Tips on How to Avoid Spreading Dust While Cleaning

Dust is nearly impossible to prevent. This is because the majority of dust is the result of fabric and people (yes, that means your dead skin cells). Even worse: not only is dust unsightly, but it can cause health issues like allergies. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to reduce dust and avoid spreading dust while cleaning.

Say Goodbye to Your Feather Duster

The truth is that feather dusters don't help with dust-at all. In fact, all they do is spread the dust around. In other words, you're just re-dusting the same dust you've been dusting for a few weeks now. Instead, use a dust-specific cleaner combined with a dusting rag. This will help you to collect the dust in the rage, which can then be washed with your laundry. Bye-bye, dust!

Top to Bottom

Dust settles downward, but even the slightest movement can blow it every which way. When dusting, it's best to start at the top of the room and work your way down. This allows the dust to settle lower in the room, so you can clean it off every surface properly.

Carpets

Carpets are notorious for collecting dust. If you have any area rugs, be sure to beat them out regularly. Beating the rugs regularly can help prevent dust from spreading purely because you're reducing the amount of dust that settles in the rug if you cleaned it oh say-never, or at least less than you should. Try to take the rugs outside and beat them one per season, but more often if you can manage.

Upholstery

Every time you sit on a couch or chair, you spread more dust. So, make it a point to take your cushions outside and beat them out regularly much like you would with your rugs. This helps get rid of dust buildup, which in turn will reduce how much dust is spread around your house during routine cleaning (such as when you're vacuuming off said couch).

Vacuuming

Speaking of vacuuming, always vacuum first during your cleaning routine. It may sound crazy, but when you turn on that vacuum, it starts blowing dust everywhere, which is counterproductive. Instead, start your cleaning routine by picking up the floors (if needed) and then vacuuming before you start your dusting routine.

Mattress

Yet another dust culprit is the mattress and bedding. Clean your bedding weekly and vacuum your mattress weekly as well. Sucking up as much of the dead skin cells and dust fibers will help prevent it from spreading, because every time you roll over, you inadvertently blow dust everywhere.

In the Closet

Take everything out of your closet and wash it, especially if it's been sitting up on the top shelf. Then, seal everything into a plastic clear storage bin or bag (in the size of your choosing).

Fabric adds to dust problems, so sealing these items away helps to prevent dust not only in the closet, but in the rest of the home. Cleaning up the existing dust and then sealing the items will cut down on the amount of dust that leaves the closet every time you open it.

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Additional Information:

Apartment Therapy: 10 Tips for Dusting

Mrs. Clean USA: Professional Dusting Tips