So what can we do to banish it now and stop it from coming back any time soon?
Here are my very best tips for keeping the dust at bay in your home.
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1. Use a top-down approach to cleaning and dusting
My number one tip for cleaning dust quickly and efficiently is to use a top-down approach.
When you dust, always begin high and then move down. That way, any falling dust gets cleaned as you go.
- Start with the ceiling. Use a microfibre cloth attached to a floor mop, or use your vacuum cleaner’s extension pole.
- Next tackle the ceiling fans and walls, and curtains, then furniture, windows and window sills.
- Finally, finish with baseboards and floors.
2. Use the ‘S’ motion
Rather than a circular motion when you dust, use an ‘S’ motion by moving from side to side as you move down. That way you don’t clean a surface more than once and there is less chance for dirt and dust to be redistributed back onto the surface.
3. Use microfiber cloths
Microfiber is the hands-down best choice for dusting in the most effective way. Microfiber has a unique ability to attract dust and hold it within its fibers.
Always start with a clean cloth and then fold it into quarters, using each side in turn. This keeps all the dust within the cloth, and you always have a clean portion to use.
Use as many cloths as you need. For a big spring-cleaning session, you will need several. Use them on each side once and then launder.
I always have a stash of cloths on hand. I find these cheap cloths to be perfectly fine.
4. Use a dry cloth (not wet or damp)
This is the number one mistake I see people making.
Always dust with a dry cloth. This is because microfiber cloths can only attract dust and hold it in its fibers when dry.
A wet or damp cloth will simply push it around, and it will take much longer to clean.
If you have sticky surfaces to clean, like sticky blinds, start with dry, then finish up with a wet cloth.
5. Stop the dust from coming back
Top stop dust coming back, swipe over with a dryer sheet. Do this after you have dusted with your dry microfiber cloth.
Dryer sheets reduce static on a surface so that it does not attract dust, but actually repels it instead.
You can reuse a sheet that has already been through the tumble dryer for this, or use a new one.
6. The most effective way to vacuum to reduce dust
To avoid dust from coming back into the air as you vacuum, make sure your vacuum has a HEPA filter.
A HEPA filter is a specific type of high-quality air filter that meets the HEPA filter standard, which is to remove at least 99.97% of particles from the air down to at least 0.3 microns in size.
HEPA filters help considerably to remove allergens from the air as you vacuum. They also prevent dust from redistributing back out and resting back on your surfaces. Which means you won’t have to dust your surfaces again so quickly.
Your HEPA filter will need replacing after 6 months to a year. Some HEPA filters are washable so do check the manual for your particular vacuum.
7. Wash bedding regularly
Bedding, including sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers, can accumulate dust, dead skin cells, and other allergens over time. By laundering bedding frequently, you can effectively remove these particles and create a cleaner sleeping environment.
To keep dust at bay, it’s recommended to wash bedding at least once a week in hot water to kill dust mites and remove any accumulated dust and allergens. Additionally, using a hot dryer cycle can further eliminate dust mites and their eggs.
8. Purify the air
Air purifiers can help eliminate dust, odors, pollen and general allergens. Get one with a HEPA filter for the best filtration.
We have this portable air-purifier by Winix. It is light and easy to move around the house, so every room gets the benefit.
9. Lower the humidity in your home
Dust mites thrive in humid environments, so controlling indoor humidity levels can help minimize their growth and the accumulation of dust.
One way to lower humidity is by using a dehumidifier, especially in areas of the home that tend to be more humid, such as basements or bathrooms.
A dehumidifier can help extract excess moisture from the air, creating a less hospitable environment for dust mites and reducing the overall humidity levels in the home.
Opening windows and using exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms can help reduce moisture build-up and prevent the proliferation of dust mites.
10. Remove shoes
Outdoor shoes can bring dirt, dust, and other particles from outside. By establishing a no-shoes policy indoors, you can significantly minimize the amount of dust and dirt that enters your home.
Providing a designated area for shoe storage near the entryway, such as a shoe rack or a designated shoe mat, to help everyone remember to remove footwear.
11. Use doormats at entryways to trap dust and dirt from shoes.
Placing doormats both outside and inside entry doors provides a designated area for people to wipe their feet.
Coarse-textured doormats placed outside can effectively scrape off larger particles of dirt and debris from the soles of shoes, while absorbent indoor doormats can capture finer dust and moisture.
Opting for doormats with rubber backing can prevent them from sliding and ensure they stay in place, maximizing their effectiveness in trapping dirt and dust.
Don’t forget to regularly shake out or vacuum your doormat to keep it working effectively.
12. Shut windows and doors
Keeping windows and doors closed during times of high outdoor pollen levels, windy conditions, or construction activities in the vicinity will help prevent dust and airborne particles from entering your home.
13. Replace HVAC filters
Over time, HVAC filters can become clogged with dust and debris, reducing their effectiveness.
It is recommended to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for filter replacement, which often suggest changing the filter every 1 to 3 months, depending on factors such as filter type, household occupancy, and indoor air quality.
14. Declutter
Decluttering and minimizing the number of items in your home can significantly reduce the number of surfaces where dust can accumulate.
Excessive clutter, such as knick-knacks, ornaments, and unnecessary items, creates more spaces for dust to settle and makes cleaning more challenging.
Consider donating, selling, or discarding items that are no longer needed or used, and aim to keep surfaces clear and easy to clean.
If you need help organizing and decluttering, I recommend following this lady for all the tips you need.
15. Keep your pet groomed
Regular grooming your pet, including brushing and bathing, will help reduce shedding and minimize the amount of fur and dander that circulates in the home.
16. Wash pet bedding and toys regularly
Washing pet bedding and toys regularly will also help reduce the accumulation of pet-related dust and allergens in your home.
Opting for washable and easily cleanable pet accessories.
