how to care for your carpeting between cleanings

If you have pets in your house or if you own an older home, then you may notice that your residence becomes quite dusty during the week. Dust can trigger an asthma or allergy attack, and it can also worsen the symptoms of skin disorders like chronic dermatitis and eczema. Not only can the dust cause health issues, but it also can generally make your home appear dirty and dingy. If you are concerned about dust, then follow the tips outlined below to make sure you get rid of as much dust as possible.

Use Microfiber Cloths

If you use dust rags or feather dusters, then you are not removing dust from your home. You are simply moving it around and creating a problem elsewhere. Instead of using these products, use microfiber cloths instead. Microfiber cloths do not move dust. They actually attract dust. This attraction comes from the extremely tiny fibers that make up the cloths. A typical cloth contains fibers that are smaller than a strand of silk, and these fibers are made from a synthetic material like polyester.

The synthetic polyester fibers that make up the microfiber create friction as they rub up against one another. This friction creates static electricity, and the charge acts like a magnet that collects dust particles. As you continue to use your microfiber cloth to dust counters and furniture items, more and more static electricity is created. This allows more dust to be collected.

If you use microfiber cloths to clean with, then you can place them in the washer to remove dust and debris. However, you should allow the cloths to air dry. The heat from your dryer can cause the cloth threads to break and bunch up. They may not be able to collect nearly as much dust afterwards. Fabric softeners should be avoided too. These products contain oil emulsions that soften fabric by covering it with the oil. This can clog the openings between the fibers and keep the cloths from collecting dust.

You can use disposable cloths to dust with as well. However, some of these products hold onto dust with the assistance of oil or wax. This can leave a residue on your furniture.

Upgrade Your Vacuum

If your vacuum cleaner does not seem to pick up dust like it should, then it may be time to upgrade to a new one. Almost all vacuum cleaners work in the same way. They rely on a fan to move air through the vacuum head and hose and out through an exhaust. As the air moves, it picks up small bits of dust and debris, and the material is deposited in a bag or canister.

The amount of dust that is collected depends on two different things: the air pressure moving through the machine and the filter that keeps dust from shooting back out the exhaust. Air pressure is typically measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). A typical vacuum will have a CFM rating between 50 and 100. The higher the CFM rating, the more air and dust that will move through the vacuum. Some vacuums will not have a CFM rating, so look for high wattage, horsepower, and air watt ratings instead.

If you want a vacuum with a filter that can trap as much dust as possible, then opt for one with a HEPA filter. However, you should understand that HEPA filters can clog fairly quickly with dust and debris. This will cause the air flow through the vacuum to drop significantly and less dust is likely to be caught in the canister or bag. Clean out the HEPA filter before you vacuum and change it completely when it appears dark gray or brown.

For professional help with your dust problem, contact a local cleaning service.