How to reduce dust in your home

Run your finger across any appliance, shelf or skirting board and you’ll likely find dust. Exactly how much depends on how often you clean.

Dust is a constant presence in every home. While it’s impossible to eliminate completely, understanding it can help you reduce it.

What is dust?

Dust is made up of tiny airborne particles that settle on surfaces. While many people think it’s mostly skin or pet hair, it can also include dirt, pollen, fibres, spores and even microscopic debris from outside.

Opening windows doesn’t necessarily reduce dust – it can introduce more particles from outside, including sand, pollen and pollution.

Indoor dust can also contain lint from fabrics, pet dander, dust mites and their waste.

Why is dust undesirable?

Dust not only affects how your home looks, but it can also impact your health and household appliances.

It can interfere with electrical appliances and potentially pose a fire risk
It can trigger allergies, asthma and respiratory issues
It may cause irritation such as itchy eyes, coughing and congestion

How to minimise dust in your home

While you can’t remove dust completely, these steps can help reduce it significantly.

Keep wardrobes and closets tidy: Store clothes in drawers or sealed containers and use garment bags to reduce airborne fibres.
Reduce carpets where possible: Carpets trap and create dust. Use hard flooring where you can, and vacuum carpets frequently.
Change bedding regularly: Wash bedding weekly and consider using dust-proof mattress covers.
Avoid feather dusters: Use a damp microfibre cloth to trap dust rather than spreading it into the air.
Clean from top to bottom
Dust higher surfaces first so particles fall downwards and can be cleaned up later.
Use an air purifier
Air purifiers can reduce airborne particles, helping those with allergies.
Remove dust outside
Shake rugs, cushions and bedding outdoors to prevent dust spreading indoors.