Have you ever sat on your living room couch and watched dust motes dance in a beam of light? It’s a beautiful sight.

Until you think about all that dust settling on your knick-knacks, carpets and furniture… and even getting into your eyes, nose and lungs.

A small amount of dust in your home is inevitable, of course. As the saying goes, from dust we come and to dust we shall return (and in the meantime, we will have dust bunnies under our couches). But there are some easy steps you can take to improve the air quality in your home.

Here’s what you need to know about getting rid of dust in the air.

Where Does In-Home Dust Come From?

Before we can get to work cleaning up your air, it’s important to know where all that dust is coming from. There are a few major sources:

• Carpets and Rugs
  Carpets and rugs can trap dust, dander and pollen, especially in high-traffic areas. 
• Upholstered Furniture
  Your couches and chairs can trap dust and dander just as much as your carpet. 
• Bedding and Linens
  Infrequently washed sheets and pillows also create an environment for dust mites to thrive and allergens to flourish.
• Clutter and Stored Items
  Cluttered spaces can be major dust magnets. Dust settles on these items and can be easily disturbed, spreading into the air.
• Pets
  Pets shed fur and dander, and can also track in dust from outside. When Fido gets the zoomies, he can stir up dust in carpets or furniture and make it airborne. 
• Dirty HVAC Systems
  Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are designed to spread air throughout your home. If you have dusty vents and ducts, that air will be dirty, too. 

Naturally, we’re not suggesting you get rid of your carpets, rugs, furniture or pets (especially not the pets!). But there are steps you can take to keep things cleaner.

Practical Tips for Getting Rid of Dust in the Air

These tips range from simple DIY fixes to more cost-intensive but long-term solutions. Follow our suggestions to make your home’s air cleaner and healthier.

Regular Vacuuming and Dusting

Vacuuming and dusting are the two non-negotiable chores for keeping your air clean. Vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture at least once a week, focusing on high-traffic areas and under furniture. Make sure your vacuum has a HEPA filter, which is designed to trap small particles that standard vacuums may miss.

Instead of traditional dusting, which often just moves dust around, use microfiber cloths to trap and remove it. It’s a good idea to start close to the ceiling—high shelves and pictures—and work down, so you don’t resettle dust on already-cleaned surfaces. 

DIY and Professional Duct Cleaning
While professional duct cleaning services can provide thorough cleaning, you can also do a basic cleaning yourself. Remove vent covers and use a vacuum to clean visible dust. 

For a deeper clean, it’s worth hiring a professional service. Regular maintenance of ducts can clean up your air and improve your HVAC’s efficiency.

Replacing Air Filters

Air filters in your HVAC system capture dust and other particles, stopping them from circulating through your home. It’s important to pick the right filter for your home. As with vacuuming, a HEPA filter will capture the smallest particles that might get through other filter types. 

It’s important to change your filter regularly. Depending on the type of filter and how often your HVAC runs, you should change it every 1-3 months. 

Consider an Air Purifier

Air purifiers can effectively remove dust and allergens from the air. Depending on the model, it can use one or more of many technologies to keep your air clean. Some use HEPA filters, activated carbon, and/or UV light. All are designed to capture particles, filter air and improve air quality. 

You can place air purifiers in areas where dust tends to accumulate, such as living rooms, bedrooms, or home offices. The most important tip: Make sure you keep the purifier’s filters clean, according to the instructions you received with the unit. 

With a little bit of elbow grease and some professional assistance, you can dramatically reduce the amount of dust in your home’s air. Consistent cleaning, maintenance, and the right equipment are key to keeping your indoor air fresh and dust-free.

Need duct cleaning, maintenance or other HVAC services? We’re here to help. Contact us today!