You pride yourself on keeping a tidy home, but recently, you can't seem to get a handle on the dust situation. It seems like no matter how often you clean, the dust always comes back – that too, mere hours after your cleaning spree.

Are you doing something wrong?

Well, maybe.

We all know the feeling of coming home from a long day only to be greeted by a layer of dust on everything we own. It's a universal problem – not just in residential properties but office buildings and schools too.

But it doesn't mean you should sweep it under the rug.

The dust layers you find settled on your floors, furniture, and other surfaces can be a combination of several things; dirt particles, pollen, pet dander, fibers, and even human skin flakes. It often also contains mold spores, chemical residue, bacteria, viruses, cockroach allergens, and lead, which can lead to poor indoor air quality.

This means dust isn't just unsightly; family members allergic to it may suffer from sneezing, stuffy nose, and itchy eyes. In a worst-case scenario, dust accumulation can pose the risk of asthma and respiratory infections.

So, you need to figure out where all the dust is coming from and how to keep it from accumulating so fast.

6 Tips to Keep Dust from Accumulating So Fast

1.    Use a Microfiber Cloth to Wipe Down Surfaces

If not done correctly, wiping down surfaces is useless, even if you do it every few hours. In fact, you could actually be making things worse by moving around dust.

The best way to avoid this mistake is by using a cloth or duster made of microfiber. This material traps most of the dust particles to prevent recirculation. But if you'd still prefer using a rag, consider dampening it before dusting any surface. It'll help keep dust from settling.     

Pro tip: Always dust higher surfaces first, and don't forget to wipe down vertical surfaces, like walls, with a damp cloth every two to three weeks.

2.    Vacuum Regularly with an Efficient Device

Frequent vacuuming makes sense if you want to keep dust from accumulating, especially if you have carpeted floors and pets at home. The dirt from pet paws and shoes can settle into carpet fibers and contribute to dust accumulation.

However, working with just any vacuum cleaner won't get you the desired results. Some products on the market have an inefficient dust-trapping system, which means they only recirculate the particles into the room.    

For best results, you should invest in a superior model with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter that catches approximately 99% of dust and debris and prevents them from floating in the air.

Bonus tip: Introduce a "no shoes inside" policy for family members (and guests) to prevent the tracking of dirt and other contaminants throughout the house. 

3.    Make Sure the Air Filters Are of Good Quality

The air filters behind your HVAC unit are the first line of defense against dust accumulation, given that they are good quality. The cheaper ones often come with large holes through which dust particles can easily pass through and enter your home from the heating and cooling vents.

You should know that air filters have a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) rated on a scale of 1-16. The rating of poor-quality air filters is usually below 8, which means they're incapable of filtering out mold spores, pollen, and other small pollutants.

Therefore, when selecting HVAC air filters, you should look for a MERV rating of at least 8 or above. They're considered commercial-grade products often used in hospitals. Efficient air filters will make it easier for your HVAC unit to produce and disperse dust and contaminant-free air. As a result, the chances of allergy attack symptoms will decrease significantly. On top of this, you'll save money on your energy bills!

That said, even the most efficient air filters can only hold so much dust and debris when the HVAC unit is in regular use. We recommend checking them every month for clogging. Clean them properly as needed to ensure they pick up all dust particles before they can enter your home.  

Pro tip: Get your air filters replaced at least every three months or when you suspect oversaturation.

4.    Have the Air Duct System Cleaned Thoroughly

Air duct systems are responsible for distributing conditioned air throughout your house. Unfortunately, they can also cause dust to accumulate over time when left dirty.

Even if you have excellent air filters, ducting will become dusty when air is sucked into the unfiltered return ducting. The particles end up in your HVAC unit, air duct system, and eventually, into your living space.

The air ducts can also become a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and bacteria when not properly maintained. These contaminants are distributed throughout your home, along with dust particles. If someone in your family with asthma or dust allergy inhales these particles, their health issues can worsen. This is one factor that affects how frequently you should get your air duct system cleaned.

A few years ago, cleaning flexible ducting (installed in most homes) was not recommended. However, thanks to technological advancements, you can have your air duct cleaned safely and effectively by air duct cleaning professionals.

Regular cleaning is now a critical aspect of air duct maintenance. Investing in professional service every few months will help keep your house dust-free and ensure you and your loved ones don't breathe contaminated air.  

Bonus tip: Hire dryer vent cleaning experts if your vent doesn't have a proper opening to the outside of your home. A dirty vent can pull lint and other debris into your air duct system, contributing to dust accumulation.

5.    Install an Air Purification System

If the problem of dust accumulation persists even after you try the previous tips, consider getting an air purification system for your home.

Air purifiers come with carbon, HEPA, and other filters, which trap airborne dust and other particles to cleanse the air in your home. Additionally, they prevent mold growth and keep germs, unpleasant odors, and volatile organic compounds at bay. 

Final Words

Whether you're looking for ways to keep your home healthy for the holiday season or want to fix the indoor quality in your new/remodeled house, you should follow our tips to keep dust from accumulating.

With less dust around, you'll be able to breathe easier and keep your home cleaner overall!