Dust bust your home

Do you ever feel like trying to rid your home of dust is something of a losing battle? Although there’s no way of permanently preventing dust balls from finding their way back behind doors and in nooks and crannies, here are some ways you can mitigate the situation.

Change sheets regularly

Dust is made up of a hodgepodge of particles including dirt, pollen, pet dander, cloth and paper fibres, as well as dead skin cells and hair that is often found on well-used bedding. Make a habit of washing sheets and pillow/quilt covers once a week on the hot setting to kill any lingering germs and dust mites.

Organize the closet

Clothes belong in the closet of course, but they are also a huge source of loose fibres ending up on the floor. Invest in simple organizational furniture like plastic drawers for socks and underwear, and keep suits, jackets and dresses in garment bags. When the seasons change, store items that you won’t be wearing for a few months in a suitcase or box. This has the added benefit of freeing up some always-welcomed space.

Consider hardwood or laminate

Carpeting is dust’s best friend, which loves to hang out in rug pile and shoot up into the air each time it’s trodden over. A much cleaner option is to rip out all the dust sheltering carpet and replace with hardwood or laminate flooring. If this is not an option, vacuum often — everyday if possible — and invest in a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Arrestance) filter equipped unit that can trap almost 100 per cent of tiny airborne particles.

Ditch the feather duster

Traditional feather dusters are good at doing one thing: moving dust from one spot to another. A better option is a Swiffer Duster that has a disposable head made up of fibres designed to trap dust rather than fling it around. A damp paper towel or Lysol Disinfecting Wipes will also do the trick.

Install a quality air purifier

Dysons or similar HEPA electronic air purifiers aren’t cheap, but they really do work. As air passes through the appliance, dust, smoke, chemicals, pollen and other allergens are removed. You will need one rated for the size of whatever room it’s going in, and most require regular filter changes to maintain peak efficiency.