If you’ve lived in Colorado for any amount of time, then you’ve probably noticed the “dust problem”. Dust is everywhere and it seems like you can almost watch it accumulate right before your very eyes. But where does all of the dust come from? 

Colorado’s dry, windy climate paired with plenty of treeless, rocky landscape make our great state the ideal place for generating dust. Of course, the term “dust” pertains to more than just sand and silt. It also includes things such as textile fibers, dirt, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and (yuck) dead skin cells.

So, is there really any way to win the war against dust? Although you might never truly be rid of it entirely, there are things you can do to significantly reduce it both before it gets into your home, and after. Keep reading for some helpful tips from Clean Bees cleaning service in Fort Collins.

The Best Offense is a Good Defense

The easiest way to eliminate dust in your home is to prevent it from entering in the first place. Here are a few things you can do to limit the amount of dust being brought into your home.

Take Off Your Shoes

If you don’t want mud, dirt, and sand in your home, then make sure you leave your shoes at the door. Most people don’t think about just how much dust they're adding to their space when they wear their shoes inside. Instead, leave a mat by the door, and your favorite slippers if you wish, and be happy knowing that all of that extra dirt and dust will be left outside where it belongs.  

Groom Pets Outside

We love our pets, but no matter how big or small they are they can sure make a mess. An easy way to reduce the amount of pet hair, dander, and dirt in your home is to do any grooming tasks outside. If it’s too cold or the weather won’t allow it, consider grooming your pet in the garage or taking him to a self-serve wash or a professional groomer.

Keep Windows Closed

It’s tempting to open all of the windows on a warm, spring day, but keep in mind that if your overall goal is reduce dust, you’re just inviting it in when you open the windows. Of course, there are health benefits to breathing fresh air and airing out a stuffy house that’s been closed up all winter. That being said, just think twice about how often you open your windows because you’ll probably see that, as a result, you’ll have to dust twice as often. 

Trade Your Carpet for Wood Floors

Carpet and other textiles can significantly contribute to the dust in your home. That’s because they trap dust and they also create dust on their own when small particles and fibers break off and settle or become airborne. Although it may seem like a dramatic step, removing your carpet and installing hardwood floors or another type of durable flooring will make a huge impact on the amount of dust in your home.

Clean Smarter and More Often

Dust will always be around, so the only way to control it is to stay diligent about frequent dusting and cleaning. But, it’s not just the frequency that matters, it’s how you clean that makes all the difference.

Dust the Right Way

If you’re using a dry rag to dust, you’re likely just pushing it from one location to another. The best way to actually pick up and ultimately remove dust is to use a microfiber towel or disposable electrostatic dusting cloth.  

Upgrade Your Furnace Filter and Change It Often

When was the last time you changed your furnace filter? Furnaces are designed to filter and circulate warm air, but if you have a dirty filter, you’re just distributing dust throughout your home. It’s very important to change your filter as least as often as the manufacturer suggests, if not more. 

You should also be familiar with the types of filters available with regard to MERV ratings. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value and it’s a measurement of how effective a filter is for removing particles of a certain size. Filters with higher MERV ratings (11-13) are some of the best residential filters you can get as they capture the smallest particles such as tobacco smoke, pollen, dust mites, and pet dander. 

Vacuum Like a Pro

Since carpeting is one of the biggest hoarders of dust, it’s wise to vacuum at least once a week and more often for high-traffic areas. Make sure you invest in a high-quality vacuum that has a HEPA filter and enough suction to pick up deep-dow dirt and dust.

Having the right tools is just part of the solution. Did you know that there’s also a right way to vacuum? If you’re just running the vacuum back and forth as quickly as possible, you’re pretty much wasting your efforts. For more effective vacuuming, slow down, and use overlapping strokes. Once you’ve gone across the entire floor, turn 90 degrees and go over it again.

Let Clean Bees Help You in the Fight Against Dust!

One of the keys to reducing dust in your home is to clean more frequently. But, who has time for that? Don’t let dust rule your life, call Clean Bees to the rescue! We provide intense, high-quality cleanings that you can schedule weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. Visit our website for more information on repeat home cleaning services or to schedule your estimate!