Dust is a nice word for a relatively gross substance; it is a culmination of skin cells, bug feces, bug pieces, pet dander, dirt, fibers, spider webs and more. There is even some evidence to suggest that dust contains PBDE, a fire retardant substance used in many different electronics and have been known to have a toxic effect on liver and thyroid in lab rats. However, you look at dust one thing is clear most people do not want it in their homes!
- Fabrics are virtual dust magnets, which means the more fabric you can do away with the fewer problems you will have with dust. Exchange upholstered furniture for leather or wood, curtains for mini-blinds and carpet for vinyl or wood flooring. If this sounds like a bit extremist, perhaps it is but if you are dealing with dust allergies and such the more dust you can prevent the better! Many people prefer to start with small items such as drapes and fabric lamp shades and move up to the larger changes, as they are needed.
- If you have a number of pretties around the house, you know they are the first items to begin collecting dust. Figurines, mantle clocks, pictures and such tend to get dust down in tiny grooves and crevices. Once you have cleaned these items thoroughly you can keep dust to a minimum on some of these items by placing them in a glass case such as a curio cabinet.
- Central heat and air units or furnaces have at least one filter, some have multiples, and choosing the right filter will help get rid of some dust in your home. One of the best filters on the market is the HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air). These filters are known for trapping the tiniest particles of dust and debris to give you cleaner air. You can also have an electrostatic filter system installed in your ductwork but they are very expensive! Let your tolerance to dust be your guide when it comes to choosing your air filter.
- It goes without saying that in order to get rid of dust you must clean but there are definitely a few better ways to do so. Now, there are two schools of thought for cleaning and dusting, some will say vacuum before you dust others will insist the opposite is best. The truth is either way will work, but if you are extremely heavy on dust, you may want to knock it all off the walls and surfaces first. For routine cleaning, either method is equal.
- Do you give much thought to the type of cloth you use to dust with? Many people have a handy bag of rags from old towels, wash cloths and tee shirts, but if you would like to trap the dust instead of pushing it around choose an electrostatic cloth. If you do not have one of these around the house, you can dampen your cloth before dusting.
- Mopping surfaces is a must but some wooden floors do not take well to water, which leaves you with the option of dry mopping. Dry mops are not as effective generally but if you do it every day, you will get the majority of the dust. Another option is to spray your dust mop lightly with dusting spray such as pledge.
