Why Is There So Much Dust in My House? Tips for Keeping Your Home Cleaner

Where does dust come from, and why is it more prevalent in some homes? Here are effective methods for keeping your house dust free.

If you're dusting every few days only to see dust return quickly, you might have multiple sources contributing to the buildup. Finding out what the primary dust sources in your home are can help you manage it more effectively.

Dust is made up of tiny organic and mineral particles, usually less than 100 microns. Scientists estimate that about 60% of indoor dust originates from outside, entering through open windows, small cracks, household pets, or even on clothing and shoes. The amount of dust inside can vary depending on the quality of outdoor air; cleaner outdoor air generally means less dust inside.

However, dust also accumulates indoors even in a sealed room. Indoor dust sources include synthetic materials, feather pillows and blankets, carpets, paper, and cardboard products. Microscopic dust mites, which thrive in upholstered furniture, carpets, mattresses, and pillows, further contribute to dust levels. Their waste and decomposing bodies add to the allergenic potential of household dust, which can irritate the respiratory system.

Managing dust can feel like a challenge, but if you want to reduce the amount of dust in your home then these tips may help:

• Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter weekly to clean carpets, furniture, and mattresses.
• Wash bedding and pillows at 60°C every two weeks to kill dust mites and remove their waste.
• Store unused items in sealed boxes or cabinets to minimize surfaces where dust can collect.
• Clean from top to bottom so that any dust dislodged from higher surfaces is captured when you clean lower surfaces.
• Replace or clean vacuum filters regularly to prevent dust from being re-released into the air.
• Consider an air purifier and humidifier with an ionization function to capture airborne particles and improve air quality.

Following these steps can help reduce dust, making it easier to breathe and enjoy a cleaner living environment. Regular damp cleaning can also contribute to a healthier home, such as mopping floors, and wiping down surfaces.