Getting rid of dust keeps our living spaces clean and healthy, but have you ever wondered where all that dust comes from?Dust is made up of many different particles.Some of those sources probably won't surprise you, but others are a little gross.We'll answer your most common questions about household dust and give you some helpful tips on how to control it.
Step 1: The main culprits indoors are fabric fibers.
Dust is created by decay and organic matter.Carpets, bedding, and furniture are not normally considered to be actively decaying, but they are.Humans accumulate dust from dead skin cells.Pets with dead skin and fur tend to be big contributors.Dust is created by plants and insects.
Step 2: The majority of indoor dust comes from outside.
Sand, rock, and eroding soil are some of the most common sources of outdoor dust.Other air pollutants are also factors.We keep a record of that stuff back indoors whenever we go outside.Open windows, loose door and window fitting, and unsealed structural gaps are some of the places where outdoor dust gets in.
Step 3: It's possible that you need to replace the air filter.
Air filters help trap most of the dust so it doesn't get inside your home.If you want your filter to work as efficiently as possible, you need to replace it every 3 months.If you want the best results, go with a replacement that has a MERV rating between 5 and 8.Minimum efficiency reporting values are called MERV.The ability to capture particles is referred to as the MERV rating.The higher the MERV rating, the more effective the filter is.If you have pets or kids, it's a good idea to replace the filter once a month.If someone in your family is experiencing sudden allergy symptoms, or if there is a significant amount of dust inside your heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system, you should have it professionally cleaned.It's a good idea to hire a certified heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning professional for the job since improper cleaning can make things worse.
Step 4: Dust can get into your home if it's not sealed.
Dust comes in through loose windows, cracks, and air leaks around plumbing and ductwork.caulking doors and windows, caulking around plumbing, ducting, and electrical wiring, installing foam gasket behind outlet and switch plates are some of the things you can do to reduce dust in your home.
Step 5: Carpets and fabric drapes can trap a lot of dust.
If you have wall-to-wall carpeting and thick fabric drapes in every room, household dust is going to be a problem since those fabrics tend to collect and trap dust particles.Dust can be reduced by vacuuming carpets and drapes at least once a week.It is possible to Laundering drapes once a year.Dust can be prevented by washing bedding, pillows, and throw blankets frequently.
Step 6: It can be if you have a health condition.
If you are a healthy adult, breathing in low levels of household dust shouldn't affect you.The thicker the dust, the more likely you are to develop respiratory symptoms such as coughing and allergies.Babies and small children are the people most sensitive to household dust.
Step 7: More often, vacuum, mop, and wipe down surfaces.
Use moist paper towels to clean hard surfaces once a week.A good quality vacuum cleaner has a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.If you have hard floors, you can clean them with a mop or vacuum.Dust mats are placed at every entrance and doors to reduce the amount of dust on surfaces.
Step 8: Limit your pet's access to bedrooms.
You don't want to get rid of your pet because of dust.They should restrict their access to bedrooms and sleeping areas.Like blankets and mattresses, fabrics tend to collect a lot of dust.When dust is contained in other areas, it's easier to control it.You spend 7 hours a day sleeping in your bedroom.It isn't good for your lungs to breathe in all that extra dander.Let your pet enjoy the outdoors a little more often if they are indoors.Pets should be kept away from carpeted areas.It is a good idea to wash your pet's bedding once a week.
Step 9: Invest in a high-quality air purification device.
If it is large enough to handle the room's dimensions, a portable air purifier can be used.If the room's dimensions are appropriate, check the packaging of the purifier.Air purifiers can be placed in rooms where you spend a lot of time.It is measured in feet.The more particles the purifier can remove, the larger the space.The packaging states what size room it should be used in.For 100 square feet of space, the minimum CADR is 65.If your room is 600 square feet, you'd want a minimum of 395.The device can be put on a stable surface.There's nothing obstructing the air flow if there is extra space around the purifier.