How Important Is It to Dust?
Most people understand the importance of cleaning the bathroom and the kitchen. One task that is frequently ignored, however, is dusting. Who has the time or energy to dust after you've spent the last two hours vacuuming and scrubbing toilets? Is it really that important?
Impact of dust
Dust is especially irritating to the elderly and the young and those with weakened immune systems. Babies who crawl regularly touch areas that have not been dusted and then put their hands in their mouth. Exposure to dust can lead to allergies, asthma, eczema, sinus problems, itchy skin, watery eyes, coughing and bronchial infections. Dust especially seems prevalent in the winter and fall months, primarily due to the fact that the windows are kept closed.
Ways to eliminate dust
Although it is impossible to completely eliminate all dust in a home, there are some things that can help. Carpet is especially known for collecting dust. When a house is filled with wall-to-wall carpets there tends to be more dust mites. This especially true in rooms where the carpet is thick or plush. Heavy drapes or curtains and upholstered furniture are other sources for lots of dust. Air filters should be cleaned and replaced frequently.
Healthy habits
Even doing little things, like eating dinner at the dinner table, can reduce the amount of dust in your home. By keeping food in the kitchen, the amount of clutter is likely to decrease, which means when it comes time to vacuum you will be more likely to do it.
Overall dusting tips
When doing serious dusting you want to dust with a soft cloth that has been dampened by water, microfiber dusters, or electrostatic dusters. If you just choose a feather duster, it will likely just move the particles around, not pick them up. Make sure to always dust top to bottom.
- Electronics: A microfiber rag will work great for most electronics. For hard-to-reach crevices, try a long-handled brush. Remembering to vacuum around the cords will keep dust from clogging machines or outlets.
- Soft toys: Put stuffed animals in a plastic bag with a cup of baking soda and then seal it well and take it outside and shake it. Take animals out one at a time and remove excess baking soda. Then vacuum the stuffed object with a brush attachment.
- Ceiling fans: Use a step stool to be able to reach the fan. Take a wet paper towel and use it to wipe away the greasy dust from the casing. Then use a soft bristled brush with a mild cleanser to clean each blade and rinse with a damp paper towel.
Adding one more thing to your cleaning list might seem overwhelming. There are many professional cleaning services that help decrease the overall dust level in your home.
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