Dusting the furniture. Expert Guide: How to Dust Your Home Effectively and Efficiently
What is dust made of and why is regular dusting important. How often should you dust different surfaces in your home. What are the best tools and techniques for proper dusting.
Understanding Dust Composition and Its Impact on Health
Dust is more than just an unsightly nuisance in our homes. It’s a complex mixture of various particles that can significantly impact our health and well-being. But what exactly is dust made of?
Dust typically consists of:
- Skin cells
- Animal dander
- Pollen
- Lint
- Toxic chemicals (such as phenols and phthalates)
The presence of harmful chemicals in dust underscores the importance of regular and thorough dusting. By keeping our living spaces as dust-free as possible, we can:
- Alleviate allergy symptoms
- Improve indoor air quality
- Boost mental health
- Create a sense of calm and accomplishment
Are allergies worsening despite your cleaning efforts? The culprit might be hidden dust in unexpected places. Regular, thorough dusting can significantly reduce allergens in your home, leading to improved respiratory health for you and your family.
Establishing an Effective Dusting Schedule
To maintain a dust-free environment, it’s crucial to establish a consistent dusting routine. But how often should you dust different areas of your home?
Here’s a general guideline:
- Weekly: Tables, shelves, picture frames, windowsills
- Bi-weekly: Doors, wall vents, blinds
Remember, these are general recommendations. Factors such as the number of occupants, pets, and local environmental conditions can influence dust accumulation. Adjust your schedule as needed to keep your home clean and healthy.
Does dusting seem like an overwhelming task? Breaking it down into manageable sections can make it more achievable. Consider focusing on one room or area per day, ensuring a thorough clean without feeling overwhelmed.
Essential Tools for Effective Dusting
Having the right tools at your disposal can make dusting more efficient and effective. Here’s a list of essential items for your dusting toolkit:
- HVAC filter
- Vacuum with brush attachment
- Broom and dustpan
- Microfiber duster
- Small paintbrush
- Mop with bucket
- Multi-surface cleaner
Investing in quality dusting tools can save you time and effort in the long run. Microfiber dusters, for instance, are excellent at trapping dust particles rather than just moving them around.
Do you find yourself constantly replacing cleaning cloths? Microfiber cloths are reusable and can be washed hundreds of times, making them a cost-effective and environmentally friendly choice for dusting.
Preparing Your Home for a Thorough Dusting
Before diving into the dusting process, it’s essential to prepare your space properly. This preparation can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your dusting efforts.
Changing HVAC Filters
One of the most crucial steps in dust control is maintaining clean HVAC filters. But how often should you change them?
- Fiberglass filters: Every month
- Standard filters: Every 3 months
- High-end filters: Up to 6 months
Regular filter changes prevent dust and other contaminants from recirculating through your home, significantly reducing overall dust levels.
Decluttering Your Space
A cluttered space provides more surfaces for dust to settle. Before dusting, take time to declutter your home. This step not only makes dusting easier but also reduces future dust accumulation.
Removing and Laundering Linens
To prevent your freshly dusted surfaces from being immediately re-contaminated, remove and launder all linens in the room. This includes:
- Pillows
- Sheets
- Blankets
- Towels
Wash these items in hot water to effectively eliminate dust mites. Don’t forget to wash your pillows every few months and replace them at least every two years.
Is your bedroom still dusty despite regular cleaning? Your pillows might be the culprit. Old pillows can harbor significant amounts of dust, dead skin cells, and dust mites. Regular washing and timely replacement can dramatically reduce dust in your sleeping area.
The Correct Order for Dusting Your Home
Dusting in the correct order is crucial to prevent re-contaminating already cleaned surfaces. Follow these steps for the most effective dusting process:
- Start with the ceiling
- Move to light fixtures and ceiling fans
- Dust walls and wall hangings
- Clean surfaces (shelves, tables, etc.)
- Finish with the floor
By following this top-to-bottom approach, you ensure that any dislodged dust settles on surfaces that haven’t been cleaned yet, maximizing your cleaning efficiency.
Techniques for Dusting Different Surfaces
Different surfaces in your home require different dusting techniques for optimal cleanliness. Let’s explore some specific methods:
Ceilings and High Surfaces
For ceilings, use a long vacuum hose with a brush attachment or a broom. Start at one corner and work your way across systematically. For light fixtures and ceiling fans, a microfiber duster or cloth is ideal. An extension pole can help reach high ceiling fans safely.
Caution: If your home was built before the mid-1980s, especially if it has popcorn ceilings, have it tested for asbestos before cleaning. Asbestos-containing materials should only be handled by professionals.
Walls and Wall Hangings
Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe down walls. Don’t forget doors, trim, and doorknobs. For items hanging on walls:
- Mirrors and artwork: Dry microfiber cloth
- Curtains: Machine wash if possible, otherwise wipe down
- Blinds: Dry microfiber cloth or duster, use a damp cloth for stubborn dirt
- Vents: Vacuum with brush attachment, then wipe with microfiber cloth
Furniture and Shelves
Use a microfiber cloth or duster for wood furniture and shelves. For upholstered furniture, vacuum thoroughly, paying special attention to crevices and under cushions.
Electronics
Electronics require gentle cleaning to avoid damage. Use a soft, dry microfiber cloth for screens and a can of compressed air for keyboards and other crevices.
Are your electronics still accumulating dust quickly? Consider using dust covers when devices are not in use, especially for items used infrequently.
Maintaining a Dust-Free Environment
While regular dusting is crucial, there are additional steps you can take to minimize dust accumulation in your home:
- Use doormats at all entrances to trap dirt and dust from shoes
- Remove shoes before entering the house
- Groom pets regularly to reduce dander
- Use air purifiers with HEPA filters
- Keep windows closed on high-pollen days
- Vacuum carpets and rugs at least twice a week
Implementing these habits can significantly reduce the amount of dust entering and accumulating in your home, making your regular dusting routine more effective.
Is dust still a persistent problem despite your best efforts? Consider having your home’s ventilation system professionally cleaned. Over time, ducts can accumulate significant amounts of dust, which is then circulated throughout your home.
Natural and Eco-Friendly Dusting Solutions
For those seeking more natural cleaning methods, there are several eco-friendly dusting solutions you can try:
DIY Dusting Spray
Create your own dusting spray with this simple recipe:
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 10-15 drops of essential oil (optional, for fragrance)
Mix these ingredients in a spray bottle. The vinegar helps to disinfect, while the olive oil helps trap dust particles.
Natural Dust Repellents
Certain plants are known to naturally repel dust:
- Spider plants
- Peace lilies
- Snake plants
Not only do these plants help reduce dust, but they also improve indoor air quality by filtering out common pollutants.
Reusable Dusting Tools
Opt for reusable dusting tools to reduce waste. Microfiber cloths, washable dusting mitts, and reusable electrostatic dusters are all excellent choices that can be used multiple times before needing replacement.
Are you concerned about the environmental impact of your cleaning routine? By choosing natural, reusable cleaning tools and solutions, you can maintain a clean home while minimizing your ecological footprint.
Dusting is an essential part of maintaining a clean, healthy home environment. By understanding the composition of dust, establishing a regular cleaning schedule, using the right tools and techniques, and following a systematic approach, you can significantly reduce dust in your living space. Remember, consistency is key in dust control. Regular, thorough dusting not only improves the appearance of your home but also contributes to better indoor air quality and overall health for you and your family.
How to Dust Your Home the Right Way
istockphoto.com
Have you ever wondered what dust is made of? Skin cells, animal dander, pollen, and lint are some of the more commonly known components of dust. However, dust can also contain various toxic chemicals, such as phenols and phthalates.
Dusting is important for a variety of reasons. Keeping your home dust-free —or as dust-free as possible—alleviates allergy symptoms. And when your home is clean, it can provide a mental health boost and a sense of calm and accomplishment.
To keep dust at bay, aim to dust weekly. Some items, such as doors, wall vents, and blinds, can typically go about two weeks between dustings. However, more exposed surfaces, like tables, shelves, picture frames, and windowsills, should be dusted about once a week.
While it’s one of the simplest household chores, there is a right way to dust. Dusting things in the wrong order can leave you with an even bigger mess. Read on to learn how to dust your home properly.
Tools & Materials
- HVAC filter
- Vacuum with brush attachment
- Broom and dustpan
- Microfiber duster
- Small paintbrush
- Mop with bucket
- See full list «
- Multi-surface cleaner
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Remember, when you’re thinking about how to get rid of dust, dusting in the correct order is essential. Follow the below steps in order to prevent making extra work for yourself. When needed, swap out a dirty dusting tool for a clean one to prevent the spread of more dust throughout your indoor space.
Related: 30 Ways to Spring Clean Your Whole House—Naturally
STEP 1: Change your HVAC filters and declutter your home.
istockphoto.com
Do you find yourself asking, “Why is my house so dusty?” If you notice that your home surfaces are disproportionately dusty, there may be too much dust in the air. Changing your HVAC filters about every 3 months is one of the best ways to get rid of dust in the air. Less expensive fiberglass filters will need more frequent changing (about once a month), while some higher-end filters may last up to 6 months. If your air filters are too dirty, more dust, pollen, and other contaminants will be sent back into your home through the registers.
After you’ve changed your air filters, you should also declutter your home before moving on to dusting. Clearing off shelves and tables will make it easier to dust them, and you’ll also be removing potential problem areas where new dust can settle in the future.
STEP 2: Remove and/or launder any linens in the room.
To avoid getting your pillows, sheets, blankets, and towels dusty, you should remove them from the room before you begin dusting. Take them outside to shake them out to get rid of as much dust as possible.
If you haven’t recently washed your linens, now is a good time to do so. Be sure to use hot water to get rid of dust mites. Don’t forget about washing the pillows, too. Neglecting bed pillows is an all-too-common mistake that can make your home even more dusty. Your pillows should be washed every few months and replaced at least every 2 years.
STEP 3: Dust the ceiling, light fixtures, and ceiling fans.
istockphoto.com
The best way to clean dust in your home is to start with the ceiling. If you dust the ceiling last, it would only dump more dust onto already cleaned surfaces.
To dust your ceiling, use a long vacuum hose with a brush attachment. Carefully slide the brush over the entire ceiling, starting at one corner of each room and working your way to the opposite end. If you don’t have a vacuum attachment that will work, you can also use a broom.
Next, wipe down any light fixtures and ceiling fans in each room with a microfiber duster or microfiber cloth. A duster with an extension pole like this option available at Amazon can help clean the blades on your ceiling fan. You don’t want the fan to throw more dust around the room right after you’ve cleaned it.
As a word of caution—you may want to have your ceilings tested for asbestos if your home was constructed before the mid-1980s. Popcorn ceilings, specifically, are more likely to contain asbestos, and this ceiling texture should be left untouched until it’s removed by professionals.
STEP 4: Dust the walls and everything on them.
Wipe down your home’s walls using a clean, damp cloth. There is likely a lot of hidden dust on walls, so while this can be a time-consuming task, it is worth the effort. Be sure to also wipe down doors, trim, and door knobs in the room.
A simple trick to eliminate dust is to make sure you don’t forget to clean anything hanging on or leaned against your walls, too. This can include mirrors, artwork, curtains, blinds, and vents. Some curtains may be machine washable, while others will need to be wiped down. For blinds and other wall hangings, use a dry microfiber cloth or duster. When dry dusting tools are insufficient for dirty blinds, a damp duster or cloth may help to remove stuck-on dust or grime.
Related: 8 Surprising Things You Never Knew You Can Vacuum
STEP 5: Dust the furniture and everything on it.
Once you’ve finished dusting the walls, it’s time to move on to the furniture. Begin by clearing off the furniture surfaces as much as possible. Use a microfiber cloth or duster to wipe down shelves, tabletops, and other surfaces.
Before moving books, decor, or other things back to where they belong, wipe them down, as well. A can of compressed air or handheld vacuum/blower can be helpful when dusting electronics, in particular. Don’t forget to also carefully dust your houseplants with a microfiber cloth or a small paintbrush before returning them to their home.
Use the attachments on your vacuum to clean couches, chairs, or other upholstered furniture. Remove the cushions to make sure you’re able to get into any tight spaces where dust could be hiding.
STEP 6: Dust the floors.
istockphoto.com
Now it’s time to move onto dusting the floors. Use a vacuum cleaner for rugs, carpet, and hard flooring such as wood or tile. Brooms can simply push dust around and leave it in another area of the room. When you’re looking for how to eliminate dust, vacuuming regularly—even as often as once daily if you’re able—can be a huge help.
When vacuuming, clean under as much of your furniture as possible. Move lighter items out of the way, and use the attachment tools to reach as much as you can under heavier pieces.
After vacuuming, use a mop or hard floor cleaner for wood, tile, and other hard flooring types. If possible, do this immediately following vacuuming to ensure that you collect any smaller pieces of dust missed by the vacuum.
STEP 7: Clean your dusting tools.
Finally, don’t forget to clean your dusting tools before putting them away. Take all of your dusters outside and shake them out to remove as much dust as possible. Some dusters can be washed in a washing machine, but you’ll want to consult each product’s manufacturer recommendations. If you used microfiber cloths or a duster, do not add fabric softener to your wash cycle when washing them; it can decrease how much dust the fibers attract.
Don’t forget to also wipe down your vacuum and any other cleaning tools you used. Empty the vacuum canister or change the bag to get all the dust you sucked up out of your home.
Related: 15 Ways to Clean Your House Like a Pro
Final Thoughts
The best way to dust involves working your way from the top of the room to the bottom. Remember to follow the order of the steps presented above to dust your home for maximum effect. This will prevent you from knocking dust down from a higher surface onto an area you’ve just cleaned, which can be quite frustrating.
Finally, if you are looking for additional ideas for how to reduce dust in the house, you can also consider investing in an air purifier. Air purifiers, particularly those with HEPA filters, help remove excess dust from the air and can be especially beneficial for those with allergies.
Life Skill #51: How to dust furniture
Degree of difficulty: So easy, in fact, you may have to restrain yourself from making the process more complicated.
Materials needed: Soft clean cloths, such as cheesecloth or old T-shirts, as many as needed. Paste wax, optional.
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Dusting furniture for many of us means aerosol cans, bottles of oil and a perky feather duster or two. But furniture experts say all you really need are two cloths and a little water.
“The right way is the opposite of what people think,” says Eli Rios, proprietor of ECR Antique Conservation & Restoration Inc., of Long Island City, N.Y. “A damp cloth gets the dust off.”
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How often should you dust? Whenever you feel like it or the furniture seems to need it, the experts say.
Use a soft cloth, cheesecloth or even an old T-shirt, Rios says.
Here’s how it’s done.
Dampen one cloth — and don’t go overboard on the water. “You want a slightly damp cloth, not one you can wring water out of,” says Scott Chambers of Fine Woodworks, a Chicago-based furniture and cabinet maker. “When you’re done using it, there shouldn’t be little pools of water or droplets. That’s why ‘damp’ means ‘damp’ and not wet.”
Philip C. Lowe, director and master craftsman at The Furniture Institute of Massachusetts, a school that teaches furniture making and repair in Beverly, Mass., says you can even use a little dish soap in the cleaning if you like. Just rinse off with a damp cloth.
Use gentle motions. Lowe likes to move back and forth across the surface. No need to scrub, he says, adding that you should be careful around loose molding, raised veneer or other delicate spots.
Finish by using a dry cloth to buff the surface. It will restore a sheen to the furniture, says Rios.
Skip the feather duster. “The problem with those is they just make the dust airborne again and it settles back on the furniture,” Lowe says.
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Skip the furniture oils and aerosol sprays, say our experts, because they contain substances that give a temporary shine but can lead to buildup on the furniture that obscures the wood grain and makes refinishing difficult.
If the existing finish on a piece of furniture is damaged or worn off, oils can soak into the exposed wood and eventually darken it, Rios says.
Consider paste wax, though. The experts recommend using a paste wax once or twice a year if the finish starts to fade. The wax fills in any scratches or spaces in the wood’s finish, Chambers says, and the resulting smoother surface reflects more light and gives the piece more shine.
However, use wax sparingly while following the directions on the can, he adds, making sure to remove all paste from any recesses or carvings in the furniture.
“Too much wax is the biggest problem,” Chambers says. “You’ll be there forever rubbing and rubbing to get the wax off.”
7 Cleaning Things Everyone Does Wrong – INMYROOM
Tips
Do you think you clean your house quickly and efficiently? However, you may not even realize that you are doing many things wrong and thereby delaying the cleaning process
Everyone wants to keep their house clean, but there is not always enough time for a quality cleaning. In addition, many make gross mistakes that do not lead to the desired result.
Let’s see what cleaning techniques are ineffective and what we often do wrong?
Cleaning randomly
Cleaning requires a clear plan. Otherwise, you will grab onto one thing, then another, do several things at the same time and get distracted from the process. As a result, even more disorder and chaos in the apartment.
Adhere to three basic principles:
- decluttering the space : first get rid of the unnecessary, and then proceed to methodically clean the surfaces.
- cleaning from top to bottom : first cabinets, lamps and curtains, and then cabinets, tables, sofa and chairs. Last but not least, the floor.
- roundabout : Tidy up the room clockwise or counterclockwise.
Wash everything with one cloth
Do not
dust the room with the same rag you used to clean the sink. Each manipulation must have its own cleaning equipment that cannot be mixed.
Otherwise, whitish stains of bathroom detergents may remain on the mirror, and muddy stains from a rag that was used to clean the backsplash tiles may remain on the shiny surfaces of the faucets.
Also remember to wash the cloths after every cleaning.
Dust before vacuuming
that dry cleaning should be done before wet cleaning, otherwise you will have to
do the same job twice. If you need to remove dust from furniture,
do this with a dry microfiber or wool cloth.
After you
vacuumed, you need to wait until the smallest dust particles settle and you can move on to washing floors and surfaces. To do this, you can take a short break to sort out the closet in the bedroom or load the washing machine.
And one more important point: ironing or changing clothes, which in one way or another will create dust, is also better done before wet cleaning.
Do not clean the vacuum cleaner filter or do it after cleaning
When the filter becomes clogged with dust, the vacuum cleaner loses power and may even break. The quality of cleaning also suffers: an overfilled vacuum cleaner draws dust from one end and sprays it into the air from the other. As a result, the dust settles back on the surface. Therefore, the vacuum cleaner is recommended to be cleaned regularly.
In particular, this rule is important for owners
pets, because wool clogs filters very quickly. In general, not everyone
the vacuum cleaner can qualitatively cope with fine wool stuck to the carpet or to
upholstery of upholstered furniture.
Well, in order to prevent even accidental contamination with dust and small debris, the vacuum cleaner filter must be cleaned before cleaning, not after.
INMYROOM tip : Use a vacuum cleaner to effectively rid your home of pet hair and fluff DryBOX + AquaBOX Cat & Dog from brand Thomas with two interchangeable containers – DryBOX – for quick cleaning and AquaBOX – for thorough cleaning with simultaneous air washing, removal of the smallest dust, allergens and unpleasant odors animals.
Includes turbo brush for removing fluff from shaggy carpets, upholstery lint nozzle, extra long crevice nozzle for cleaning baseboards and narrow spaces, and brush adapter for gentle cleaning of delicate surfaces.
And Thomas DryBOX + AquaBOX Cat & Dog can be used to collect spilled liquid or dirt in an emergency.
Apply cleaning agents to surfaces
The cleaning solution must first be applied to a dry cloth, and only then wipe the surfaces. Excess funds must be removed with an additional clean dry cloth. This is especially important when cleaning glass, wood and stainless steel surfaces to keep them clean and shiny longer.
Even special compound
furniture polish should not be applied directly to the surface as
polish forms an imperceptible film to which dust and dirt adhere.
An exception to the rule can only be those cleaning products that have a method
spraying on the surface is indicated in the instructions for use.
Abuse of detergents
Cleaning products contain harmful chemicals. If such products are used excessively, they can not only ruin furniture and flooring, but also cause poisoning or allergies in humans. Do not mix different detergents, as you will only increase their toxicity.
Folk methods for cleaning surfaces are also not always good. For example, on the Internet, many advise using lemon juice to remove dirt from all kinds of surfaces. In fact, citric acid can ruin countertops and floors, as well as make surfaces dull.
Use a duster
Colored dusters look pretty but do more harm than good. Despite the assurances of the manufacturers, they do not collect dust at all, but, on the contrary, raise it into the air.
How to get rid of dust: 11 tips
Dust not only spoils the appearance of furniture and interior items, but can also be harmful to health. RBC-Nedvizhimost finds out how to get rid of dust quickly and permanently
Photo: shutterstock
Dust forms quickly and requires constant cleaning. We figure out together with an expert where it comes from all the time, what is dangerous and how to organize cleaning in order to get rid of dust, spending time and effort to a minimum.
- What is dust
- Where does
- Cleaning
- How to get rid of
- Expert commentary
come from
Expert in this material: Tatiana Globa, Cleaning Specialist of Profi.ru online service
adv.rbc.ru
What is dust
Dust is dry particles of organic and mineral origin surrounding objects. It is formed inside the apartment and penetrates it from the street, is weightless and almost invisible in itself, but in a few days a gray coating almost always collects on the surfaces in an apartment or house, which most likely may include harmful substances. The dusty air contains soot from fires, plant pollen, skin and hair cells of people and pet hair, wear particles of surrounding objects. The danger is primarily due to yeast fungi, mold and dust mites, which are part of the dust, as well as plant pollen, which causes trouble for allergy sufferers. By the way, an exacerbation of symptoms can also be caused simply by an abundance of dust – even if it does not contain allergens.
Every day, from 30 mg to 60 mg of dust enters the body [1]. Doctors confirm that household dust is a common cause of allergic reactions [2].
Photo: shutterstock
Where dust comes from
It is impossible to create such sterile conditions in an ordinary house or apartment that there is no dust at all. Even if you do not leave the room and do not open the windows, plaque is formed from surrounding objects and dead skin particles. Dust absorbs dirt that enters the house on the soles of shoes or with bags from the store. Even with regular cleaning, it accumulates in crevices and other hard-to-reach places. Depending on what a person breathes, due to the abundance of dust, endocrine disorders and even serious infectious diseases can develop, including tuberculosis, the bacteria of which can be found in it[3], so it is so important to know how to get rid of dust.
How to remove dust
To get rid of dust, you should follow a set of measures. To begin with, it is worth acquiring the necessary equipment and tools for operational combat.
Vacuum cleaner
On smooth floors, a broom is often used for quick cleaning, but it is much less effective in controlling dust, since it will later settle on interior items. Also, sweeping will not help clean long pile carpets and upholstered furniture. Vacuum cleaner – much more efficient, already from the name it is clear that it is good in the fight against dust. Many people like to use a robot vacuum cleaner: it does not require constant monitoring and cleans the apartment according to the program set by the owner.
All about robot vacuum cleaners: who will need them and how to choose the right model
Vacuum cleaners with a fabric container are rarely used now, because the old dust from them scatters around the apartment every time you turn it on. Modern models are equipped with a dust collector that can be washed after use.
Photo: unsplash
Effectively help to get rid of dust models in which the dirt gets into the container with water and pours out after cleaning. Washing units are more expensive than conventional ones, but provide the cleanest result. Most models of vacuum cleaners (washing or not) have various nozzles for cleaning hard-to-reach corners and crevices.
Life hack : if you don’t have the right nozzle, you can take a toilet paper sleeve and put it on the vacuum cleaner hose: the edge of such a sleeve can be easily crushed to the desired size, which helps to get rid of dust in places near baseboards, in the frames of plastic windows and doors.
Dust brush
This is not the most common way in Russia, but very common in the West, to get rid of dust. The fluffy brush is called pipidastr, its synthetic “feathers” do not brush off, but due to static electricity they attract dust that remains on the surface of the tool. Therefore, the brush must be washed after each cleaning. It works faster than damp cloths, but it can be difficult to pick up dust from small objects and corners. If the cleaning has not been carried out for a long time, the pipidastr will not help, it cannot cope with the layers of dirt.
Photo: shutterstock
In recent years, manufacturers have been actively promoting the electric version of this cleaning brush. A motor is mounted in its handle, which amplifies static electricity, due to which the dust is even more attracted to the pipidastra. The charge is not dangerous to humans, but the batteries in the tool will need to be changed frequently.
Air purifier
Dust is afraid of water, so it is worth keeping the humidity in the apartment at 40-60%. Humidifiers and air purifiers will help with this. The latter, in addition to evaporating the liquid, are equipped with a special mechanism that drives air through the filter, trapping dust and debris particles. The device requires constant cleaning and replacement of filters.
Air purifiers are either electrostatic or ionizing. They transfer an electrical charge to particles, trap them on metal plates, or cause them to settle on nearby surfaces. The problem with electronic air cleaners is that they can release ozone, which irritates the lungs [4].
Photo: shutterstock
An air purifier is useful for residents of cities with high levels of pollution. It is indispensable for apartments in which allergy sufferers live and where pets live. The device cleans the air not only from physical contaminants, but also from chemical molecules invisible to the eye, which are part of the cleaning products.
Wet and dry cloth
The simplest yet most effective method of removing dust is to wipe surfaces with a damp cloth. The material absorbs dirt particles well. Most natural fabrics will do, but for quality cleaning, you should get special microfiber cloths. Remember to wash and dry them after each cleaning. The main principle is to wipe surfaces constantly.
Breezer
The compact supply ventilation system allows you to constantly clean the air from pollution. It has built-in filters that trap small dispersed particles. Manufacturers equip breathers with recirculation, climate control and smart control modes.
Why the air gets polluted and how to deal with it
How to get rid of dust: 11 tips
How often you need to clean a room depends on the size and location of the house or apartment, the number of residents, objects and pets, lifestyle. To spend less time cleaning, you should follow a number of rules.
1. Get rid of dust bins
Dust settles everywhere, but on some surfaces it rises into the air and is easily wiped off, in other places it can accumulate for a long time. The main dust collectors in apartments are textiles, carpet, soft toys, stacks of paper and newspapers. This does not mean that you need to get rid of all of the above for good. Just keep in mind that these things are potential sources of dust, they require systematic washing and washing. If possible, it is worth minimizing their number in living quarters, or at least storing them in closed cabinets, racks and boxes.
2. Mop
Standard – Full mop once a week. Textiles and soft toys should be washed at least twice a month [5]. Dust on shelves, cabinets and household appliances regularly, do not forget about plants – a lot of dust also accumulates on the leaves, they need to be wiped, and it is advisable to wash them in the shower once a month.
3. Wipe the surfaces with special solution
To get rid of dust, you can use regular fabric softener. It is diluted in water in a ratio of 1: 4 and poured into a spray bottle. Then the liquid is sprayed and the surfaces are wiped with a dry cloth. The conditioner has an antistatic effect, which will keep surfaces clean longer. Without dilution, it can be used to wipe the TV screen and computer keyboard.
Photo: shutterstock
4. Update your tools
During cleaning, you need to rinse and change rags regularly so as not to smear the dirt. Vacuum cleaner filters should be replaced in accordance with the instructions, depending on the number of cleanings carried out.
Life hack: you can use ordinary baby wipes for dusting, throwing them away after each surface.
5. Work from top to bottom
To prevent dust from settling on freshly washed objects, cleaning starts from the ceiling: from the chandelier, tall cabinets, shelves, moldings and window blinds. Then they gradually go down, finishing cleaning the floor and baseboards.
6. Don’t get carried away with decorations
Cute knick-knacks on the shelves collect dust and need constant cleaning. In order not to waste time on them at the weekend, it is better to place decorative little things that please the eye behind the glass doors of closed cabinets.
7. Close windows
Ventilation is an important part of creating a healthy indoor climate. But this does not mean that windows should always be open. Street dust will circulate in the space constantly, especially in the city, next to a busy street. Nets will not help: they only trap large particles, and dust will easily enter the premises.
8. Dry clean
If you don’t have a vacuum cleaner in your home, and heavy bedspreads don’t fit in your washing machine, it makes sense to call in the services of professionals. As a preventive measure, you can clean carpets and curtains with a steamer.
9. Avoid synthetics
Synthetic fabrics attract dust, which settles and becomes fixed in the fibers. Therefore, the more textiles made from natural materials in the apartment, the less health risks.
10. Buy storage cases
Clothes in the closet collect dust even when not worn. For seasonal items, it is better to get covers, and little things, guest blankets and spare pillows can be folded into closed wardrobe trunks.
11. Don’t Forget About Ventilation
You don’t have to thoroughly rinse every inch of your home during your weekly cleaning. But from time to time it is very important to vacuum and wipe the ventilation systems in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Expert’s comment
Tatiana Globa, cleaning specialist of the online service “Profi”:
— I recommend using microfiber cloths for dusting. They must be of good quality so that there are no streaks or marks left on the objects. It is better to buy special equipment for each surface: glass, wood, polished.
When wet cleaning a heavily soiled room, a special agent can be added to the water. It will make it easier to remove dirt. Soak a cloth in water and wring it out well – it should be damp, but not wet.