Why Is My House So Dusty? How To Reduce Dust in Your Home

Are the dust bunnies having a party in the corner? Are you tired of constantly cleaning dust inside your home? While you can’t stop dust entirely, there are several things you can do to help limit dust problems. From changing furnace filters to cleaning your ducts, here are the most effective ways to get rid of dust.

How To Get Rid of Dust

1 . Dust Regularly

The easiest way to get rid of dust in your house is to dust regularly. Wipe furniture and knick-knacks with a microfiber cloth once a week. Wash your walls, baseboards, and cabinets monthly with a damp cloth. Clean the tops of cabinets, ceiling fan blades, and behind appliances every two to three months.

2. Take Off Your Shoes

It may seem surprising, but you can track in a lot of dirt and dust on your shoes. Taking them off before you enter your home can significantly reduce the amount of dust you track inside. Also, keep a heavy welcome mat outside to wipe your feet before entering.

3. Replace Your Furnace Filter Often

Another way to slow down the spread of airborne dust is to regularly replace the air filter in your furnace. At the very least, replace it once every three months. But consider changing it more often if you have pets or your home gets really dusty.

4. Clean Vent Covers

You can also help get rid of dust by cleaning your vent covers. Dust can build up on your vent covers and then spread through your home with your furnace or air conditioner kicks on. Use the brush attachment for your vacuum or a wet cloth to wipe away dust.

5. Keep Windows and Doors Closed

You can also help limit dust by keeping your windows and doors closed. Air is full of pollen, dirt, and other tiny particles that will only worsen your dust problem. The best time to open windows and let in fresh air is thirty minutes after it rains because the water pulls most of the dirt out of the air.

6. Vacuum Carpeting

Unfortunately, carpet attacks and holds on to dust, so vacuum at least once a week. If you have pets or a large family, consider vacuuming more often. Also, consider getting a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to help reduce dust particles in the air.

7. Sweep Floors

Since dust bunnies will gather in corners and under furniture, sweep solid floors every three to four days. However, you may need to clean high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms more often, especially if you have pets.

8. Change Your Sheets

Beds are one of the most common places for dust, so change sheets and bed linens every week. Sweep or vacuum under your bed at least once a month and vacuum your mattress every six months. Wash your duvet cover and blankets once a month and your comforter every three months.

9. Clean Your Pillows

When you change your sheets, remember to clean your pillows too. Remove your pillow case and shake out the pillow outside. Some pillows are machine washable, so check the care instructions on the label. If you have a dust mite problem, you can take care of the problem by putting your pillow in the freezer during the day. Warm it up and fluff it in the dryer before going to bed.

10. Shake Out Rugs and Floor Mats

Take rugs and floor mats outside and shake them out at least once a week since they can hold onto a lot of dirt and dust. This way, you won’t track through your house just walking around.

11. Groom Pets Outside

Pets are a major contributor to dust, so grooming them outside with help get rid of dust. It’s also helpful to groom them on a blanket and wear an extra layer of clothes. Once you finish, toss that outer later and the blank right into the washing machine to keep hair and dander from spreading inside your house.

12. Use an Air Purifier

If you have severe dust problems, a dust allergy, or are concerned about indoor air quality, consider using an air purifier. With regular use, they can decrease dust and limit allergy symptoms. Change the filter on your purifier regularly to keep it working at peak performance.

13. Have Your Ducts Professionally Cleaned

Lastly, cleaning your air ducts will remove dust buildup inside your HVAC system. Professional duct cleaning will not only remove contaminants like dust but also keep your HVAC system working efficiently.

Where Does Dust Come From

Unfortunately, dust exists everywhere. Most household dust is made up of human skin cells that naturally flake off. Other sources of dust include pet and human hair, animal dander, and dirt from the outside. However, almost anything can turn into dust over enough time.

The most common components of dust are:

• Dead skin cells
• Pet dander
• Hair
• Food crumbs
• Smoke particles
• Fabric and carpet fibers
• Dirt
• Sand
• Pollen
• Other airborne particles

Why Is There So Much Dust in My House?

The biggest reason for having a lot of dust in your house is the number of people and pets. Dander, hair, and skin flakes all contribute to higher dust levels. Other factors include how often you clean, whether you keep your windows open frequently, and how often you replace the filter in your furnace.

Is Dust Bad for You?

Dust can be bad for you, especially if you have severe allergies or respiratory conditions. Although unproven, it is thought that frequent dust exposure can lead to asthma, chronic bronchitis, and other lung disorders.

What Are the Symptoms of Dust Inhalation?

Common dust allergies or inhalation symptoms include sneezing, stuffy nose, red or itchy eyes, wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.

• Sneezing – Breathing dust can lead to mild to moderate sneezing fits, even if you do not have allergies.
• Congestion – Frequent dust exposure can cause a stuffy or runny nose or even chest congestion.
• Eye irritation – Other common symptoms from dust include red, puffy, itchy, or watery eyes.
• Breathing issues – Prolonged exposure to dust can result in mild to severe trouble breathing or even asthma-like symptoms.
• Itchiness – People with sensitive skin are prone to excessive itching when around a lot of dust.
• Allergies – Dust allergies are fairly common. They can trigger any of the above symptoms over even skin rashes or more severe symptoms.

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