Maintaining a dust-free home often feels like an uphill battle.
But have you ever stopped to ponder what exactly dust is?
What is dust?
Dust, in essence, consists of matter, typically made of tiny particles of dirt, pollen, dead skin cells, and various other bits and pieces that accumulate on surfaces over time. It’s found indoors and outdoors, and what it’s made of varies depending on the environment.
In homes, dust can include particles from fabrics, carpets, pet dander, and outdoor pollutants that are tracked inside. Dust can also contain microscopic organisms such as dust mites and their faeces. While dust is generally harmless in small amounts, excessive exposure to dust can exacerbate allergies and respiratory issues in some individuals.
Something else that can be found in dust is Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs). These natural chemicals are often found in the environment and are created when organic materials, such as coal, oil, and gas, burn incompletely. This study found that vehicular and cooking emissions are the two main sources of PAHs in indoor dust. This includes accidentally burning your dinner.
Where does dust come from?
A 2009 study examining household dust in the US revealed approximately 40% of the dust found indoors comes from outdoor sources, either airborne particles or on the soles of your shoes.
What is the best way to get rid of dust?
Regarding PAHs in dust, you can ensure you run the exhaust when cooking. Commercial glass cleaners are also good at removing PAHs from glass. And a cold wash cycle followed by the dryer can eliminate almost half of the PAHs in your clothes and bedding. Using a Hepa air purifier is also recommended.
Additionally, there are several effective methods for reducing and getting rid of dust in your home:
- Regular cleaning: Vacuuming carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture can help remove dust and allergens. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to trap smaller particles. You can also try making this dust repellent spray.
- Dusting surfaces: Wipe down surfaces with a damp cloth or microfiber cloth to capture and remove dust rather than simply spreading it around. Consider using a dusting spray or furniture polish to help attract and trap dust particles.
- Washing bedding and linens: Wash bedding, curtains, and other linens regularly in hot water to remove dust mites and their allergens.
- Minimise clutter: Reduce the number of items in your home that collect dust, such as knick-knacks, books, and decorations. Keep surfaces clear to make cleaning easier.
- Air purifiers: Try an air purifier with a HEPA filter.
- Seal cracks and gaps: Seal cracks and gaps around windows and doors to prevent stopdust from finding its way into your home.
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Scrub Daddy Damp Duster
Additionally, mums in the Facebook group Mums Who Clean speak highly about the Scrub Daddy Damp Duster for removing dust in their homes.
Singing the product’s praises, one mum wrote: “This Damp Duster (made by Scrub Daddy) is fantastic and so effective. And because you use it slightly damp, it removes little marks from surfaces (like rings from glasses, etc). And even better, it’s less than $4!”
Others were quick to chime in, saying they agreed.
“I use the smooth side for wiping down big indoor plant leaves,” wrote one person.
Another person added: “I only bought it, but I can see it lasting a very long time as it’s quite dense, unlike a traditional sponge. It’s kind of like rubber and rinses clean.”
“I can second this,” chimed another. “I love mine. I purchased a second one today to put in my main bathroom for my husband shaving as it picks up all the hairs! Amazing.”
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