How to Dust

Knowing how to dust can be an important thing to know for people who have allergies, asthma and the need for a clean home. Dust is a collection of dirt, textile fibers, decomposing insect parts, pet dander, hair, pollen, mold spores, skin flakes, dust mites and dust mite fecal materials, spider webbing and much more.

Of course this mix does differ from home to home and other things can be found in dust. One study shows that a high number of PBDE, Polyfroninated biphenyl ether, is also found in household dust. PBDEs are flame retardants that are found in things like electronics, furniture, carpet pads and many other things. They have the potential to be harmful to the body over time. The largest problem with dust is that it cannot be removed completely.http://www.getridofthings.com/get-rid-of-dust.htm

There are a variety of different methods and tools used for dusting. Which ones used depend on time, area being dusted and the person’s personal preference. No matter what tools are used there is one cleaning pattern that stands out above any other. Even though dust will be a constant in any home there are some ways to reduce the amount of dust. The following steps provide a deeper explanation of how to dust.

Step 1: Dusting Tools

Many housekeepers, either stay at home parents or professional cleaners, have their very own special dusting tools. Some use a soft cloth and others buy an electro statically charged cloth or mop. There are even those that use a glove for dusting. The cleaning spray used for dusting should also be considered as one may not work as well for all surfaces.

When using a simple cloth to dust, make sure to use a soft clean cloth. If a dirty or stiff cloth is used streaks could be left behind and it will do a poor job cleaning.http://www.improvingyourworld.com/home/how_to_dust_properly_001745.html Electro statically charged cloths or mops attract and hold dust so that it will not become airborne. This keeps it from spreading through the home.http://www.dustfree.com/housdust.htm Using a glove instead of a cloth will keep fingerprints off the surface and allow the duster to get into corners and crevices easier.http://www.wisegeek.com/how-can-i-eliminate-dust-from-my-home.htm

The cleaning product used to do the dusting is important. If a wooden surface is being dusted and needs an oil to soak into it to get the right glow then that type of product should be used. Glass should be cleaned with glass cleaner to eliminate streaks and spots.

It may not seem like it, but carpet and upholstered furniture can really hold onto dust and should be cleaned. They should be vacuumed on a regular basis to remove dust.http://www.improvingyourworld.com/home/how_to_dust_properly_001745.html

Step 2: Where to Dust

Most experts say it is best to dust the home once or twice a week. The process of dusting is often done incorrectly in many homes. When dusting it is best to start high and work down. This way the dust will travel downwards and not to an area that has already been cleaned.

Any knick-knacks, candles, movies and books should be removed before dusting begins. These objects can be dusted with a soft cloth or even a dryer sheet. Start with the ceiling and especially the corners. They may seem hard to reach, but a dust mop or swiffer can make this easier. Make sure to dust any light fixtures and picture frames while working downward.

When starting to dust furniture, such as tables, bookshelves and entertainment centers, change the type of cleaner being used to match the object. Make sure to get into all crevices and corners. Dust can collect on top, bottom and the sides of everything. Once the only thing left to clean is the floor try just mopping. If the floor is swept first it is likely to get kicked back up into the air and it will resettle on the objects that have just been cleaned. For carpets, go over the floor a few time with a vacuum cleaner.http://www.getridofthings.com/get-rid-of-dust.htm

Step 3: Reducing Dust

People with allergies or asthma would do themselves a favor in reducing the dust in their home. There is no way to completely remove all dust from a home, but there are ways to significantly lower the amount of dust present:

  1. Carpets can collect a lot of dust. It is a breeding ground for many other allergens as well. Area rugs are a little better, but not by much. Removing these items and replacing them with wood, tile or linoleum would be the biggest dust remover available. If this is not an option the vacuum well at least once a week.
  2. Things like knick-knacks, books and candles that are out on display will catch a lot of dust. Think about putting these in an enclosed case where dust cannot settle.
  1. Remember to clean under and behind furniture. Dust will gather in these areas fast, because they are often over looked in cleaning. Use a dust mop or the hose attachment of the vacuum to remove the dust.
  1. Air purifiers and filters can remove a lot of the airborne dust in the home. Many vacuums now come with air filters attached to them. Heating and cooling units should have their filters checked regularly and replaced when needed.http://www.wisegeek.com/how-can-i-eliminate-dust-from-my-home.htm

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