Why your living room is so dusty all the time

No matter how you try, the dust just keeps coming back. A constant supply of soil particles, pollen, pet dander, dead skin cells, hair and bits of carpet and clothing fibers constantly accumulates, especially in a heavily used area such as the living room. This dust accumulates in the corners, hides under the sofa and rains down on your lampshades. Dust can make your living spaces look neglected, but more importantly, the dirt feeds dust mites and aggravates allergies. We know that sometimes you have bigger priorities than dusting, and we’re here to help. We explain to you why your living room is like this dusty all the time and what you can do to keep the dust bunnies at bay.

Where does all the dust come from?

People and pets

We spend a lot of time in our living rooms playing games, watching TV and cuddling with pets and children on the couch. Both people and pets lose hair and dead skin cells all the time. We also carry dirt and pollen on our shoes, clothes and hair.

Upholstery and fabrics

We like to make our living rooms cozy, with rugs, cushions, curtains and more. These soft fabrics release fibers when you rub against them. Some fibers absorb chemicals such as flame retardants from carpet pads and old sofas. Fabrics are also very good at holding dust.

The outdoors

Gaps around windows, your front door and your chimney provide opportunities for pollutants to sneak in from outside. For those of us with seasonal allergies, pollen is especially a problem. Dirt, mold and pollutants from car exhaust also find their way inside.

Tips to keep the dust bunnies at bay

If you’re feeling a little nauseous or itchy right now, you’re not alone. Here are a few recommendations make sure no dust accumulates so quickly in your living room.

Replace HVAC filters

A dirty filter causes dust to recirculate every time the heating or air conditioning is turned on. Replace the filters about every three months, or whenever they start to look dirty. Homeowners with pets may need to replace them more often. You should also vacuum and record dust accumulations at least once a year, so that it does not constantly blow into your living room.

Fill in gaps

If you notice gaps around doors and windows, add or replace seals or weather stripping. This reduces the amount of dirt and dust entering your home and can also help with heating and heating cooling bills.

Improve air quality

One study found that damp homes can have ten times as many dust mites as drier homes. To keep dust mites (and allergies) at bay, lower the humidity in your home to 40-50%. You can also improve the air quality in your living room by using a HEPA air purifier.

Stop dirt in its tracks

Add a doormat at the front door so your family and guests no longer have to walk in the dirt. Even better: place a shoe rack near the door and enforce a shoe ban.

Tidy up your space

Do you have a collection of tchotchkes that have turned a dingy gray? Stacks of books that you never look at? A collection of pillows that no one ever uses? Remove the dust-collecting clutter that you no longer want, and keeping your living room clean will become much easier.

How to clean up the dust

Cleaners recommend dusting every weekor at most every other week. When cleaning your living room, always dust from top to bottom. Start with the ceiling fan and cobwebs in the corners, then move on to bookshelves and mantelpieces and work from there. Use a long-handled duster on blinds, then dust windowsills. Any dust that falls will end up on the floor, which will be the last area you clean.

Use a damp microfiber cloth to catch as much dust as possible as you wipe the surfaces; feather dusters just scatter it around. Use a soft brush or vacuum cleaner on pleated lampshades. Then vacuum your couch, chairs, and other soft surfaces like rugs and carpets (and don’t forget the underside). Throw pillowcases, covers, curtains and blankets in the wash.

Before cleaning your floors, take a look at the skirting boards. Many need a good dusting every few weeks. Regular dusting will improve the air quality in your home and make cozy evenings on the couch much more comfortable.