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5 reasons why your house is always dusty

5 reasons why your house is always dusty

Few tasks in life seem as pointless as dusting the house. No matter how hard you clean, dust will always return. In addition to being unattractive in terms of interior design, dust can cause serious problems for those with allergies and respiratory problems.

Where does all this dust come from anyway? “Dust can be made up of a variety of particles, such as skin cells, hair, fibers, pollen, and other environmental materials,” says Marla Mock, president of Molly Maid.

Although more frequent cleaning could help – no, it does No digging into your cleaning routine isn’t enough to get rid of dust bunnies completely. Let’s take a closer look at why there is constant dust at home and what to do about it.

Why is your house constantly dusty?

To clarify, you don’t fully remove the hook with cleaning. While there are many factors to consider when dealing with dust, we’ll start by addressing the elephant in the room.

Liquid dust cleaning

Unfortunately, this layer of dust will be keep hoarding until something is done about it.

Mock says weekly dusting is fine, as long as you “go with the times” and ditch the feather duster for a damp microfiber cloth. “Microfiber removes up to 99 percent of bacteria on surfaces and can be used without spraying furniture polish,” she says. Just make sure the cloth isn’t too wet, or you’ll end up with streaks on the surfaces.

Dusting the room, Mok says to work from top to bottom. This will cause all the dust particles to fall to the floor, so you can simply vacuum and/or mop them up. Always dust before mopping the floor, unless you like to do extra work.

Poor airflow

In a house with poor air circulation, dust accumulates more often. In addition to opening windows to let in fresh air, turn on ceiling fans, although you may want to dust the blades first to avoid further injury. If you have an HVAC system, remove dust from the vents or vacuum it with a brush attachment so it doesn’t throw dust particles into the air.

External factors

By the time you get home, outdoor elements like pollen, dirt, and grime have probably gotten on your clothes and shoes.

“High-traffic areas such as driveways tend to accumulate dust quickly because they are frequented by people and pets, which track particles from the environment, such as dirt and pollen, that contribute to faster accumulation,” says the model. A doormat can help remove some of the dust from your soles, but Mock recommends removing your shoes before entering to avoid dust.

Mock also recommends using air purifiers with HEPA filters to trap outdoor dust particles, especially if you have allergies or breathing problems.

Drafts of windows and doors

We usually discuss the disadvantages of drafty homes in terms of energy efficiency (or lack thereof), but leaky windows and doors can also contribute to your dust problem. “Check all the doors and windows in your home to make sure they are properly closed,” says Mock. Otherwise, dust literally slips through the cracks.

HVAC system problems

Air filter in your HVAC system is an important line of defense against dust. Mock recommends changing HVAC filters every three to six months in homes without pets. However, if you have pets or suffer from allergies or other respiratory conditions, replace them every two months. If that still doesn’t help, contact an HVAC professional to determine if it’s time to have your ductwork cleaned.

Maintaining a (mostly) dust-free environment requires a multi-pronged approach. Weekly dusting is important, but so is improving air flow, maintaining your HVAC system, and sealing drafty windows and doors. While a more inviting space is one benefit, less dust means creating a healthier home environment that won’t cause allergies or respiratory problems.

Frequently asked questions


  • How often should I dust my house to reduce dust accumulation?

    Dust weekly with a dry or damp microfiber cloth. Do this before vacuuming or mopping the floor, because that’s where the dust will end up during cleaning.


  • Are there any specific steps I can take to reduce dust from carpets and furniture?

    Vacuum your carpets more often and use an upholstery attachment on your vacuum to protect your furniture from dust, pet dander and other household allergens. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter, according to US Environmental Protection Agencyremoves 99.97 percent of dust and other airborne particles.


  • How often should I clean or replace the air filters in my HVAC system?

    This will depend on the type of air filter, but Mok suggests every three to six months. If you have pets or are allergic, switch to every two months. If even a clean air filter doesn’t improve your dust situation, contact an HVAC professional.