How to Win the Battle Against Dust

Ah, dust. No matter what you do, it seems the tiny particles of skin cells, dirt, pet dander and chemicals are always present—settling on the top of your furniture, floating through the air and covering family photographs in a light layer of fuzz.

But dust isn’t just an unsightly annoyance that your mother-in-law points out every time she stops by—it’s also a health hazard that can cause sneezing and irritation, and has even been linked to more serious conditions, including cancer and reproductive toxicity*. In other words: Don’t ignore the problem—especially since we spend an average of 90 percent of our time in indoor environments**. While you’ll never completely rid your home of dust, there are ways to prevent it from taking over your life.

Let this be the base of your dusting routine. The Filtrete™ Dual-Action Micro Allergen Plus 2X Dust Defense Filter attracts and captures unwanted air particles and allergens, allowing cleaner air to flow through your home. Though you don’t always see it hard at work, this filter—which should be replaced at least every 90 days for peak performance—can hold as much dust as 50 dusting wipes.

Dusting weekly is a good rule of thumb when it comes to keeping particles at bay. Use damp or oiled rags—as opposed to dry alternatives that aren’t as likely to trap dust—to wipe down hard surfaces.

While you’re vacuuming the carpet, the handheld attachment can be used to freshen up window treatments, and a compressed air can is great for removing dust from electronics, such as computer keyboards. Sheets, blankets and pillowcases should be washed at a temperature of 130°F or above to kill dust mites***.

There’s a debate about the order of which you should dust and vacuum your home. Some say dust first, allowing the vacuum to pick up particles that have been swept onto the floor. Others argue that vacuums inevitably kick up dust, so dusting should be done second. What’s a homeowner to do?

Try a combination of both! Start by dusting high surfaces, like ceiling fans and armoires, then break out the vacuum to clean the carpet. Finally, wrap up your routine with a dusting of lower surfaces, such as your TV stand or fireplace mantel.

• Invest in a good doormat with thick bristles. This will prevent guests from dragging in dirt from outside.
• Cut down on clutter. The fewer knick-knacks you have, the less surface space dust has to collect.
• Keep your furry friends clean. Regularly wipe down paws and brush to prevent shedding.
• Crack open a book. Revisiting the tales on your bookshelf can help clear out dust that has settled in the spine and on the pages.

* Environmental Science & Technology

** Environmental Protection Agency

*** Mayo Clinic