You dust the shelves, wipe down the surfaces and vacuum the floors… only to spot another layer of dust a few days later. Sound familiar?
Unfortunately, completely dust-free homes don’t really exist. Dust is made up of all sorts of tiny particles, from skin cells and fabric fibres to dirt and pollen brought in from outside. But there are plenty of things you can do to reduce how much dust builds up in the first place.
If you’re wondering how to get rid of dust and keep your home feeling fresher for longer, these seven tips are a good place to start.
1. Take your shoes off at the door
One of the easiest ways to reduce the amount of dirt and dust coming into your home is to leave your outdoor shoes by the door.
Shoes can pick up dirt, pollen and other particles from pavements, gardens and everywhere else you’ve been during the day. Once inside, all of that can make its way onto your floors and eventually become part of the dust around your home.
A good doormat at the entrance can help too, especially if you give it a regular vacuum.
2. Don’t forget your bedding
Your bed might look clean, but bedding can collect skin cells, fibres and other particles over time.
Wash your sheets and pillowcases regularly, and don’t forget duvets, blankets and mattress protectors. Giving your mattress a good vacuum from time to time can also help remove dust that has settled there.
It might not be the first thing you think of when you’re working out how to get rid of dust, but your bedroom can be a surprisingly dusty room.
3. Give your doormats some attention
A doormat is there to catch dirt before it gets into your home, but it can’t do that forever without being cleaned itself.
Vacuum your mats regularly and clean them according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If your mat is looking particularly grubby, it might actually be contributing to the dirt you’re trying to keep outside.
4. Keep an eye on your windowsills and window tracks
When was the last time you cleaned the actual window tracks?
Dust, pollen and dirt can quietly build up around windows, particularly during warmer months when windows are regularly left open. Give your windowsills, frames and tracks a proper clean rather than just wiping the obvious surfaces.
It’s one of those little jobs that makes a surprisingly noticeable difference.
5. Have a little declutter
Here’s an unexpected dust-reducing tip: own less stuff.
Ornaments, books, baskets and decorative bits and pieces all create extra surfaces for dust to settle on. You don’t have to embrace extreme minimalism, but having a regular clear-out can make your home much easier to keep clean.
The less clutter you have, the fewer things you need to move every time you dust.
6. Clean your vacuum cleaner
Your vacuum cleaner is supposed to remove dust, not redistribute it around the house.
Empty the dust canister or replace the bag regularly, and make sure filters are cleaned or replaced according to the manufacturer’s instructions. A clogged filter can affect how well your vacuum works and can leave you wondering why your floors never seem completely clean.
It’s a small job, but keeping your cleaning equipment clean helps it do its job properly.
7. Don’t forget your soft furnishings
Curtains, rugs, cushions, throws and upholstered furniture can all collect dust.
Regularly vacuum carpets and rugs, wash removable covers where possible and give curtains and other soft furnishings the attention they need. Don’t forget to vacuum underneath sofas and furniture too.
This is particularly worthwhile as the seasons change and we start spending more time indoors.
When you need a little extra help
Knowing how to get rid of dust is one thing, but keeping on top of every area of your home can be another matter entirely. Between work, family life and everything else on the to-do list, those bigger cleaning jobs can quickly get pushed to the bottom.
That’s where a professional clean can help. A thorough clean doesn’t just mean wiping down the surfaces you can see. It can include skirting boards, doors, high-level areas, soft furnishings, kitchens, bathrooms and all those awkward corners where dust seems to love settling.