Dust can accumulate quickly, especially in high-traffic areas. This can be due to various factors, including human skin flakes, fabric fibers, and pet dander.
To make vacuuming and dust removal more efficient, try following these tips. Start by dusting first, then vacuuming; that way, any debris that falls to the floor will be sucked up instead of becoming airborne.
Use the Right Tool for the Job
Dust can settle in the most minor cracks and crevices of your home, creating a layer that can be difficult to see. Left unchecked, it can also aggravate allergies by harboring microscopic skin flakes, pollen, and fabric particles.
Regular vacuuming with the best canister vacuum cleaner is the best way to keep these allergens at bay, and focusing on high-traffic areas and carpeted rooms is essential. A vacuum cleaner with the right attachments can help reach hard-to-reach spots, such as ceiling fans and super-high shelves.
Remember to change or empty the bag regularly, as a full one can affect the suction and limit your cleaning abilities. Additionally, don’t forget to wear a mask when changing the bag or emptying the bin to prevent inhaling any dust that may have settled inside.
Vacuum High-Traffic Areas Regularly
The best way to keep dust under control is to vacuum regularly. It’s recommended to clean at least once weekly and more often if your house is incredibly active with kids and pets.
High-traffic areas like mudrooms, living rooms, and dining rooms typically accumulate more dirt and debris than other parts of the home. These areas should be vacuumed at least weekly, if not daily.
Don’t forget to dust your ceilings, too. This can be tricky, but a microfiber duster with a long handle or a vacuum attachment can make the job easier. Using a crevice tool on your vacuum cleaner is also helpful in cleaning corners and hard-to-reach spots. This ensures that all the dust is removed from your home, not just some of it.
Don’t Forget the Edges and Corners
Regardless of how frequently you clean your floors, it would help if you also dusted the corners, window sills, and other places where dirt can hide. Using tools like a poly-wool duster or vacuum’s crevice attachment helps make it easy to remove trapped dust and prevent dark lines of soil along baseboards.
Also, be sure to use a vacuum with a high suction rating so you can get into tight spaces, especially on carpeted floors. Don’t forget to empty the vacuum bag regularly to avoid overfilling it, which can cause debris to spill onto other surfaces. Finally, enforcing a no-shoes policy in your home can help reduce the amount of dirt, dust, and allergens tracked into your house. That’s especially important if you have pets, as they are natural allergens and can irritate the respiratory system of family members who suffer from allergies.
Don’t Let the Vacuum Bag Get Too Full
A full vacuum bag or canister makes it harder for your machine to pick up dust and dirt effectively. It’s also a safety concern because as the bag fills up, it can explode, spraying dirt and dust all over the floor.
The best way to prevent this is to get in the habit of replacing the bag regularly and emptying the canister regularly. It might seem like an extra step, but it will make cleaning more efficient and effective.
Of course, no regular vacuuming and dusting will remove all the specks of skin cells, pollen, pet hair, dander, and other allergens that collect in our homes. But it will help to reduce the number of them and the resulting respiratory and health problems they cause.
Keep the Motor Clean
As the dirt particles move around your home, they collect in your vacuum cleaner’s motor. A clean motor will work more efficiently and allow you to get a deeper clean without emptying the dirty bag as often.
If your vacuum isn’t picking up as much dirt, dust, or pet hair, ensure the filter is not clogged and the dust bag is incomplete. Changing both things can fix your problem and help you achieve a healthier home.
Remember, the best way to reduce dust in your home is to prevent it from getting inside in the first place. Encourage friends and family members to remove their shoes at the door, and consider placing a welcome mat or two near major entrance points.
