The creation of particles that form dust is constant, and the sources are many. Small bits of paper from books, magazines, newspapers and the daily mail, fibers from carpet, rugs, upholstered furniture and draperies, lint from clothing, dust mites and their body parts all combine to form a seemingly unending trail of dust. Here are 5 ways to decrease the amount of dust in your air.
Central Vacuum System—This is a great feature to have in a home because the storage for the unit is often in a garage or basement—well away from the most lived-in parts of the house. Any particles that manage not to be pulled into the container are usually blown outside. These are generally expensive, but tend to pay for themselves by being able to successfully remove the dust.
HEPA Vacuum—This is a viable option for homes that do not have a central vacuüm system. A high efficiency particle arresting (abbreviated as HEPA) can trap fine particulates far more efficiently than the normal vacuüm which tends to send as much dust back into the air as it traps.
Tweak Furnace Filters—The usual furnace that supplies heating and cooling is often not able to remove the fine particles that are present in the air. Pleated filters work better than usual furnace filters but will need to be replaced more often. Passive electrostatic filters are a green option because they use natural static electricity to attract and hold particles. This type of filter will need to be washed regularly but can be reused.
Be sure to check with a certified heating and air conditioning professional for advice on which type of filter is best for the system you have in your home.
Dust Mite Covers—-Mite population is highest in the bedroom because mattresses and pillows are the ideal place for them to grow. They flourish in warm, damp places, and feed on dead skin. That makes the bed and bedroom carpets ideal. Encasing mattresses and pillows in fabric that is impervious to mites greatly reduces their population. And using these covers greatly reduces one of the most potent allergens found in dust.
HEPA Air Purifier—Even if you take all the precautions above, you can further reduce airborne dust by continuously filtering the air. Using a cleaner with this type of filter insures that particulate levels are kept low which lessens the amount that you see in the air and or surfaces.
Numerous studies have linked increased amounts of dust to respiratory conditions such as allergies and asthma. So the importance of taking these 5 pro-active but non-invasive steps to get rid of this hazard is crucial.
