Does it seem like no matter how often you clean and vacuum, you’re fighting a losing battle with dust? Whether it’s the constant accumulation of dust bunnies under your beds, in closets or on tabletops, dust can be relentless. Dust worsens allergies, aggravating symptoms for you or your family members dealing with allergic reactions. Luckily, there are many ways to get the upper hand in your battle with dust.

What Are the Sources of Dust in Homes?

A big reason why dust can be so hard to get rid of is that it comes from a wide variety of internal and external sources. Indoor dust originates from pet dander, hair, cooking, bedding, clothing and in-home work projects. Dirty air commonly carries outdoor dust and enters homes through sources like leaky air ducts, open windows, and small exterior cracks.

How Can I Reduce Dust at Home?

While it may not be possible to eliminate dust completely, the good news is that there are a number of easy steps you can take to dramatically reduce dust in the home:

• Regularly change HVAC system filters: Dirty HVAC system filters can lead to the spreading of dust through the ductwork. Changing the filter on a monthly basis will help to keep clean, dust-free air circulating throughout your home, while also allowing your system to work more efficiently – which can lower your energy bills.
• Use doormats: Dust is frequently brought inside when people enter the home. To reduce dust tracking, invest in doormats and teach your family to thoroughly wipe their feet before entering. If you have a “mud-room,” it’s an excellent area for family and guests to enter and remove their shoes. Preventing dust from spreading to the rest of the house.
• Make pet grooming a top priority: While we love our cats and dogs, their dander and shedding of fur is a major dust source. Grooming your pets – even short-haired animals – on a regular basis will keep hair and dead skin cells – and the dust they produce – from accumulating. If you don’t have time to take your pets to the groomers, simply brushing their coat – outdoors of course – or giving them a bath will help cut down on their dust contribution. Another helpful step is to purchase the type of cat litter box that comes with a cover.
• Keep doors and windows closed: Most of us enjoy a refreshing breeze filtering through our homes, but the incoming air can also transport dust inside in the form of various pollutants. Door and window screens keep most bugs out, but they still permit the flow of pollutants into your home. If dust is a major concern in your home, your best bet is to keep your doors and windows closed as much as possible, particularly on windy days.
• Ramp up your housekeeping efforts: Frequent, thorough housecleaning will go a long way toward minimizing dust. Effective dust-prevention cleaning practices include mopping floors with a damp mop (the moisture will trap dust), dusting upholstery and blinds, washing pillows, removing clutter such as newspapers and magazines, and vacuuming a minimum of once a week – including under the beds. Vacuums are now available with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters that can trap the most minute dust particles.
• Consider removing carpeting: Carpeting holds dust that is then released into the air whenever someone walks across it. Hard-surface flooring materials such as wood, vinyl and tile will not trap dust – and many homeowners find that flooring is more attractive than carpeting and easier to clean. If you’re considering some home upgrades or a remodeling project, this could be a good idea to increase the comfort of your home.
• Use air purifiers: Air purifiers are small, portable units you can easily place in dust-prone areas inside your home. They typically consist of a fan that circulates the air and a filter that effectively traps dust particles. These machines can be especially helpful for family members who suffer from allergies. You can dramatically increase their comfort just by adding a purifier to their bedroom, especially at night.

Enlist the Services of a Professional Air Quality Services Provider

Another great way to reduce dust in the home is to contact the professionals at Haller Enterprises. Our wide assortment of residential contracting services includes comprehensive duct cleaning for your HVAC system. A thorough duct cleaning will prevent pet dander accumulation and dramatically reduce interior dust. During the colder winter months, you can enhance the air quality in your home by installing a whole-house humidifier. It replenishes moisture to the dry air that heating systems often deplete.