5 Reasons Your House Is Dusty All The Time

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Cleaning more frequently won't entirely eliminate dust accumulation.

In addition to its unpleasing appearance, dust can cause significant problems for people who suffer from allergies and breathing difficulties.

Where is all this dust coming from, anyway? "Dust can be made up of various particles, like skin cells, hairs, fibers, pollen, and other stuff found in the environment," says Marla Mock, President of Molly Maid.

A gentle criticism of your housekeeping routine—it'sa not doing enough to keep dust accumulation at bay. Let's take a closer look at why your home stays dusty and what you can do about it.

Meet The Expert

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1. Humidity - High humidity in the air can cause dust particles to become airborne, making it easier for them to settle on surfaces and quickly accumulate.

Completely done with cleaning. We first need to tackle the main contributor to dust.

Infrequent Dusting

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Barcode says weekly dusting is fine, provided you "get with the times" and ditch the feather duster for a damp microfiber cloth. "Microfiber removes up to 99 percent of bacteria on surfaces and can be used without spraying furniture polish," she says. Just make sure the cloth is not too wet, or you'll leave streaks on surfaces.

When dusting a room, Mock recommends working from top to bottom. This way, all the dust particles will fall to the floor, allowing you to easily vacuum and/or mop them up. It's a good idea to dust before you clean the floors, to avoid making extra work for yourself.

Poor Airflow

Dirt tends to accumulate more easily in homes that don't have good airflow. Besides opening windows to let in some fresh air, consider flipping on ceiling fans. Just be sure to clean the fan blades beforehand to prevent stirring up more dirt in the air. If your home has a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, clean out the air vents or use a vacuum with a brush attachment to prevent circulating dust particles through the air.

Outside Factors

When you come home, outdoor debris such as pollen, dust, and pollution are probably tagging along on your clothing and shoes.

"High-traffic areas of the home, such as entryways, tend to get dusty quickly because lots of people and pets are always coming and going, carrying dirt and pollen from outside that contributes to the dust piling up," says Mock. A welcome mat can help pick up some of the dirt from your feet, but Mock suggests taking off your shoes before entering to help keep the dust out.

Mock also suggests using air purifiers equipped with HEPA filters to trap outdoor dust particles, especially if you have allergies or respiratory issues.

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Drafty Windows and Doors

We often talk about how drafty homes can be inefficient energy-wise, but there's another issue here - leaky windows and doors can actually be letting dust into your home. "Make sure all the doors and windows in your home are properly sealed," Mock recommends, "otherwise dust is literally getting in through the gaps."

HVAC System Issues

It's crucial to maintain a good line of defense against dust. Mock advises replacing HVAC filters every three to six months if you're in a pet-free home. But if you have pets or allergy issues, you should swap them out every two months instead. If your indoor air quality remains a problem, consult with a heating and air professional to see if it's time to clean out the air ducts.

Keeping a very clean environment, free from dust, involves several steps. Regular dusting is a must, but it's equally important to improve air circulation, maintain your heating and cooling system, and seal any gaps around windows and doors. While a cleaner space is definitely more visually appealing, the main benefit is creating a healthier home environment that won't trigger allergy issues or breathing problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I dust my house to minimize dust accumulation?

Regularly clean with a dry or damp microfiber cloth weekly. Best to do this before vacuuming or mopping the floor, since the dust will just fall to the floor as you're cleaning.

Are there any particular steps I can take to minimize dust from carpets and furniture?

Captures 99.97 percent of dust and other flying particles.

How frequently should you clean or replace your HVAC system's air filters?

The frequency of replacing the air filter depends on the type of filter it is. According to Mock, you may need to replace it every three to six months. If you have pets or allergies, it's recommended to replace it every two months. If even a clean filter isn't helping with dust, consider consulting an HVAC professional.

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