That fine layer of grey dust that clings to your coffee table and bookshelves usually reappears pretty much as soon as you’ve wiped it away. In fact, dusting is probably one of the most thankless household chores there is.
And let’s not even mention the dust-related angst that kicks in when the light shines in through your windows. It makes every speck more obvious and leaves your home feeling unclean.
Dust is so much more than harmless fluff. “House dust is a mix of sloughed-off skin cells, hair, clothing fibres, bacteria, bits of dead bugs, soil particles, pollen and microscopic specks of plastic,” says Dr Tim Bond, a natural health expert and chemist from plant-based wellness brand Puressentiel.
“About 40 per cent of the dust in our homes comes in from the outside via air (open doors and windows) or the bottoms of our shoes.”
Dust also contains dust mites, small insect-like pests measuring no more than 0.3mm in length. Invisible to the naked eye, they prefer warm environments, including your bedding, carpets, blankets and pillows. These areas are covered in dead skin scales, a dust mite’s favourite food.
Every home has these pesky mites, but if you’re in the 20 per cent of people who have an allergy to them, dust mites can cause sneezing, a runny nose, an itchy nose, throat or mouth, a cough, watery eyes, fatigue, and itchy or worsening eczema, according to Allergy UK. “Dust mite faeces release a protein that can trigger an allergic reaction in many people,” says Bond.
“This is more likely in people who have asthma or eczema, a family history of dust or other allergies, and/or are exposed to lots of dust and dust mites. Children and young adults are also more prone.”
So keeping dust under control isn’t just about appearance. It can make a noticeable difference to the air quality in your home too, helping you to breathe more easily.
“Smaller, respirable dust particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, worsening underlying health conditions, particularly for those with respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,” says Dr Bond. “Even people who are not allergic to specific components of dust, like dust mites or mould, can have respiratory issues stemming from dust.”
Of course, the problem with dust is that it builds up everywhere. From the obvious shelves and tabletops, to door frames, blinds, lampshades, skirting boards and, let’s not forget, the hidden depths of your curtain folds.
Here’s how to get rid of it, and even stop it coming back so soon.
10 tips for a dust-free home
Order of events
So where does a proper dusting routine begin?
“Across the home, begin with bedrooms and living areas, then hallways and finish with kitchens and bathrooms,” recommends Louisa, a home and cleaning content creator, and author of The 5 minute Clean Routine.
“Grease and moisture makes dust heavier and stickier, so those rooms are best left until last.” When you dust, keep windows open.
“If you’re exceptionally sensitive to dust, wear a well-fitting face mask while cleaning, to avoid inhaling fine particles,” says Bond.
Top to bottom
There’s no point dusting the skirting boards before the coving. Some dust will fall on to the surfaces below and you’ll have to do the job twice.
“I start at the top and work down,” says Nancy Birtwhistle, the author of Clean Magic. “Any disturbed dust that’s not captured will fall onto lower surfaces or the floor, where you can vacuum it up.”
“Empty the vacuum contents straight away, directly outdoors into the bin,” says Bond. “This reduces exposure to the cloud of dust that puffs up as you empty it.”
Stop the spread
The key to effective dusting is to not stir up the particles as they’ll end up resettling elsewhere. Birtwhistle suggests wet dusting surfaces.
“Dampen (don’t soak) a cloth with all-purpose spray or just water. The dust will cling to the cloth rather than be disturbed, fly around in the air to then land and be back in place later.”
Choose your spray wisely. Birtwhistle recommends a blend of 60ml of white vinegar, 150ml of water, 40ml of surgical spirit, all combined in a spray bottle. Essential oils are optional for scent.
“It contains no harmful fumes, no aerosols, it’s naturally anti-bacterial and also anti-static so keeps the dust at bay for longer,” says Birtwhistle.
Microfibre cloths work well without water, but they contain tiny microplastics that can harm marine environments. If you’re planet conscious, keep this in mind.
Dusty desk and cabinets? You could polish instead to protect the finish and keep the surface looking fresh. Again, Birtwhistle makes her own. In a spray bottle, mix 50ml of sunflower or vegetable oil, 30ml of white vinegar, 20 to 30 drops of essential oil and, to stop separation, 10 drops of polysorbate 80 (available online) or a drop of honey or glucose.
Not all dusters are equal
Traditional feather dusters look the part, but they often redistribute dust on to other surfaces or into the air.
Electrostatic versions, such as Flash Dust Magnets, are more effective. They use a magnetic charge to attract dust and trap it, rather than move it around. They also work well for harder-to-reach areas.
Don’t forget to dust your greenery
Dust often settles on plant leaves, which dulls their appearance but can also block out the light they need for photosynthesis, the process by which plants create energy to grow.
“A piece of cotton muslin dampened with water wiped over large house plant leaves will remove dust and bring them up a treat,” says Birtwhistle.
Lights and shades
Lampshades and bulbs are dust attractors, which becomes more obvious when you flick the light on. “Take lampshades outside and brush them with a soft brush,” says Birtwhistle. Try a clean paintbrush or make up brush for delicate or pleated shades. A lint roller also works well to lift dust.
For more intricate fittings such as chandeliers, Birtwhistle suggests wearing a pair of cotton gloves, spraying each hand with all-purpose spray and wiping the glass. “The gloves gather the dust and the glass shines up a treat. When the glove becomes soiled, swap the gloves over so that the left becomes the right and there are two clean parts of the glove to work with.”
Too many knick-knacks?
Trinkets, collectables and smaller decorative items look lovely and often hold meaning, but they’re a nightmare when it comes to dust.
“Place a towel nearby, move items in small groups, dust the surface, then dust the items before putting them back,” suggests Louisa. Try wet dusting here so you can get into crevices.
“For delicate pieces, use a clean makeup brush or small paintbrush. A cool blast from a hairdryer can help with detailed items. Small regular sessions keep collections manageable,” says Louisa.
Your soft furnishings: a secret dust trap
Although not always visible, soft furnishings are a major source of dust and dust mites.
“Shaking fabrics, such as duvets and blankets, outdoors removes a surprising amount of dust quickly,” says Louisa. “Vacuum upholstery weekly using a soft brush attachment, especially sofa arms, cushions, headboards and fabric chairs. Remove cushions and vacuum all sides.”
She recommends washing cushion covers, throws and blankets every two weeks. “Vacuum curtains with the dusting brush attachment, monthly.” Or, if you have time, give curtains a blow on the washing line.
Prevention is easier than the cure, as they say, so try mattress and pillow protectors to stop dust building up deep inside fillings. Keeping duvets open for an hour or so in the morning before making the bed also helps reduce humidity and discourages dust mites.
Forgotten vents
If your home has air vents in the bathroom or as part of your heating system, keep them dust-free. A build-up on covers or fan blades means they work harder to push air through, reducing their effectiveness. “Plus, dusty vents can blow dust back into your home every time the heating turns on,” warns Louisa.
“Cleaning them improves air quality, helps anyone suffering from allergies, makes your heating work better (lowering bills) and reduces musty smells.” A vacuum with brush attachment will work or a small, clean paintbrush to get between the blades and slats.
Your dusting diary
How frequently you should dust depends on how often a room is used and how many textiles it contains. Bedrooms and living rooms need more attention than hallways or kitchens. “Weekly, I dust bedside tables, coffee tables, TV units, shelves, furniture, window sills and skirting boards in the main living areas,” says Louisa. “Monthly, I’ll dust the tops of wardrobes, light fittings, door frames and behind furniture.”
Have a furry friend? Dust more frequently to remove pet hair and dander. “Air purifiers remove dust and other particles from the air, which can help,” says Anna Louisa.