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Some days it seems like you just dusted, and there it is again, coating your furniture, and settling nicely on a windowsill when it will be most obvious to company. But just what is it you’re trying so hard to get rid of?
Dust by definition, is small particles of earth and other man-made debris, measuring less than 75mm across. It settles from its own weight, but can be stirred easily by natural wind, or the motion of a passing mass.
It doesn’t seem to matter if you keep all your windows and doors closed, it will still find its way into your home. But there are some tips for keeping it down, and ways of dealing with dust, once it’s got a toehold.
Cut back the amount of dirt tracked into your home, by placing mats at the door, and having the family remove outdoor shoes as they enter. Change the filters in your furnace or air circulating system on a regular basis. Do at least an annual cleaning of the ductwork.
Vacuum frequently, especially carpeted areas that tend to harbor dust, and re-distribute it into the air with foot traffic passing over it. Part of the dirt particles that form dust, includes “dirt" from you and your family, in the form of skin scales which we shed on a daily basis. Invisible to the eye, they accumulate on the floor and carpets along with microscopic bits of leaves, grass, and even pet skin cells. These dead skin cells are the food of life to dust mites, which live in your carpets, and if the supply is plentiful, sometimes in plush furniture. These mites are thought to be the cause of up to 30% of allergic reactions, and are a problem for anyone with a respiratory illness. While they are less frequent in winter, due to the low humidity in a heated home, they flourish in damp Springs and summers, making regular and thorough vacuuming a must for your family’s health.
Dusting your furniture with a dry cloth, will only push the dust off onto the floor. Use either a microfiber cloth, or a cloth dampened with a dust spray suitable for the surfaces you are cleaning. Try using a dryer sheet on blinds, or to wipe a ceiling fan. Cleaning the blades will also help to keep the fan from spreading dust when it’s turned on.
When you’re on a housecleaning kick, don’t just concentrate on dusting the obvious places like the tops of dressers, tables, vanities, the television, stereo, etc. There are other hidden and forgotten places like the top of doorways, curtains that can be shaken out, bookshelves that have gone untouched, as well as dust magnets like stuffed toys and artificial flowers to be brushed off or washed.
Damp mopping hard surfaces, even with plain water, will remove daily deposits. Do carpets with a vacuum that has a secure filter, which doesn’t allow for leakage. Seasonal steam cleaning not only removes deep-seated dust and mites from your carpet, but freshens it and the air in the room by removing odors as well. Change your vacuum bags often, and shake your dust rags outside, to avoid dislodging all the particles you have picked up.
For more cleaning tips please visit us at Helpful Home Ideas.
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Article added to SearchWarp.com on Thursday, April 07, 2005 View other articles written by Helpful Home Ideas(4,096)
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