When you are changing the filters on your HVAC system, you may be surprised at how much dust and debris has accumulated. Dust can seriously compromise the quality of your indoor air and may trigger asthma attacks and allergies. Fortunately, it is possible to get rid of dust in your home, with these simple measures.
Change Your Bedding and Rotate Your Bed:
We all love a clean, soft bed, but your bed can actually be a real dust magnet. You should change your bed linen each week and ensure that they are washed on a hot water cycle. Additionally, you should rotate and flip your box spring mattress every three months. This will not only help to prevent dust accumulation, but will also help to prolong the lifespan of your mattress and avoid sagging areas.
Clean Your Closet Floors:
Just like your bed, your closet can also become a dust magnet. Particles of skin, hair and fabric often settle in the closet and while you may be fastidious about keeping the rails and shelves tidy, you may neglect the floor. It is a good idea to mop or vacuum the closet floors every time you give your closet a tidy. This will help to remove dust and prevent it from being redistributed around your bedroom.
Vacuum All Carpet and Upholstery:
Although you may have a great routine of keeping your carpeting vacuumed on a regular basis, how often do you vacuum other surfaces? Your furniture, drapes and any other upholstered surfaces should be regularly vacuumed. These surfaces often hold onto dust, which will then find its way back into your air.
Dust:
Flitting around a feather duster is one of the least effective ways to remove dust from your home. Often all this does is move the dust around and allow it to resettle elsewhere. When you dust, you will want to actually capture the dust to remove it from your home. The ideal tool for this task is a microfibre cloth or vacuum cleaner attachment. This will gather the dust rather than just push it around. If you want to achieve a shiny surface, you can always follow up your dusting with a soft cloth and polish later.
Change Your Furnace Filters:
HVAC systems are equipped with a variety of filters, but it is important to change your filters regularly. Most manufacturers recommend changing filters every two or three months. It may also be possible to upgrade your filter to an electrostatically charged model, which is more effective at attracting and capturing and dust particles. Don’t wait for your annual HVAC service, but check your filters regularly and ensure that they are replaced or cleaned when they are becoming full. This will not only greatly reduce the dust in your air but will also reduce the strain on your HVAC system.
Groom Your Cat or Dog:
Human skin and hair are not the only components of dust, and your pet’s dander may be a major contributor. Regularly grooming your cat or dog outside will reduce shedding and the amount of hair and dander your pet leaves behind. As an added bonus, your furry friend will love the extra attention.