A standard air filter will only filter big particles from the air to prevent damage to your heating or cooling systems. To prevent dust, it is recommended that you use high-quality paper or pleated fabric filters that are disposable and replace them every 1 to 3 months. [3] X Research source The highest quality filters are HEPA (high-efficiency particulate arrestance), but you should only use these with compatible heating and cooling systems. [4] X Research source
Be sure to change your vacuum filter frequently. Make sure your vacuum is in good working order. A broken vacuum will just spit the dust back into the air, making the problem worse.
Use microfiber cloths to dust all surfaces where dust tends to accumulate, like the top of your mantel, desk, side tables, and so on. Wet cloths tend to collect dust better than dry cloths, so when you’re dusting furniture that isn’t wooden, try wetting the cloth first. Wash microfiber cloths immediately after dusting to get rid of everything the cloth collected. Don’t use dryer sheets when you run them through the dryer, though; fabric softener reduces the cloths’ capacity to hold the dust.
Wash sheets and pillowcases about once a week if you have a high-dust household. Wash other bedding and blankets once every three or four weeks.
An old broom handle is a great tool to use for beating rugs and cushions. Beat them all over, not just in the same place. Keep beating rugs and cushions until you don’t see dust particles flying into the air with every whack.
For those items you really want to keep, consider moving some of them to a room that isn’t used as frequently by your family. That way, the main rooms in your house won’t be as likely to accumulate dust.
Instead of buying cloth furniture, go for leather or wood. It may be that one piece of older furniture is disintegrating and producing dust. If so, get rid of it. Wash your blankets and pillows frequently.
Hang up your clothes neatly instead of keeping them in piles or stacks. Have a place for your shoes to go, rather than throwing them all in a bin. Regularly vacuum the floor of your closet to reduce the amount of dust in there.
It is recommended that you store within transparent containers and bags so you can just look to see which items are where. When dust accumulates on the containers themselves, you can easily wipe them down.
If there is lint inside the works of the dryer, this is a fire hazard and suggests that there is a problem with the venting system. Check the ductwork and exterior venting for holes and blockages. Fix as needed.
