How to get a handle on dust in the home
To Start getting a handle on all the dust inside your home we first must understand what causes dust build up, what dust is made of, and where it is most likely to settle.
What most people are referring to when they think of dust is made up of many things. The most common of these things are dirt, skin cells, hair, soot, pet dander, and other organic materials (i.e. mold, insects, fecal matter). Although, these debris are what can be the most common, there can be so much more in the air.
There are numerous contributing factors in dust build up. The following is a list of the most common build up issues most people battle inside their homes:
- Leaving windows and doors open- this allows pollen and insects into the home.
- Unclean filters in HVAC systems and dirty vacuum filters- A dirty filter is only going to blow dust around in the home.
- Buildup in HVAC ducts- Over time everyone’s Ducts build up dust and residue from particles missed by filters and particles from fuel oil heating.
- Improper dryer ventilation- If the ventilation for your dryer is not properly sealed, you will blow dust and dander around the home every time the dryer runs.
- Substantial amounts of human and animal traffic in and out of the home- Humans and pets are like magnets for dust dander and debris. The material attaches to clothing and hair/fur and will get brought inside on our bodies. We and our pets also shed hair and skin cells into the air at a high rate. With that the more people in and out of your home the more debris that will be in the air.
- Smoking and the use of candles- Smoking and the use of fire burnt candles inside of your home can create a buildup of soot and tar. Paraffin wax candles also release paraffin into the air that is grabbed onto by the dust in the air.
- Humidity levels- The higher the humidity in the house the thicker the air will be. When the air is thicker the more likely dust is to fall rather than float in the air.
The following is a list of the most common places in your home for dust to build up on a regular basis:
Linens- Curtains, clothing in closets, bed linens
Untouched surfaces- window sills, baseboards, molding
Flat surfaces- Tops of cabinets, shelving, TV stands
Toys- Stuffed animals, cloth dolls
Now that you know the main causes and where to look for dust lets go over some ways to get rid of, and maintain the dust build up.
- Having pets groomed and brushed often lessens pet dander in the air.
- Launder bed linens and curtains regularly.
- Shampoo carpets and steam clean furniture monthly.
- Upgrade and change air filters in both the HVAC system and your floor cleaning systems in accordance with your machines instruction.
- Vacuum all carpet and dust rooms often.
- Only run Humidifiers at low activity points of the day.
- Seal gaps in your windows and doors.
- Avoid wearing shoes inside the home.
- Keep air circulating throughout the home.
- Have duct worked cleaned.
- Invest in a good air purifying system.
- Use non-residue cleaners and microfiber dusting cloths.
- Wash stuffed animals.
- Steam clean mattresses
- Do not smoke or allow anyone to smoke in your home.
- Have adequate light in the home. Having light in the home allows you to see where dust may be hiding.
What health advantages are there to minimizing dust in the home?
- Dust particles can build up in the nasal cavity and lungs causing upper respiratory and sinus infections.
- Dust is a common allergen and minimizing it can lessen the allergic response making you more comfortable in your home.
- Large amounts of accumulated household dust can become a haven for dust mites. While dust mite bites are generally harmless, to those allergic their bites can cause itchiness, swelling, and pain. Dust mites are also very small and hard to identify. Dust mites are part of the same family as ticks.
- Asthma can be triggered by dust and the pollen and mold it collects. If you have an asthmatic family member or pet dust buildup could be a cause of asthma attacks of unknown origin.
- Can improve your mental health. Dusting is a visual accomplishment in your home. You can see the difference immediately. Instant gratification of an accomplishment and pride in the way your home looks are good for your mental health.
What are other advantages of removing dust in the home?
- Getting rid of the dust inside the home can improve the smell of the home. Dust contains mold and mildew. It also contains fecal matter. This buildup can cause a musty smell in the home.
- You can improve the look of your home. Buildup on shelves and corners can make your house look dirty when the home overall is clean.
If you would like to have some assistance in getting rid of the dust, giving Margie’s Cleaning a call is a must! We offer many services from weekly services to deep cleaning. You can give us a call at (513) 809-6185 or send us an email at Contact@margiescleaning.com. We look forward to hearing from you and look forward to helping you accomplish the cleaning goals for your home.
