6 Strategies to Keep Household Dust at Bay

There’s no shortage of tools to help you get a handle on dust once it collects in your home, but the smarter approach is to prevent it from accumulating there in the first place. Here are some simple steps to take that will stop dust—at least some of it—in its tracks.

Keep dirty shoes (and paws) out. Get a doormat, and scrape off debris from shoes. Put shoes in a closet or on a shoe rack near the door, and clean your dog’s paws with soft cleaning wipes or a gentle brush before it enters your home.

Put mattresses and pillows in dust-mite-proof covers. These barriers help prevent infestations with the allergens associated with these creatures, which can thrive in and on your bed.

Swap out curtains for shades. Fabric, particularly the high-texture sort, invites dust. If you can’t part with your curtains, vacuum them every week and wash them once a season.

Be window smart. Whether to open your windows depends on where you live and changing outdoor conditions. If you live in an area with air pollution from wildfires, traffic, or other sources, keeping windows closed makes sense. In other cases, opening windows on nice days can help clear the air.

Rethink your rug decor. Rugs trap dust, and the bigger the rug, the bigger the problem. So opt for area rugs over carpets (washable rugs are another option) and choose low- or no-pile designs. Or stick with bare floors.

Consider bookcases with doors. They can reduce dusting and keep clutter—also a big dust collector—out of sight.