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A common image that comes to mind when we think of “cleaning” is a feather duster. This is often in a 1950’s setting, with a beautiful woman dutifully dusting the shelving while preparing dinner for her family. While this image is retro in style, the need for regular dusting of a household is as present as ever. Dust not only contributes to a homes appearance, but can also cause health issues.
The thin layer of dust that builds up on floorings and furnishings can alter their colour, leaving them dull and unattractive. Dusty photographs appear gloomy, and trophies lose their shine. Dusty areas can be torment for those suffering from allergies and asthma. To counter these issues caused by excess dust, it is important to be aware of areas in the home that are prone to the buildup of dust, along with tips on how to keep them dust-free. Here is a short list of those areas to jumpstart your dust-free journey today. Lets get dusting!
Floors.
Dusty floors, particularly those of a rich-coloured wood can be painfully obvious. We pay a lot of money for our flooring, so it is in our best interest to keep it as beautiful as possible. Dust builds up under furniture or in corners, and the contrast in colour between these areas and clean walkways are unsightly. Be sure to use a broom or vacuum cleaner regularly to remove dust from the floors of your home.
Carpets are a major storage system for dust in the house, more so than other forms of flooring. If your home has carpets, take extra care to clean them often. The use of floor mats at entrances can also reduce the amount of dust entering the home, and therefore the amount of dust that builds up on your floors.
Shelves.
Shelves are relatively low traffic areas, making them prone to dust. Use a damp cloth to remove dust from shelves, photographs and any knick knacks you may have. This will make the special items on your shelves pop, and enhance the overall look of your home.
It is important to avoid feather dusters in these situations. Although they appear to be the classic weapon against dust, they are not as effective as you might think. Feather dusters are notorious for pushing dust around rather than removing it. Throw away your feather duster and use a damp cloth instead. You may already have a few lying around, so give them a go and see the difference.
Bedding.
We spend a significant amount of our lives in bed, and therefore dust can build up in our bedding quite easily. Dust attracts dust mites that can release allergens, which affect those with asthma or allergies. Changing your bedding weekly will reduce the number of mites in your bedding, and keep the allergens to a minimum.
Air conditioner.
Dusty air conditioner systems and central heating systems can blow dust throughout your home without you even knowing. Ducted heating systems can also increase the humidity levels in your home, leading to an increase in mould or dust mites. Clean your vents every so often, and it will reduce the amount of dust entering your home. Ensure that you watch out for mould growth, and follow the previous steps to reduce dust mites.
So there we have it, a short guide to maintaining a dust-free home. Dusting will continue to be an important part of household cleaning, even if the tool of choice has been made redundant. Follow the steps above and you will be maintaining a dust-free home in no time. Good luck!