Ways Your Home Is Attracting Dust

Dust is a common substance found in most homes. During the winter months, you might notice that dust accumulates faster. This is because you keep the windows closed and seal your house off. Dust can also wreak havoc in the warmer months, especially among those who struggle with allergies. Understanding the reasons why your home attracts dust can help you create a strategy to prevent it.

1. Dirty ducts

If you have an HVAC system, you probably have ducts that move the warm and cold air around. Ducts often pick up a lot of dust. While the HVAC filter should catch some of it, it will also spread through the ducts and into different rooms. Sealing the ducts will prevent some of the dust that collects on counters and other surfaces. Duct sealing is also an easy way to improve your indoor air quality.

2. Your clothing and shoes

Every time you come home after spending time outside, you bring dirt, germs, and dust back with you. Those particles cling to your clothing and shoes and rub off as you walk around the house. One way to prevent dust from spreading is with a no-shoes rule. Try placing a rug or bin next to the door. Ask your family and anyone who enters your home to take their shoes off and place them there.

3. Pets

No matter how much you love your pets, they can affect the cleanliness of your house. Both dogs and cats attract dust and can bring dust inside with them. Many of these pets also produce pet dander, which includes skin cells and hair that they shed. Those fibers float through the air and can irritate people with breathing troubles. Your pets can also attract some bugs such as roaches when you live their food and water dishes sitting out.

4. Books

If you're a book lover, keep in mind that some of those tomes can lead to an increase of dust in your home. While cleaning hacks help you learn how to keep your home clean and free from dust, they may not include tips on caring for your books. Try dusting those books once a month or more often to reduce the particles they release into the air.

5. Old vacuum

Vacuums come in different types, including:

• Canister vacuums

• Stick vacuums

• Upright vacuums

• Handheld vacuums

Modern models have an airtight seal that blocks any particles they absorb inside a canister. Older vacuums can have damaged or missing seals that let more of those particles escape. Not only does the dust you remove with the vacuum find a way back into your home, but it can also worsen your dust problem.

An easy way to cut down on the dust you see is with help from a professional. The Cincinnati area is home to companies like Airtron Heating & Air Conditioning and Thomas & Galbraith that can seal your ducts and replace HVAC filters. 

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