Dust in your home is inevitable, but if it seems like you are constantly breaking out the microfiber cloths and vacuum to keep up with particle buildup, you might have to consider making some lifestyle changes that go beyond cleaning frequency. Read on for seven dusting tips to tackle dust in your home—without actually dusting.
Guests removing shoes at your door isn’t just common courtesy—it’s a matter of creating a healthier environment. Shoes track millions of bacteria, germs, allergens and chemical-laden dust into your home.¹ Place doormats both outside and inside all doors as a reminder to visitors, and yourself, to take off shoes before coming in.
Of course we want to treat our pets like members of the family, but when it comes to grooming, that’s a labor of love that’s best done outside. Your dog’s coat is filled with dust, dirt, dander, pollen and other particles picked up in the backyard or on walks, and when you bathe and brush him, those particles are released into the air. In between grooming sessions, wipe your pet’s paws every time they come in from outside.
If dust buildup is becoming a big problem in your home, you may want to consider a renovation project: replacing all carpeting with hardwood or tile flooring. Even with diligent vacuuming—which can send dust particles into the air—carpet fibers can trap pollutants, allergens, dirt, dust and other particles. If your home already has hard-surfaced flooring and you use rugs, make sure they can easily be removed for regular cleaning.
Clutter isn’t good for your mental health—nor the Pinterest-worthy aesthetic you’re going for—but there’s another reason you want to kick an excess of tchotchkes, magazines and junk mail to the curb: Clutter is a magnet for dust because it provides more surface area for particles to land and accumulate.²
If you live in a dry climate, you may want to add a humidifier to your clean-air arsenal. While these machines don’t eliminate dust, they do make dust particles stick together and become heavier. This means they can’t remain airborne and they sink to surfaces that are easier to clean.
On a temperate, breezy day, it feels great to turn off your HVAC system and open the windows for some fresh air. While this is OK for short periods of time, you shouldn’t make it a frequent habit. Not only do open windows invite outdoor dust and other pollutants inside, but having your HVAC system turned off means dust isn’t being pulled in and trapped by your filter.
Your HVAC filter is designed to trap dust, pollen, dander and other debris, but in order to work efficiently, it must be regularly changed. Filtrete™ Smart Air Filters put maintenance on autopilot, using a Bluetooth-enabled sensor that monitors airflow and alerts you when it’s time for a replacement.
1. “Wearing Shoes in the House: ‘OK’ or ‘No Way.’” Cleveland Clinic. 2024.