Dusting is one of those household chores that’s easy to skip over, but dust can cause allergies, respiratory problems, and other unwanted complications. Whether you suffer from an obvious allergy or not, it’s still necessary to keep dust at bay because it can affect others in the house—including pets and guests—and cause long-term health complications that slip under the radar.
What Are Dust Mites?
Many people assume dust and dust mites are one in the same, but Stuczen explains that dust mites are actually tiny creatures living in your home. She describes them as “microscopic arachnids that have lived on earth for millions of years.” She goes on to explain that they feed mostly on dander (i.e. dead skin cells) and thrive in warm, humid conditions. Depending on your home’s environment, she explains that millions of dust mites can be present.How to Reduce Indoor Dust and Eliminate Dust Mites
1. Maintain a no-shoe policy.If you haven’t converted by now, take this as your sign to implement a no-shoe policy inside your home. Shoes track in outdoor dust, which joins forces with indoor dust to create an allergen-filled environment. But, dust can be drastically reduced if you leave your shoes at the door. Set up shoe storage in your entryway or mudroom and get into the habit of kicking them off as soon as you walk in the door.
2. Clean from top to bottom.
As you tidy your home, make sure that you work from the ceiling down so you can be sure to get any dust that falls as you clean. Employ as many cleaning hacks as possible to minimize dust from flying around: Try using a damp microfiber cloth to clean extra-dusty surfaces, or use a pillowcase to trap the stuff on ceiling fan blades as you wipe them down. Don’t overlook areas that tend to collect dust quickly, such as electronics and baseboards.
3. Vacuum frequently.
Since dust tends to fall and settle on surfaces, it makes sense that your floors, rugs, and carpets hold the most dust. To combat this, vacuum frequently—but not with any old vacuum.
Consider investing in a high-quality HEPA filter vacuum, as they’re much more effective at removing dust mites. Stuczen recommends using a vacuum with powerful suction. “This reduces the number of skin flakes in the home, effectively starving dust mites to prevent their reproduction,” she says.
4. Choose your bedding wisely.
One of the easiest things I did to help my allergies was to swap out my pillow and mattress covers for an allergen-proof version. It has helped nighttime allergies so much, and is a relatively inexpensive fix. And if you’re anti-top sheet, you might want to reconsider using one, as studies have shown that they help to protect against dust mites amongst other allergens.
5. Wash bedding regularly.
Weekly loads of laundry are sufficient for many households, but if you suspect a dust mite infestation or are prone to allergy symptoms, take it up a notch. Wash linens more frequently and always on the hottest water setting (if the material allows).
For fabric items that can’t be washed—like stuffed animals or decorative throw pillows—seal them in a plastic bag and place in the freezer for at least 24 hours to kill off any mites.
6. Rethink your flooring.
Plush rugs and carpet provide a soft spot to land when you get out of bed in the morning, but did you know your flooring choices might actually be contributing to dust allergies? If possible, opt for hard floors and rely on washable rugs to keep your feet warm. If you must have carpet in some areas of the house, be sure to clean it regularly and vacuum as often as possible.
7. Use an air purifier.
This is another low-lift solution that has significantly improved how I feel. Plugging in an air purifier is an easy way to clean the air in your home and reduce dust. A good air purifier will help to remove dust, dust mites, and other toxins from the air. Look for one that specifically targets allergens so you know you’re getting the most bang for your buck. And for large rooms, make sure the air purifier you pick will handle the load.
8. Declutter your home.
As a professional organizer, this is my favorite tip—and it’s one that many people overlook. Having an excess of clutter around the house not only invites dust to collect, it also makes it significantly harder to clean. Dust—or, worse, mold and mildew—could be hiding in crevices or corners that will go undetected until you make the effort to remove the clutter in its way.
9. Keep humidity levels low.
You might picture dry and stale air when you think of dust, but Stuczen explains that high humidity actually leads to more dust. “It’s good practice to reduce humidity levels and maintain a cool temperature in your home to keep the number of dust mites to a minimum,” she says. These pesky creatures love damp spaces, so strive to keep indoor humidity under 50% and use a dehumidifier if needed.
