When hearing the words “dust bunnies” as a child, you think of an animal. A small, cute, and fluffy bunny. As time has gone on, the more people say “dust bunnies”, the more you cringe. Why does dust build up?
What is dust and what is it made of?
The Dictionary definition of dust is “earth or other matter in fine, dry particles.” There are actually two different types of dust. Indoor dust and outdoor dust. Outdoor dust is made up of mostly soil particles, insect follicles, tire particles, and pollen. Indoor dust is made up of hair follicles, dry skin, food particles, pet dander, and more. Both types of dust contain several dust mites.
How does dust get in my home?
You’re probably thinking that since you live inside, you don’t have to worry about the outdoor dust particles. Unfortunately, there is a very high chance that both indoor and outdoor dust bunnies are living with you. In fact, about 60% of dust that is inside, came from outdoors. Think about how many times a door or window is open, or when you walk inside with your shoes on, or your pet comes inside. Once a window or door is open, those dust particles are brought in your home, because of the wind. As a result of the windy day and the window or door open, all of the dust particles that are in your home are being moved and mixed together. Which, creates more dust!
What are dust mites?
Dust mites are microscopic bugs that live in your home. They stay in bedding, furniture, carpeting, rugs, and stuffed animals. Do not get dust mites confused with bed bugs. Dust mites do not bite you. Dust mites can actually cause allergies and make people have rashes, other than that they are not harmful. Just a nuisance and kinda gross to think about. The more dust you have, equals the more dust mites you have.
Why does dust build up?
We now know how dust is made, what it is made up of, and how dust is getting in your home. Why does dust build up? Simply because of those many, tiny particles that are constantly being moved around by fans or wind. Then, those particles settle on surfaces.
6 Tips to remove dust in your home.
Dust with a damp cloth.
When dusting surfaces, use a damp cloth rather than a feather duster. Using a feather duster can help clean the surface, but in reality, the dust particles are just being moved in the air and settling on a different surface. Using a damp cloth will trap the dust particles so they don’t move in the air.
Clean from top to bottom.
When dusting, always clean from top to bottom. If you clean from bottom to top, dust from the top can move to the bottom, and the bottom will have to be cleaned again. Just a note, dust first then vacuum.
Change bedding weekly.
Remember the dust mites? They live in your bedding. I know, that is a very gross thing to think about, but changing your sheets once a week can reduce the number of dust mites and any allergies you may have to dust.
Groom pets regularly.
Pets bring in dust particles from outside. They also shed, depending on the dog, they shed a lot. Grooming your pets regularly, and getting rid of the shedding hair is an easy way to reduce the dust particles in your home.
Take off your shoes when entering your home.
Dust particles stick to the bottoms and sides of your shoes. Leaving your shoes by the door reduces the amount of dust particles, and keeps your floors looking nicer for a longer period of time.
Change air filters.
Heating air filters and air conditioning filters trap dust mites and dust particles. Change the air filters regularly to continue trapping dust particles.