So you’ve just cleaned the house only to find a layer of dust forming on your nightstand. Why does my room get so dusty? If you’re wondering what karmic energy brings so much dust to your home, you’re not alone. We’ve all been there, and the good news is that there are easy ways to keep the dirt off your room. It just takes a little more effort and a few hacks, which I discussed below.
All homes gather dust, no matter how hard you try to keep everything clean. As people enter and exit your house, they bring dust, which will accumulate in no time.
However, if the dust tends to be concentrated in your room, there are a few things you need to check. The following are some of the most common culprits.
Why does my room get so dusty?
If you’re wondering why your room is so dusty, you should check the following first:
1. Dirty filters
When is the last time you clean or replace your air filters? If you’re scratching your head, you’ve probably neglected this part of your HVAC system.
Air filters trap and collect pollutants in the air. As much as it’s effective, you need to maintain this component to ensure the filter’s continuous function. Failure to clean or replace the filters will allow the trapped pollutants to recirculate inside your room, thus excessive dust.
Remember that air filters aren’t set-it-then-forget-it parts. You have to clean it every 30 days or replace it after a few months, depending on the indicated maintenance needs on the HVAC unit. Also, if you live in a highly polluted place, you should clean your air filters frequently.
Take note that filter maintenance is necessary no matter how powerful your HVAC unit is. It will still get clogged at some point, and it will start to do the opposite of cleaning your indoor air.
2. Dirty draperies and upholstery
Another thing you should check is your curtains. If it has been forever since you last wash your drapes, it’s not surprising that your room will be filled with dust. It doesn’t matter if it’s made of silk – it will still gather dust.
The tricky thing about curtains is that dust isn’t easily noticeable, especially if the fabric’s color is beige or brown. Not unless you accidentally shake it that you’ll know how much dust it can hold. Trust me, we have one of those beige curtains, and boy, it looks clean but really dusty.
Aside from that, you should also check your upholstery. Fabric upholstery can harbor thick dust, just like any fabric. It’s not easy to clean since the dirt can press into the fibers as people sit on it. This requires deep cleaning to remove the accumulated dust.
3. Dusty carpets
So you’ve washed all your drapes and cleaned the filters, but your room is still dusty? In this case, you should look at the floor. Carpeting is notorious for harboring every allergen imaginable. It can hold dust, pollens, pet dander, molds, and soon. The pollution gets worse the higher the pile is.
Dust lurks on your carpet, especially if you’re a reluctant cleaner. Sometimes, vacuuming isn’t enough, especially if your unit doesn’t have the right filter and trap dust. In the end, vacuuming may recirculate the dust.
4. Pet dander
Pets that can access your room add up to the dust you’re seeing. Dogs and cats produce dander or dead skin cells that they shed regularly. This will mix with the dust, which creates a powerful allergen concoction.
Aside from that, pets love roaming outdoors. And if they enter the house and go to your room, the dust and dirt on their paws will transfer to the carpet.
Pet fur will also add to the dust problem. You should never underestimate the problem a shedding cat or dog can bring. A week of not vacuuming your floors can result in tumblefurs everywhere.
5. Leaks on doors and windows
Most of the dust you get in your room is outdoor dirt. The biggest culprit here is the gaps and holes in your room door or window. These tiny openings allow dust to penetrate continuously into your living space.
Aside from letting dust in, window gaps will also lead to higher energy costs. This is because your HVAC system has to compensate for the lost hot or cold air.
The problem will worsen during the allergy season or if you’re living in an area that experiences dust storms.
6. Improper house cleaning
“But I’m always dusting off my room!” Sure, you’re wiping surfaces and feather-dusting the drapes. However, these methods can unintentionally spread the dust even more.
Wiping alone isn’t enough if you want to get rid of dust effectively. Below, I discussed a dusting technique that’s guaranteed to clean your room of irritants.
7. Bedding fiber breakdown
Lastly, you should check the condition of your bedding. Examine your comforter, pillows, and similar bedding for parts that seem to be breaking off. Imagine a piece of paper slowly disintegrating due to wear and tear. This can also happen to your bedding.
Frequent use and regular washings will subject your bedding to wear and tear. Over time, the microscopic fibers that fall off the bedding will accumulate in your room. It will appear as if the area is dusty. Worse, it can also give you sniffles.
If you confirm that your bedding is the culprit, it’s best to get a replacement to solve the problem.
How to minimize dust in your room
You don’t have to wipe and dust off your room repeatedly to manage the problem. The following are some helpful tips that will reduce dust accumulation in your home:
✔️Invest in an air purifier
One of the most effective ways to reduce airborne dust in your room is to use a powerful air purifier. Choose one with a HEPA filter since it traps microscopic particulates like dust and dander.
Also, you should match the capacity of the air purifier to your room size. Most manufacturers provide a rating for this part, which is often measured through CADR or clean air delivery rate.
The good thing about air purifiers is they can also neutralize malodors if equipped with activated charcoal or carbon filters.
✔️Dust properly and regularly
Also, it’s very important to dust your room properly. Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe surfaces. The moisture will hold the dust, and the microfiber fabric will collect more dust than cotton.
You don’t really need anything special in cleaning dust. Water alone is powerful enough to clean your room unless you’re also dealing with other irritants.
Remember, dusting should be done from top to bottom. This way, elevated surfaces will get cleaned without spreading the dust back. Just make sure that you wash the microfiber cloth after each wipe to prevent the dirt from getting transferred to other surfaces.
✔️Wash your fabrics regularly
While this seems obvious, it’s important to mention that you should wash all fabrics in your room. This includes your bedsheets, pillowcases, curtains, rugs, and so on.
Bedsheets and pillows can be washed weekly, while curtains can get by with a monthly wash. Still, this depends on how dirty your place gets. Some households can keep their curtains unwashed for 2 to 3 months without experiencing a dust problem.
If you’re too busy to wash everything at once. Taking your curtains outdoors and giving it a nice shake will remove dust on the surface. However, make sure that the wind is in the opposite direction as you.
✔️Use doormats
Every foot that steps inside your home bring dust. You can reduce this by placing a trusty doormat on every entry point. Choose one with a rough surface that will truly scrape off dirt from the soles.
Remember that these mats should be washed and cleaned as well. This is to prevent the accumulated dust from being swept inside your house.
✔️Seal window gaps
Another thing you should do is seal all the gaps on your doors and windows. You can use caulk to fill all the tiny holes and openings where dust may enter. If the weatherstripping of your window is already broken, you should get a replacement. By blocking the gaps, you’re also doing your energy bill a big favor.
✔️Tidy up clutter
If you once had clutter in your home, you know full well how fast it can accumulate dust. To save yourself from the hassle of long cleaning, it’s best to get rid of the clutter. Dispose of old items you no longer need and avoid storing them in your bedroom.
Take note that even the small trinkets displayed on your cabinet can be dust magnets as well. Be diligent in cleaning your home to keep the dust levels manageable.
✔️Invest in high-quality air filters
Cheap pre-filters do very little in terms of removing dust in your home. If you really want to remove allergens in the air, you should switch to True HEPA filters instead. These filters cost more, but it also does more for your home.
✔️Consider removing your carpets.
If the dust problem in your home is getting out of hand, I suggest removing your carpeting. This will also remove a large amount of dust, especially if you have a high pile type. Non-carpet floors are easier to clean and can be matched to your home’s motif.
Aside from that, you can use rugs as an alternative to carpets. Rugs can be removed and washed easily for your convenience.
✔️Clean your blinds
While you get very busy cleaning around, you shouldn’t forget your blinds! This window cover can get the thickest layer of dust in your entire house. Failure to clean the blinds will cause the dust to puff and circulate in your room.
Those who use window blinds know that dust is attracted to the slats like moths to a flame. I suggest cleaning this at least once a month, or even weekly if you have the time.
✔️Take your shoes off!
Are you tired of dusty floors? Then take your shoes off! We can learn a thing or two from Asians’ customs of removing their shoes before entering the house. It’s more hygienic, and it will save you from intense cleaning.
Take note that no matter how hard you wipe your shoes on the doormat, it will carry dust and dirt on them. I know that this may take getting used to, but the sacrifice is worth it. You also have to explain the new rule to family and friends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it bad to sleep in a dusty room?
A: A dusty room isn’t just uncomfortable, it’s also harmful to your health. Dust harbors mites whose droppings can trigger asthma attacks, allergies, and other respiratory problems. Besides, no one wants to live in a dusty house.
Q: Does opening the windows reduce dust?
A: Opening the windows will only make your dust problem even worse! While it may seem clean, the outdoor air is mired with airborne dust, pollens, sand, and more irritants. Opening your windows is the same as welcoming these pollutants with open arms.
Q: Do indoor plants help with dust?
A: Indoor plants can help reduce dust but in a very minimal way. Also, you have to be careful as potted plants can introduce excessive moisture in your home that will allow molds and mildew to proliferate. If you’re keen to efficiently remove dust in your room, you’re better off using an air purifier.
Q: Is it better to dust with a wet or dry cloth?
A: Dusting with a damp cloth is better than using dry ones. The moisture will allow the dust to cling to the fabric so that it won’t fall off as you clean. Just make sure that you rinse the cloth from time to time to remove the dust you collected.
Q: How can I make my furniture dust-free?
A: Regular cleaning is the guaranteed way to keep your furniture dust-free. You should also clean your floors and wash the textiles in your home. This way, the dust won’t transfer to your furniture and get to your skin or lungs.
Final words
Why does my room get so dusty? This is probably every homeowner’s dilemma. While dust can be pesky and frustrating to deal with, there are easy ways to reduce its accumulation at home. Proper cleaning, a change of habits, and utilizing a few tools will make a big difference in your room’s indoor air.
Do you have other tips to add here? Share your thoughts below!
Home Air Quality is founded by Bernard K to provide information on Indoor Air Quality in Homes and enlighten people about what they need to know about creating and maintaining a comfortable and healthy home environment.
We believe that “Quality air brings a healthy life.”
