If you live in Winnipeg, you know how long and cold winter can feel. We tend to spend a lot more time indoors, huddled up with extra blankets. Unfortunately, this can lead to a build up of dust.
There’s a reason our homes get dustier in the wintertime. Dust is made up of tiny particles, like pollen, bacteria, sand, or smoke. Almost half of it, though, can come from human skin. Cold, dry winters cause our skin to shed even more than usual, which is why you notice more dust in winter.
Although dust may not seem concerning, it can be problematic for anyone with sensitivities or respiratory conditions. It can also cause eye, skin, or throat irritation and contribute to cardiovascular issues. On top of that, it attracts microscopic pests called dust mites that trigger allergies and are, frankly, just kind of disgusting. (Look them up and you’ll know what I mean.)
So … what can be done about all this dust? As you relax under your cozy duvet, consider taking these steps to eliminate irritating dust from your home, and say goodbye to dust and dust mites this winter by Duct cleaning in Winnipeg.
1. Vacuum and Dust
Yes, it sounds obvious, but regularly cleaning your home by vacuuming and wiping surfaces is essential to keep dust levels down. Always work from top to bottom, so that any disturbed dust is vacuumed as soon as it settles to the ground.
Use a microfibre or damp cloth that will trap dust particles instead of displacing them. Start with your ceiling fans then work from your highest shelves downwards. Regularly dust books, collectables and other items on your shelves, including the area behind them.
When you’ve dusted all the horizontal surfaces in your home, finish the job by vacuuming your floors. Sweeping can cause dust to be recirculated in the air, so if you can’t vacuum, choose a mop with a disposable dusting cloth instead of a broom.
When you’re done, repeat. Depending on how many people (and pets) live in your home, you may need to dust and vacuum as often as every two or three days.
2. Wash Your Bedding
Have you ever considered how much skin is shed in your bedding while you sleep? The answer is a lot. Since this is a breeding ground for dust mites, regularly washing your bedding in hot water is the best way to keep your bed free from the unpleasant side effects of dust and the pests that feed on it.
Cover pillows and mattresses in protectors that zip shut to prevent dust and skin cells from accumulating over time, then launder your bedding weekly (or more frequently if you have an allergy to dust).
3. Clean Out Your Closets, Cupboards, And Drawers
As unpleasant as it is, doing a regular deep clean of your closets, cupboards, and drawers can help keep dust levels manageable in the rest of your home. It’s a good idea to review your closet when the seasons change. Take everything out, pack away off-season clothes to reduce the amount of dust that collects, and dust and vacuum your closet.
Clean out kitchen cupboards and drawers and wipe them down to remove any crumbs or dust. Wash or vacuum fabric curtains, thoroughly vacuum upholstered furniture, and deep clean under and behind your appliances.
4. Stop It At The Door
While a lot of dust is caused by our skin shedding, we also track dirt and dust into our homes on our shoes and outerwear. Having a robust door mat and asking family members and guests to remove their shoes and coats immediately upon entering your house can help keep a lot of this from transitioning to dust in your main living spaces.
Create easy places to stash mittens, hats and other items that come and go from your home regularly. If you don’t have a mudroom, place baskets or other storage options near the door to facilitate keeping dirty items from finding their way inside.
5. Change Your Filters
No matter the time of year, it’s important to change the filter in your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system regularly for optimal functioning. A clogged, dirty filter will not only contribute to dustier air, but also make your system work harder, causing unnecessary wear and tear.
In winter, you may want to consider changing the filter even more often than usual. A high quality HEPA filter will trap dust particles and prevent them from recirculating in your home’s air. During the colder months when windows are typically closed and there’s little fresh air circulating, filtration is essential to keep your home’s air as healthy and dust-free as possible. Depending on how many people live in your home and their levels of sensitivity to dust, you might want to switch out your filter as often as every 30 days.
6. Hire A Professional Duct Cleaner
Having your home air ducts cleaned by a professional is another great way to reduce the amount of dust accumulation in your home. Reputable Winnipeg duct cleaning companies use negative air pressure to remove dust, debris, and other contaminants from the ductwork throughout your house. This prevents any built-up dust from being redistributed through months of continuous heating.
It’s ideal to have your ducts professionally cleaned before winter’s arrival, but if you didn’t get around to doing it before the colder temperatures, it’s not too late. You can have your ducts cleaned anytime you begin to notice a greater buildup of dust on the surfaces in your home.
7. Add An Air Purifier
Keeping your home dust-free takes a lot of work, but one passive way to maintain a cleaner air space is by employing a purification device. Advanced filtration combined with a high-quality HEPA filter traps airborne particles and reduces the dust and irritants inside your home. Some even have added UV capabilities to eliminate viruses and bacteria.
8. Consider Making Long-Term Changes
Once you’ve cleared your home from dust (for now), you might want to consider making some longer-term changes, particularly if you or any family members have sensitivities to dust.
Our pets contribute a lot of dust and dander to our homes. Make sure you have your pets trimmed and groomed regularly. Shorthaired varieties may help reduce the amount of pet dander and can be better choices for families with allergies.
Carpets are dust-traps, and even regularly vacuuming isn’t enough to entirely rid them of dust. If you’re renovating, consider a hardwood or tiled option. Leather or synthetic furniture can also be cleaned with a damp towel, making it less prone to dust accumulation.
Finally, get rid of any unnecessary knick knacks or items that you don’t need. The more cluttered our homes are, the more dust they collect. Keeping your home free of dust is an ongoing process, but by following these easy steps (and making considered choices in the future), you’ll be able to reduce the amount of dust in your home, and enjoy better health while staying warm inside this winter.
Whyte Ridge is a Duct Cleaning Company in Winnipeg that works to better your indoor air quality and maximize your heating and cooling efficiency. Whyte Ridge helps to improve air quality by removing all dirt, hair, allergens and dust from the ductwork.