Banishing Dust Bunnies for Good

Dust is a major annoyance. It seems as soon as you’ve finished dusting a surface, a new layer has appeared.  While you may be tempted to leave it alone, once you understand what dust is, we promise you’re going to want it out of your house.

Remember, Castle Keepers are in a way, dust bunny exterminators. If you like, we can take care of the dust and other chores for you in Greenville, SC, Charleston, SC and Atlanta, GA. 

What is Dust?

Dust can not only trigger allergies, but it can also affect your lungs and overall health. Even small amounts of dust can trigger allergic reactions. While you may not be allergic to dist itself, you may have an allergy to the components of dust – like pet dander or pollen – that, if left alone, can cause coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes, or a sore throat.

Where Does Dust Hide?

It’s important to dust all surfaces regularly since dust attracts more dust. Some surfaces seem to attract more dust than others:

• Blinds – the slats on blinds are prime real estate for dust build-up, so make sure to wipe down each slat individually.
• Electronics – not only is dust attracted to electronics, but it can severely damage them as well. Dust collects behind computers, televisions, and gaming consoles which can find its way inside the electronics and cause costly damage.
• Ceiling fans and light fixtures – as all dust floats in the air, high surfaces like these are the first to be coated.
• Tops of door frames, windows, and cabinets – these are often out of sight and out of mind. The amount of dist they collect can be surprising.
• Upholstery – furniture, curtains, and bedding can harbor dust mites, pet dander, and dead skin.

How to Get Rid of Dust

While you’ll never ban your home of all dust entirely, here are some tips to help you get rid of the majority of dust in your home. Of course, professional cleaning is always helpful, as well!

1. Use a damp cloth to dust. The water/cleaning solution/furniture polish on the cloth will trap the dust as you clean. Using a dry cloth or feather duster simply moves dust around.
2. Clean from top to bottom. This is how cleaning professionals dust. When you start at the top and work your way down surfaces, any remaining dust will be captured in the last step – vacuuming.
3. Change your bedding weekly. Dust mites, dead skin, hair, and pet dander all accumulate in your bedding. Washing it weekly in hot water eliminates all of this buildup.
4. Clean and dust your electronics.
5. Don’t wear shoes in your house. About 60% of dust enters your home from the outside and your shoes carry environmental contaminants and germs in from the outside. Remove your shoes in the garage or just inside your door.
6. Clean your floors regularly. Studies show that carpet fibers can trap up to 90% of the dust that lands on it permanently. Vacuum regularly, using a HEPA-filtered vacuum.
7. Change your air filters regularly. Dirty or clogged air filters in your heating and cooling system trap dirt, dust mites, pet dander, and all manner of other nastiness and can cause it to recirculate through your home. Changing your air filters regularly keeps dust from settling on surfaces and make your home’s air easier to breathe.