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Battling Dust Bunnies
In my home I find some rooms tend to attract more dust than others and as a result, even days after dusting, the “bunnies” begin to reappear in select rooms. Now, I admit to being a bit of a clean freak, but even the most housework-adverse individual should find it disheartening to watch their cleaning efforts go to waste.
As a result, I began to analyze where all this dust was coming from and I came to the following conclusions.
the dusty bedroom
Problem: High levels of dust permeating my sleep space. I found the vermin were appearing on all surfaces, causing both a shoddy look/feel and potential for a stuffed nose come morning due to the high level of airborne critters.
Solution: I found the bulk of the dust was reduced by regular washing of the duvet cover. You would be surprised how much dust collects on your duvet. Washing the duvet cover is a labour-intensive task, so I also recommend you run the vacuum over the duvet’s surface, using a similar attachment to the one in the photo below. This helps reduce the dust significantly and can reduce the number of washings.
dusty living & family rooms
Problem: High levels of dust in rooms that are the primary seating/lounging areas. This dust in these rooms is not only unsightly, but also poses a health issue for house guests with asthma or allergies.
Solution: In addition to regular vacuuming and dusting, I found vacuuming all the furniture’s material surfaces (ie. couches, chairs, cushions, etc.) with a similar vacuum attachment to the one above, significantly reduced the level of dust in these rooms.
You should also try periodically moving the furniture to gain access to areas where dust can collect and the vacuum can’t go. Rooms with hardwood floors are particularly susceptible to high levels of dust bunnies collecting underneath the furniture.
general dusty conditions
Problem: Your home is plagued by dust bunnies, the critters are running around with virtual free-reign, multiplying at will!
Solution: Here are several tips you can explore to cut down on your home’s overall dust accumulation.
- Close windows/doors in a dusty external environment. This is especially the case if there is construction going on around your neighborhood. Rely on interior fans to circulate air as opposed to open windows and use your HVAC (heating, ventilation & air conditioning) fan to bring in outside air because it will get passed through a filter.
- Change the HVAC filters twice a year. Not only a dust-free recommendation, but also a health issue for removing harmful particles from your home’s air.
- Have your ductwork professionally cleaned. This is a great idea, particularly if you have had any renovation-type work performed in your home, or if you live in an older house. Best time of year to have this done is after the summer months (providing you don’t use air conditioning throughout the summer), right before you start using your furnace.
- Vacuum your pets. Ok, perhaps you can get away with just a bath, but pets can bring their weight in dust into a home, particularly if they play outside regularly (this is more noticeable in smaller living spaces).
- Dust the areas that never get dusted. Perhaps the least desirable solution, but every home has those surfaces and objects that sit and collect dust, never seeing the vacuum or dust cloth. Take a look around your home. Ledges that don’t get used, decorative objects that sit up high, these objects all still collect dust and when air movement occurs for example, from overhead fans or open doors or windows, the vermin will spread to your living spaces. A few times a year, take the time to give these areas a good once-over.
Hopefully, these tips will help reduce your level of dust and allow you to further enjoy your home. Further information on your indoor air quality can be found here.
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