7 Ways to Reduce Dust in Your Home or Office

You just dusted last week and yet there’s already a visible film of dust perched on that shelf, glistening as the sun beams in. Makes me want to sneeze just writing this. So why so soon after dusting? Is there anything we can do to reduce the amount of dust in your home or office?

Well first it might be good to know where dust comes from. Scientists in Arizona recently did a study on this and they found that most indoor dust comes from outdoors. In the study, David Layton and Paloma Beamer found that dust consists of a mix of dead skin shed by people, fibers from carpet and furniture, and tracked-in soil and airborne particles blown in from outdoors. You can read more about the science of dust here.

So what can we do about it? Is there a way to prevent dust, or at least slow it down?  Yes.  Here are 7 things you can do.

1. Reduce your knickknacks. The first idea here is that it’s easier to manage dust from the outset. A more minimalist living space is much easier to deal with when it comes to dust. I know. It’s hard for some to lose these little tokens of whatever. But these kitschy little mementos of mayhem are notorious for giving dust a place to gather.

2. Use allergen reducing covers. Those allergies of yours may not only be from changing seasons outside. Mites are mighty legendary for stuffing that nose of yours. Consider encasing your pillows (and maybe even your mattresses) in zippered, allergen-reducing covers. Wash them in hot water every several months.

3. Upgrade your doormats, and actually use them. Since most dust comes from outside and is dragged in, rid dust from its primary source. Invest in some industrial strength welcome mats with rubber backing at every door leading into your home.  

4. Use air purifiers. These really can limit dust before it settles. You can place these strategically in your most used living spaces for maximum benefit for indoor air quality.

5. Control the humidity in your home. The best percentage for humidity is in the 45% range. This reduces static, which tends to attract dust particles.

6. Upgrade your HVAC filters. Cheap filters aren’t effective in dust prevention. Spend a little extra and get filters, and when choosing them, look for a better “MERV” rating.

7. Lose the curtains. Hard surface blinds attract less dust and they’re easier to clean. If you simply love those curtains though, the best way to de-dust is to start high and work your way down. Try using the want attachment on your vacuum with the brush end and a low suction setting.

Hope this helps! Dust is an inevitable part of life and while there isn't away to completely rid ourselves of it, we can manage it and keep a much nicer living experience in the home or office.

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