How to Prevent Dust Before It Forms, According to Cleaning Experts

Pet Maintenance
Pets can be a major source of dust due to their shedding and the dirt they track in from outside. But there are ways to limit how much dust your pets contribute to your home.

Groom Regularly
Brushing your pets daily with a quality de-shedding tool and giving them regular baths can help reduce the amount of dust they carry inside. Sokolowski recommends washing dogs every one to three months, depending on the breed, but advises against over-bathing, which can dry out their coat and cause flaky skin—leading to more dust.

Clean Pet Bedding
Pets’ beds can accumulate dust, hair, and dirt, so it’s important to wash them regularly. « Wash their bedding weekly, but always shake it outside before washing to remove hairs, dirt, and dust, » suggests Sokolowski. If your pet sleeps on furniture, placing a blanket or towel over it makes cleaning easier.

Use an Air Purifier
An air purifier helps reduce dust in your home by trapping particles before they can settle on surfaces. « Although an air purifier can’t remove dust entirely, it can help reduce the amount that settles in your home, » says Sokolowski. The device works by pulling air in, filtering out dust, and circulating purified air back into the room. To maximize effectiveness, make sure the air purifier has a good filter, such as a HEPA filter.

Vacuum with a HEPA Filter
To maintain a dust-free home, using the right tools is essential. A vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter can remove 99.7% of dust particles, including pollen and bacteria. Sokolowski warns against using certain vacuums that may stir up dust and release it back into the air, as they can do more harm than good.