Dust is an inevitable factor in every home. There’s no way to prevent its existence, but it’s vital you’re diligent in cleaning your living space, as dust buildup can lead to many negative health consequences. And while keeping your living space as dust-free as possible is an important part of healthy indoor air quality, the way you clean is also important. Read on to learn more about the dangers of living with too much dust, and what you can do to protect your home and family.
The Truth About Dust
Dust mites are believed to be the main irritant found in all dust particles. It stands to reason that the more dust you have in your home, the more dust mites you’ll need to get rid of. When left to proliferate in your breathing space, a host of health issues can arise. Some people may have allergic reactions, but anyone can experience flu-like symptoms or respiratory issues due to exposure.
Preventing Dust Buildup
- Install a high-efficiency air filter in your HVAC system and clean or change it every month (or as recommended by the manufacturer).
- Clean your flooring twice a week using a product that doesn’t contain harmful chemicals, or simply use water.
- Use a damp cloth to dust the surface area around your home. Avoid dry dusting as this can waft dust around your breathing space.
- Avoid “air purifiers” that contain ozone, as these are known lung irritants and cannot get rid of dust or other types of airborne particles.
- Replace carpeted areas with hardwood, tile or another type of dust-resistant flooring, when possible.
- Vacuum carpets at least twice a week, ideally with a machine that has a HEPA filter.
- Air seal cracks, gaps and holes around your home with caulk and weatherstripping to stop dust and dirt from coming inside through these access points.
For more tips on preventing dust buildup in your Dayton home, please feel free to contact Ace Hardware Home Services, Inc. anytime.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Dayton, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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