Dust may seem innocuous, but within those particles are dust mites, tiny spider-like arachnids that feed off the dead skin cells we shed every day. It is the dust mites, allergists say, that cause approximately 30 percent of the population to suffer from one or more allergic disorders. If you or anyone in your household suffers from asthma or allergy symptoms, preventing dust from accumulating and removing items that harbor dust are worth the effort. (It will also make your regular cleaning routine a lot easier.) Here are 10 ways to reduce dust in your home. Don’t forget to check your clothes closets. If you have hanging clothes with dust on the shoulders, it’s time to purge. If you want to keep the garment, place it in a proper breathable storage bag that can be washed frequently.
Fabric upholstery traps and releases dust much more easily than leather or non-upholstered furniture. Heavy window coverings and blinds trap more dust than lightweight curtains that can be washed frequently. Faux plants hold onto dust much more than live plants, which can be rinsed off in a quick shower. Plush, faux fur throws will trap more dust than silky, lightweight throws.
Some systems have filters that can be cleaned, while others require a fresh filter monthly. Using a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter can remove at least 99.97 percent of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and any airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns. In addition to the air systems, clean or change the filters in range hoods, clothes dryers, and oil diffusers.
