Why Is My House So Dusty? 5 Solutions to Try

Dust seems to collect in no time, even after you’ve spent hours cleaning every corner of your house. This probably makes you ask yourself, “why is my house so dusty?” It’s frustrating for all homeowners – we get it! And it may seem like a problem you just can’t fix. The tiny dust particles can be unsightly and may even deteriorate the air quality in your home which can affect your respiratory system and health overall.

Dust includes any small particles of anything that come together to form that thin layer over appliances, floors, furniture, shelves, and anything else you own. It’s created by any airborne particles of dry matter that come directly from the surface of the ground.

Fortunately, there are some things you can do to prevent, or at least minimize, the amount of dust recollecting after you clean.

Potential Causes of a Dusty House

Many factors can cause your home to be filled with dust, including where you live, the time of year, how many people you have in your household, and more. It seems to appear out of nowhere most of the time. Even when fighting dust can seem like a never-ending process, it’s worth it, in the long run, to do what you can to get rid of it.

The majority of the dust in your home actually comes from the outside. When you open a window or door, that invites dust into your house. Additionally, any vents that lead outdoors can bring in dust. One of the most significant dust causes, though, is from the soles of your shoes. Every time you walk into your home, you’re bringing in particles from the outdoors.

Pollen is one type of dust that enters your home from the outdoors. You can bring it inside on your shoes, clothes, and hair. When you move around your house, you’re leaving small deposits of pollen everywhere that float around and eventually land as dust. The same is true for soil and any matter from smoking.

Dust mites are another cause of dust. They’re tiny pests that naturally occur and survive in dusty, humid conditions. They can hide in curtains, bedding, carpets, and other furniture. The more dust you have, the more mites you have.

Other causes of dust include pet dander and dead skin. Both of these are the flecks of skin that animals and humans shed. Both collect dust and dust mites. Insects and food debris also contribute to dust problems. Crumbs from food leave behind even smaller particles that turn to dust, and insect parts and fecal matter lead to dust, too.

The kind of dust in your home matters if you want to get rid of it. Try to determine where your dust problems come from, whether it’s pets, the outdoors, or yourself.

5 Solutions to Get Rid of the Dust for Good

The good news with all of this is that you don’t have to live with a dusty home forever! Here are five solutions to try to eliminate dust in your home.

1. Keep Dust Outside

One of the best defenses against dust is to keep it outside. Remove your shoes before entering your home or keep them at the door. On windy days or any time there is construction outside, keep your doors and windows closed to eliminate any wind from carrying particles into your house. Check all of your entryways to ensure there are no gaps between them, which can let in unwanted dirt and dust particles.

2. Change Filters

Another solution is to change all of the filters in your home. This includes filters for your heating and cooling systems, ventilation, and even your vacuum.

The large air filters on your home’s return air vents are the first things defending your home from dust. If they are older or cheap, they’ll allow more dust to enter your home. Invest in a high-quality air filter for those. Additionally, regularly replace or clean your vacuum’s filter so it can continue to gather dust.

3. Improve Your Cleaning Techniques

Your cleaning techniques may be to blame for persistent dust problems. Even if you dust every day, but don’t do it correctly, you could just be moving dust from one room to the next. Try using a microfiber cloth, or dampen yours, which can help trap the dust. If you’re a fan of dusters, then do some research to find the best one. Additionally, dust from top to bottom, and don’t forget to clean your walls, too!

4. Clear Your Clutter

Clutter contributes to your dust problem more than it helps. If you have things piling up around your house, it’s time to take inventory of it all and maybe get rid of some things. All of the knickknacks, decorations, your kid’s college stuff, and that exercise equipment you don’t use anymore are dust magnets, and you might even gloss over them when doing your regular cleaning routine. If you can’t part with some of it, store it in boxes or rotate the items.

5. Maintain Your Pets

Finally, if you have pets, keep their coats and paws maintained. You love your pets, but it’s time to come to the realization that they might be contributing to your dust problem. Groom them outside regularly, and wipe their paws before they come inside. This will minimize the dust in your home, and it will keep dust mites at bay.

Celebrate with a Dust-Free Home

With these simple fixes, you should be well on your way to a dust-free home. Hopefully you can stop asking yourself, “why is my house so dusty?”, and once again pride yourself on a tidy dwelling and welcome guests with confidence.