How To: Dust-proof your home

Some homes are more prone to dust than others and just dusting doesn't always work. Arm yourself with these proven strategies in the battle to banish dust from your home.

You Will Need:
• A mattress and pillow covers
• A vacuum cleaner
• A damp mop
• Product to spray rags for dusting
• HEPA air filter for furnace
• A portable HEPA filter unit
• Wood, vinyl, or tile flooring (optional)
• Shades or blinds (optional)
• A HEPA filter for your vacuum (optional)
• An old tennis racket (optional)

1: Understand where dust comes from
Understand that dust comes from the tiny flakes of skin we constantly shed, fibers shed by fabrics, insect parts, pet dander, hair, pollen grains, mold spores & dust mites.

2: Learn where dust hides
Learn the places where dust hides, such as deep inside carpet, drapery, upholstered furniture, mattresses & on hard surfaces, including all of those knick-knacks decorating your home.

3: Cover mattresses and pillows
Enclose your mattresses & pillows in zippered, dust-proof covers. If you don't like plastic or vinyl, look for fabric, allergen-impermeable covers.

4: Vacuum and damp mop frequently
Vacuum the carpeting & upholstered furniture frequently. Damp mop floor & walls.

5: Beat and shake area rugs and cushions
Take your area rugs & cushions outside to shake them vigorously or beat them every week. Some people like to use an old tennis racket.

6: Dust effectively
Use damp rags or spray your rags with a product that will hold the dust.

7: Wash sheets and blankets in hot water weekly
Cold water leaves up to 10% of dust mites behind. Dry cleaning also kills mites.

8: Use air filters
Install a HEPA air filter on your furnace or purchase a central air filtration unit, if you have forced-air heating & cooling. A portable HEPA filter unit may also help remove dust from the air.