Dust and dirt can wreak havoc even in those homes that are cleaned regularly, and doesn’t take long to build up. However, with dust in particular having the potential to aggravate allergies and respiratory illnesses, it’s important to try your best to keep it out of your home as much as you can.
Fortunately, improving the quality of air in your home with dust removal is as easy as calling in the professionals, but not everyone wants to go down that route.
So, if you prefer to tackle your own cleaning, or hire a cleaning service on a monthly, deep-clean basis, here are some ways to effectively rid your home of dust and dirt:
Firstly, gather your tools. A good vacuum cleaner is essential for removing dust without spreading it around and making the problem worse, and ideally it should have HEPA filter technology. You may also need a microfiber cloth, a bucket of soapy water with a sponge or cloth, and a stepladder to reach higher areas.
Secondly, remember to always start at the top of a room. Failure to do so will result in you having to repeat your cleaning as dust and dirt falls down onto surfaces you’ve already cleaned. Double the work? No thanks! Begin at the ceiling, and work your way down, not forgetting to clean any filters and light fixtures as you go.
Thirdly, move down to the walls, doors and windows. Dust all wall hangings and where possible, wash drapes or blinds to remove dust that will inevitably have formed there. The tops of window and door frames often get neglected, so remember to run a damp microfiber cloth along them. Take care if using a ladder to reach these areas.
Then, tackle the furniture and upholstery. You can use the vacuum attachments to remove dust and dirt from most of your furniture, and other surfaces can be dusted with a damp cloth. While you’re now working at ground level, take the time to remove any items of clutter, and either store them away somewhere, sell them, or donate them to your nearest Goodwill store.
Remember that clutter doesn’t just gather dust, but makes the entire process of cleaning take a whole lot longer, and who wants that?
Finally, vacuum and mop. Running a vacuum cleaner over all floors will ensure that every last dust particle from your cleaning efforts is picked up, and if you have tiled or hardwood floors, you can mop them once you’ve finished vacuuming.
If dust is a big problem in your home, you should try to carry out the steps listed above on a weekly basis, and some surfaces and spaces may need to be tackled far more frequently. If all of this sounds like too much effort, however, why not hire a cleaning company to come in on a weekly or even bi-weekly basis, and help you keep your home cleaner. Don’t forget that this will also improve the quality of the air you, and anyone who shares your home, breathes every day.
