Even if you clean regularly, your house can still be dusty due to various factors like outdoor pollution, pet dander, and inadequate air filtration. Ensure you use a vacuum with a HEPA filter, change HVAC filters regularly, and seal windows and doors to minimize dust entry from outside.
Dust should mostly be dead skin cells in a clean home. Old paint can shed off walls and present as dust. If you've an old paint job that could be a contributing factor to your dust problem. People tracking dirt inside would be another possible source. Micrpoplastics/fibers off clothing also can present as dust.
Reduce or eliminate any fabrics like rugs, carpets, draperies, upholstered furniture. Dust and wipe down all hard surfaces regularly. Sweep and mop floors. Fabrics attract and hold dust particles and odors. Do laundry in a well vented enclosed room and keep lint filter clean.
The accumulation of dust can usually be reduced by vigorous air circulation, keeping door and windows closed, maintaining the seals for the windows and doors. and regularly changing the filter on your furnace/AC system. If you have pets that shed hair, de-shed them regularly as needed.
Dust accumulation in your home is a product of airflow, either because too much dirty, dust-filled air is floating around your home or because not enough air is spreading through the home, allowing dust to settle.
The short answer is yes, most air purifiers on the market are designed to remove large dust particles from the air. Many feature mechanical filtration, which is a method of capturing pollutants on filters.
Around 60% of the dust inside your home actually comes from outside*6. Pollen and soil, as well as outdoor pollutants, are carried into your home through your shoes, clothes, and hair. As you'd expect, they also come in through cracks, windows and doors*7.
Useful tips to prevent dust in the home
If you want to prevent dust and save time cleaning the house, opt for smaller, lightweight rugs, as well as synthetic curtains to prevent dust from collecting. Leave pillows, sheets, blankets and quilts out rather than tidying them away.
Skin flakes and mold. Considering the average household collects around 40 pounds of dust per year, that's a lot of food for mites.
All you need is vinegar, olive oil, and a touch of soap to recreate my grandmother's dust-repellant spray recipe. The coating the spray leaves helps more dust propel off surfaces and onto the floor, which means you'll have to clean those hard to dust places a little less.
The Impact of Open Windows on Indoor Air Quality
One study by the University of Arizona found that opening windows increased dust and pollen levels in homes. In addition, the study found that when windows were open, dust and pollen from outside could enter the home and settle on surfaces.
The white dust you describe may be from several sources and also may be a little bit from each. If there is any carpet in the house there will inevitably be dust from foot traffic which usually shows up as “white dust.” Opening the windows for spring and summer breezes are a substantial source of dust as well.
Vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters are the best for containing dust, and remember that sweeping isn't nearly as effective for removing dust. If you like, you can also use any multi-surface dust spray, and finally, water when mopping the floors or cleaning the windows.
Neither do studies conclusively demonstrate that particle (e.g., dust) levels in homes increase because of dirty air ducts or go down after cleaning. This is because much of the dirt that may accumulate inside air ducts adheres to duct surfaces and does not necessarily enter the living space.
A buildup of dust in your home is often the result of poor airflow. Combined with infrequent cleaning, poor airflow can lead dust and dust mites to settle comfortably into several areas in your home. Make sure your HVAC system is running properly and consider running ceiling fans to help air circulate.
If you notice a lot of dust in your house, it's likely due to a combination of factors affecting air quality and ventilation. Dust particles from outside can enter through open windows or doors, while indoor sources like pet dander, dead skin cells, and fibers from textiles contribute to the buildup.
Fortunately, an air purifier is great for dust removal, including dust mite allergens, and can help you breathe easier. An air purifier also prevents sickness by killing harmful airborne germs.
Most dust, about two-thirds of it, comes from airborne particles that enter from outside your home. These are things like pollen and dirt in the air, according to experts. The rest comes from inside sources. A pet, a sweater or a rug can shed particles.
Should you dust with a damp cloth? We at Castle Keepers find dusting with a plain, slightly damp microfiber cloth the best way to remove dust from the home, much superior to dusting with oils or sprays. “Damp dusting” is also much easier than dry dusting and more effective because it catches more dust.
Air purifiers assist in eliminating household dust by helping clean the air at home. These machines are engineered with technology that traps dust before it settles on your furniture and floors. Opt for a HEPA air purifier that captures 99.97% of dust and particles as small as 0.3 microns.
Outdoor dust and pollutants can easily make their way into your home through open windows, doors, and on your shoes. Pollen, dirt, and other particles get carried inside and settle on your surfaces.