Eliminating Dust? Yes, please!

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Eliminating Dust

Most people just move dust around instead of actually eliminating it. Here’s how to dust the right way so you don’t make this common cleaning mistake.

Dusting can feel like you’re fighting a losing battle. And in some ways, you are—just like a horror-movie villain, dust keeps coming back. But you can get a handle on this relentless chore if you learn how to get rid of dust the right way and incorporate it into your regular cleaning schedule.

There isn’t just one place that dust comes from, which makes sense, because it truly seems to be everywhere. It occurs naturally in our homes, we track it inside and it floats in through open windows and doors. So, what is dust, exactly? It is a collection of small particles—like skin cells, human hair, pet fur and carpet fibers—as well as dander, pollen and bacteria. Gross, we know! And even worse, we breathe it in and ingest it, and also lie down in it.

We’re not going to lie—you need to dust pretty often. But think of it this way: Light, frequent dusting is a lot easier than putting it off and then having layers upon layers to dust. That said, if you or someone in your home has a sensitivity to dust, more frequent dusting is advised. As a general rule, though, here’s the best cleaning schedule to keep dust at bay.

Daily: Swipe it if you see it, and wipe high-traffic spots in common areas, like the coffee table and furniture near open windows and doors.

Weekly: Touch up the biggest and easiest-to-reach dust magnets. This includes hard furniture, decorative items like picture frames, commonly used electronics, plant leaves (real and faux) and lamp shades.

Monthly: It’s time to bend and reach. Get baseboards down low, and lighting fixtures, ceiling fans, the top of the refrigerator, door frames and windowsills up high. It’s also time to deal with fabrics, drapes, mattresses and soft furniture. And don’t forget to clean the vacuum’s canister and filter according to the manufacturer’s instructions while you’re at it.

Yearly: A yearly deep-clean includes moving heavy furniture to reach under and behind it, but also the underside of the piece as well, and addressing other out-of-the-way spots. Plus, you should dust walls and ceilings annually—yes, you’re supposed to be dusting those too!

Most people just move dust around instead of actually eliminating it. Either way, call us and we can help you!