Dust is a mix of pollen, dead skin, lint, fibers, hair and fur, along with dirt, which makes effective dusting techniques important for minimizing the harm dust can do.
Some homes produce more dust than others, especially if there are carpets, draperies and upholstered furniture and pets. Clothing produces a good deal of lint. Allergists recommend that sensitive people use care when they are dusting to prevent spreading it by:
- Always dust with a damp cloth. A dry cloth or duster will push the dust particles into the air where it could irritate anyone with allergies.
- Vacuum rather than sweep. Sweeping is as harmful to air quality as dry dusting is. To eliminate as much dust in the air as possible, choose a vacuum cleaner that uses a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) bag, These bags are made from materials that trap the tiniest of particles inside the bags instead of recirculating it into the air.
Using Air Filtration
Using air filters and cleaners as dusting techniques are particularly effective. They’re designed to arrest particles and keep them from circulating in the air. Pleated air filters are more effective than the thin fiberglass filters. Check your owner’s manual to see what the highest rated filter is that you can use with your system.
Air cleaners like electrostatic filters or whole-house HEPA filtration systems will trap many particles. HEPA systems, especially, are effective at removing irritating particles. Electrostatic filters are a cost-effective way to lower the dust levels indoors. They use small amounts of electricity to pull particles onto a metal plate. Every few months, the plates need cleaning to remove the dust particles. Once dry, they’re ready to resume air cleaning.
As the weather warms, more pollen will fill the air and dusting techniques may be even more important for your air quality. To learn more about air filters and cleaning, contact Mowery Heating, Cooling and Plumbing, providing HVAC services for Indianapolis homeowners.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Brownsburg, Indiana and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
