Excess dust doesn’t just look unsightly, it can be the cause of many health issues as well. According to the National Center for Healthy Housing, exposure to dust can create respiratory problems, amplify issues with asthma, and trigger allergic reactions. If you live in an older home and the dust contains lead, dust can also cause dust poisoning.
Dust comes from a variety of sources including dirt, skin cells, particles from fabrics, and anything else that can dry and flake. Other sources include:
- Books
- Soft furniture
- Fireplaces
- Your beloved pets
- Particles tracked in from outside like pollen, smoke, exhaust, dirt, and sand
Even if you are meticulous about regular dusting, here are a few places you are likely forgetting to pass over with your cleaning cloths, vacuums, and dust mops.
1. Mattresses and Upholstered Furniture
Beds, pillows, mattresses, as well as couches and upholstered furniture, are all places where dust can settle and dust mites can find a home.
2. Baseboards and Corners
Baseboards and floor corners are notorious spots where dust can accumulate, but they’re not always on the top of our cleaning priority list. A soft brush attachment on your vacuum followed by a slightly damp sponge can help you rid your baseboards and corners of dust. And finish off by wiping them down with a dryer sheet to repel new dust from gathering.
3. Walls
Dust can accumulate anywhere, including your walls, which can shorten the lifespan of your beautiful paint job. Run a microfiber dust cloth over your walls to remove dust, cobwebs, and dirt. In kitchens and bathrooms, you may want to use a slightly damp, soapy, natural sponge to remove residue from steamy showers and busy stovetops, then dry with a clean towel.
4. Window Treatments
Blinds and curtains seem to be magnets for dust. Curtains should be washed or dry cleaned to remove dust from folds and creases, while shades should be wiped with a microfiber cloth or vacuumed to get rid of dust wherever it’s lurking.
5. Light Fixtures and Lamps
Fixtures are one place where dust regularly collects, as well as insects, spiderwebs, and dirt. Dusty fixtures can also dim the amount of light in the room and shorten the lifespan of your light bulbs. Use a long-handled dusting tool for hard-to-reach lighting, and microfiber cloths for those within arm’s reach. A solution of vinegar and water may also be helpful to loosen dust.
6. Pet Beds
We love our pets, but not the dust they bring inside. Your pet’s bed collects lots of dust, so be sure to vacuum pet beds and launder any covers regularly to address dust, dander, and dust mites.
7. Ceilings
Ceilings are one surprising place you may not have thought to dust before, but dust and cobwebs can build up quickly here. Dyson conducted a global study of over 10,000 participants from 10 countries and discovered that two-thirds of people forget to dust here. A lightweight, cordless vacuum with a soft brush is a great tool to use here.
8. Showers
Steamy showers are a welcome home for dust mites, which absorb moisture from the air. It’s a good idea to clean your shower frequently with the proper cleaning products, checking carefully to wipe away dust from ledges, the tops of your shower head, and all other niches and nooks.
9. Houseplants
Houseplants purify the air, but dust that settles on plant leaves can limit the amount of sunlight each plant can receive, which hampers their ability to convert sunlight into energy. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth or rinse them in the sink or shower to remove dust.
10. Shelves
Dusting your shelves isn’t just about wiping down the fronts. It requires removing all knickknacks and dusting everything off. Don’t forget to vacuum inside, underneath, and behind the shelves.
Get Help From Professional House Cleaning Services
Dusting is a big job, and life is too short to spend it dusting. It’s wise to bring in the reinforcements. A weekly cleaning service or even a monthly house cleaning from professional house cleaners can help you tackle dust wherever it’s lurking and remove those big cleaning tasks from your to-do list.
Above the Line Cleaning is a locally-owned house cleaning company with years of experience serving the community of Walla Walla and the surrounding areas. We’re fully invested in keeping your home sparkling clean. We offer routine house cleaning services to keep dust at bay as well as deep house cleaning services when you start to notice extra dust bunnies gathering in corners, nooks, and crannies.
Let us show you the difference an experienced house cleaning service can make in the war on dust. See what our clients have to say, then request a free quote today!