Have you been guilty of overlooking dust lately? It’s time to act, as dust can impact your health and well-being. Whether it’s dead skin cells, pet dander, pollen, or even microscopic particles from the outdoor environment, household dust can pose significant risks. According to a report from The Guardian, research in the UK has found that indoor dust often contains toxic chemicals such as flame retardants and phthalates, which are linked to respiratory issues, hormonal disruptions, and even an increased cancer risk. These findings highlight the need to address dust accumulation to protect your health.
Why Is Dust Harmful to Your Health?
The most common types of dust are dead skin flakes, fabric fibres, pet dander, dust mites and pollutants. While they may seem harmless, excessive dust actually carry allergens and irritants into your lungs, causing serious respiratory issues like asthma, sneezing and nasal congestion.
One thing to note is that dust accumulate fast on surfaces that are frequently touched, or in rooms with poor air circulation. For example, dust often pile up on windowsills, shelves and cabinet, where it can be stirred up through the air every time someone walks by or opens a window. Stopping dust in your house is key to combating these health threats.
1. Dust Regularly
Start with the basics: dust frequently to keep dust out of your room. Use a duster or damp microfibre cloth to grab specks like magnets on shelves, blinds, and furniture tops where dust loves to settle. In busy areas, doing this weekly helps prevent buildup—a quick win to decrease dust in your house and breathe easier without fancy gear. Dusting before vacuuming helps remove any loose dirt from the surfaces.
2. Vacuum Frequently
Regular vacuuming captures dust securely without releasing it back into the air. Vacuuming is more effective than sweeping since it collect fine dirt and dust, and vacuuming before mopping is usually recommended by experts. Smart vacuums like DEEBOT X8 PRO OMNI make it a breeze with automatic cleaning. With 18,000 Pa suction power1, it lifts dirt from carpets and crevices, while ZeroTangle 2.0’s V-shaped brushes untangle hair, saving you from constant detangling. Plus, AIVI 3D 3.0 navigation intelligently identifies objects and cleans along their edges to optimise coverage. Set a cleaning schedule to fit your lifestyle and decrease dust in your room with minimal effort.
3. Mop Your Floors
On top of dusting and vacuuming, mopping is equally important for tackling dust and grime that vacuums can’t catch. A robot vacuum with a mop, like DEEBOT X8 PRO OMNI, is equipped with revolutionary OZMO ROLLER Instant Self-Washing Mopping Technology that scrubs stains at 200 RPM while rinsing itself with 16 water nozzles to maintain hygiene. When it detects heavy stains, its Al Instant Re-mop feature automatically marks the area and applies multiple passes to ensure it stays clean. Alternatively, use a microfibre mop with water or a gentle cleaner on hard floors weekly.
4. Use Air Purifiers
One of the best ways to keep dust out of your room is using air purifiers, particularly those with HEPA filters. Place them in living rooms, bedrooms, offices, and anywhere you spend time to stop pollen, dander and other airborne dust in your house. Clean the filters regularly and replace them from time to time based on the manufacturer’s guidelines.
5. Eliminate Clutter
Dust tends to settle in hard-to-reach areas like under the couch and behind cabinets. Therefore, it’s smart to eliminate clutter and keep your spaces tidy. With less stuff and fewer spots for dust to hide, it decreases dust in your house. Clear out extra furniture and stash seasonal gear, crafts, or old tech in storage bins. Fewer surfaces also mean less wiping!
6. Change Bedding Weekly
Did you know dead skin flakes can pile up on bedsheets, pillowcases and blankets? Wash them in hot water weekly to kill dust mites and allergens hiding in fabric – it’s a simple trick to lower dust in your room. Don’t forget to clean curtains and rugs with a vacuum or gentle wash too.
7. Ventilate Your Rooms
Fresh air cuts stuffiness in a room and takes away dust. Keep windows open or use exhaust fans for ventilation. It dilutes indoor particles, helping keep dust out of your house. Balance with purifiers or AC to filter incoming air, as ventilation alone won’t work, but it’s a solid boost.
8. Keep Windows Closed During Pollen Seasons
While ventilation helps lower dust in your house, do the opposite during pollen seasons. In the southern Australia, pollen typically peaks from September through November, and between June and August in northern Australia; thus, keep windows and doors closed to block pollen from blowing in, minimising dust in your house.
9. Change Air Filters
If you have air vents, ducts and air condition at home, clean or swap the filters every 1-3 months – more often with pets or a big family. A filtration system captures dust particles; a clogged one loses effectiveness and lets dust and allergens spread. Wash reusable filters or replace them to keep airflow smooth.
10. Get Air Ducts Cleaned
Dust and debris can further build up inside air ducts; when this happens, ducts pump dust back into your rooms. Inspect them regularly and schedule a pro cleaning every few years to remove grime and lower dust in your house.
11. Avoid Rugs & Carpets
When allergies hit hard, it is recommended to skip wall-to-wall carpets, since dust particles quickly embed in fibres. Hard floors like tile, laminate, and hardwood are easier to sweep and keep dust-free. If you prefer the cosiness of rugs, a robot vacuum with high suction like DEEBOT X8 PRO OMNI with 18,000 Pa suction1, lifts stuck particles from carpets; its “Carpet First” feature even vacuums carpets with a dry mop to avoid contamination.
12. Use Doormats
After a day spent outside, you may bring dust, pollen, soil, and sand back home. Place a doormat, such as rubber or coir mats, as a barrier at the entryway to trap dirt and mud. On a weekly basis, shake or vacuum them to keep it clean.
13. Groom Pets Regularly
Pet dander is a major dust source in your house. After a walk, brush your pets outside to ditch pet fur and dander before it settles indoors. Bathe them regularly with pet-safe shampoo to cut allergens, too. Grooming removes loose fur, lowering dust in your house while keeping your furry pals healthy.
FAQ
What causes a lot of dust in your house?
Dust is made up of particles like dead skin cells, pet dander, dirt, pollen, and tiny fibres from fabrics and carpets that can accumulate in your home due to cooking, cleaning, and even regular foot traffic. The age of your home, different types of flooring, and the number of occupants can also contribute to the amount of dust that accumulates in your home.
How can I reduce dust in my house naturally?
To naturally control dust in your home, you can place houseplants around your living areas that can filter the air and absorb airborne particles. You can also open windows regularly to allow for natural ventilation and can also help flush out dust and improve indoor air quality. Robot vacuums are also a smart solution for capturing small dust particles that would otherwise be recirculated.
What are the best tools to help you get rid of dust?
Microfibre cloths are very efficient at trapping and removing dust, as their fibres are designed to attract and capture even the smallest particles. You could also invest in a robotic vacuum cleaner and mop with mapping as their strong suction and mopping features pick up fine dust, plus their advanced navigation access hard-to-reach areas that dust likes to settle. Air purifiers can help filter out airborne dust and improve the overall indoor air quality.
How often should you dust your house?
The recommended frequency for dusting your home can vary depending on several factors, like the size of your living spaces, the number of occupants, and the presence of pets. As a general guideline, it is advisable to dust your home at least once a week. In high-traffic areas or during seasons with increased dust or allergen levels, you may need to increase the frequency of dusting to maintain a clean and healthy indoor environment.
Can dust in my home cause allergies or respiratory issues?
Yes, the presence of dust in your home can be a significant contributor to allergy and respiratory problems. Household dust can contain a variety of irritants, including dust mites, pet dander, pollen, and even tiny particles of dirt and debris that can trigger reactions in individuals with sensitivities, leading to symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, and difficulty breathing. For those with pre-existing respiratory conditions, household dust can exacerbate their symptoms and potentially worsen their overall health.
How can I control dust if I have pets?
If you have pets, make sure you regularly groom them to help minimise the amount of shedding and reduce the contribution of pet-related particles to household dust. Use a robot vacuum for pet hair to capture these fine particles, and place washable covers on furniture that can protect surfaces from accumulating pet-related dust.
Can houseplants help reduce dust?
Yes, incorporating houseplants into your living spaces can be an effective and natural way to help eliminate dust levels. Certain plant species like English ivy, peace lily and snake plant have the ability to filter and absorb airborne particles, including dust, through their leaves and roots. You can strategically place these plants in key areas of your home to use their natural air-purifying properties.
How do I keep dust off furniture and surfaces for longer?
To keep dust off furniture and surfaces, you can use furniture polish or wax to create a protective barrier. Microfibre cloths are effective for dusting, and regularly wiping down surfaces with a damp cloth can prevent dust from settling. Using coasters or place mats can also reduce dust accumulation on tabletops.
Disclaimer(s):
- 18,000Pa: This data comes from ECOVACS laboratory. The suction power of DEEBOT X8 PRO OMNI can reach 18,000Pa.
