How to get rid of dust from your home

Getting rid of dust from the home can be tasking, making many sometimes wonder if dust is a kind of ‘spirit’ as it ways finds its way into every corner of the house even when entrances are closed. Dust is an accumulation of small particles that include bits of cloth fibres, paper, hair, pet dander, […]

Getting rid of dust from the home can be tasking, making many sometimes wonder if dust is a kind of ‘spirit’ as it ways finds its way into every corner of the house even when entrances are closed.

Dust is an accumulation of small particles that include bits of cloth fibres, paper, hair, pet dander, skin cells, dirt and more. Dust is found in many corners and on materials surfaces in the house such as furniture, electronics, clothes and so on. 

Too much accumulation of dust can lead to allergies and other health problems; keeping it under control therefore becomes necessary. 

Though dust is unavoidable, there are certain things one can incorporate into the cleaning routine and create a healthier home by keeping dust from building up and generating nuisance and health risk.

 In making your homes dust free, the first step is knowing which tools you should and should not use. For instance, feather dusters are far from been helpful, according to Carolyn Forte, director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, “this tool simply spreads dust from one surface to another.” 

She advised that one can more successfully capture dust with a soft cloth dampened with water, a microfibre duster, or an electrostatic duster.

Simple steps to get rid of dust

• Consistently clean by using microfibre dusters with extendable handles to reach for dust in hard-to-reach spots like the blinds or ceiling fans.

• Clean the house twice or weekly.

•  For ceiling-to-floor cleaning, a vacuum with multiple attachments is the most efficient tool. Work from the top down to capture the most dust without making a mess.

•   To get at dust trapped in tiny nooks and intricate carvings, use a clean natural-bristle, paint or makeup brush, then wipe with a microfibre cloth.

•        Computers, TVs, DVD players, stereos, and printers are notorious dust magnets. Always unplug the equipment before cleaning. A gentle swipe with a microfiber cloth usually does the job, while a soft, long-handled brush will collect dust from crevices. Be sure to vacuum dust from around cords and vents because, along with pet hair, it can clog machines or outlets

• Over time, crumbs, grease and other debris accumulate behind your stove and refrigerator, providing a food source for insects and other pests. If possible, move the appliance out from the wall and unplug. Use a long-handled, slightly damp sponge mop to lift dust from the back of the appliance, then wipe floor and walls with hot soapy water.

• Ceiling fans: place newspaper or a drop cloth under the ceiling fan. Turn off the power source, then get on a step stool. Use damp paper towels to wipe greasy dust from the casing and a soft-bristle brush dampened with a mild cleanser to loosen the dust on the blades, then rinse with a damp paper towel.