The hot and humid weather in Singapore is one of the reasons why our homes are so dusty. Dust is partly made up of dead skin cells, and we shed more of it when the weather is hot. It can get annoying when you see dust accumulating in your home every other day. Here are some tips to reduce dust in your home.
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Reduce dust at home
1. Invest in a door mat
Removing your shoes before entering your home is normal in Singapore so that isn’t much of a problem. To go a step further, invest in a door mat to wipe your feet before entering your home. This will significantly reduce the amount of dust that is brought into your home even more.
But do remember to shake off the door mat outside or clean them once every few days. Don’t let the dust accumulate on the door mat.
2. Vacuum regularly
By regularly, we mean doing a quick vacuum every other day and a thorough vacuum at least once a week. If there are more people living in your home, you have pets, or there are people with allergies, you should increase the frequency of vacuuming to eliminate all that dust.
We’d also recommend using a vacuum with a HEPA filter so that the dust doesn’t escape back into the air when vacuuming. Remember to also change the filters at least every quarter.
3. Change your sheets at least once a week
You’ll be surprised how much dead skin, dust, insects, and dirt can collect in your sheets. Changing and washing them weekly will help to kill dust mites and remove allergens.
Bonus tip: When you’re removing the sheets, don’t fling them around. That’ll release all the dust and dirt into the air. Roll them or fold them gently to keep all the dust within the sheets.
4. Declutter and keep your home as clutter-free as possible
While knick-knacks look good on shelves, they also collect a ton of dust. Because they’re tedious to clean, you might end up just leaving them (and the dust) there and allowing the dust to accumulate. Instead, keep your countertops, floors, and closets free from clutter. That’ll make it easier for you to clean as well.
Donate or sell things that are of no use, are faulty, or don’t fit you anymore. Alternatively, if you can’t bear to part with them, store them elsewhere that doesn’t expose them to dust.
If you need assistance in decluttering and creating a more organized, dust-free environment, consider using our home organizing services to transform your living space efficiently.
5. Use proper cleaning tools
Instead of using the traditional broom and dustpan, switch to a vacuum cleaner so that you don’t end up spreading the dust around as you sweep. A vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter can also help to trap the dust.
As for cloths, the best type would be the microfiber cloths. They are absorbent, gentle, lint-free, and effective in picking up dirt. Use a damp microfiber cloth to clean surfaces and they’ll pick up the dust instead of moving it around. For a complete list of essential tools and products, explore our guides on must-have cleaning tools and must-have cleaning supplies to make your cleaning routine more efficient.
6. Change your aircon filters once every 3 months
Your aircon filters help to filter and catch pollutants such as dust and mold when the air goes through the aircon system. When you don’t change your filter regularly, it will lose its effectiveness in trapping dust. This means that the dust might end up going back into your room.
Changing your filters regularly also ensures that your unit is operating optimally. It doesn’t cost much to change your filters so it’s a worthwhile investment.
To further improve your air quality and ensure efficient cooling, it’s also important to keep the fans in your aircon clean. For a step-by-step guide on this, check out our guide on cleaning aircon fans, which will help you maintain both filters and fans effectively.
7. Do a deep cleaning of your furniture & furnishings
Furniture and furnishings such as your mattresses, sofas, carpets, and curtains collect lots of dust because of their soft fibres. When you sit on your sofa, sleep on your mattress, step on your carpet, or draw the curtains, all the dust on will end up being spread in the air.
We’d recommend doing a deep cleaning at least once every 6 months. If you have pets or people with allergies living in your household, you should consider increasing the frequency of cleaning.
For a more thorough approach, especially when dealing with tough stains or allergens, consider professional upholstery cleaning services to keep your furnishings in top condition.
In addition to keeping your furniture and soft furnishings dust-free, it’s essential to maintain other areas of your home. For example, the kitchen is another place where deep cleaning is crucial. Check out our guide to kitchen cleaning for tips on how to keep this important space spotless and hygienic.
How to reduce dust at home
These tips might not be able to prevent dust in your home but they can certainly help to reduce it. You don’t have to invest a lot of time, effort and money into keeping your home dust-free. Simple steps can also make a difference. For more in-depth strategies, especially during challenging conditions like hazy weather, explore our guide to keeping your home spotless despite the haze.
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