How To Keep Dust Out Of Your Closets

Have you ever gone too long between cleaning days? Are the kids’ rooms getting a little too messy for comfort? Studies have shown that the average U.S. house accumulates more than 40 pounds of dust per year. Not only does this present a burden on your cleaning regimen, but it could also be dangerous to your family’s health. One such area of the house that could be holding quite a bit of grime is the closet. In order to find the best methods to keep out the dust, it may be important to learn about its potential risks.

What Is Dust?

Dust is almost everywhere. With regular movement and activity, it’s bound to show up sooner or later. It sneaks into the corners and crevices of most spaces, but what is it actually? The chemistry of house dust actually contains traces of various particles. It consists of dust mites, dead bug remnants, soil, pollen, animal fur, plastic, and dead skin cells.

Dust isn’t just something that sits innocently on counters between cleaning days. It can actually negatively affect one’s health. Airway irritation, coughing, impaired lung function, asthma, hormone disruption, and other respiratory and skin irritations can stem from too much exposure to dust and its contaminants.

Additionally, about 80% of dirt and debris comes in through shoes. Every step could be dragging dust particles into different rooms, onto furniture, and into the lungs. Children’s bedrooms and clothing might also be a breeding ground for dust mites, as kids tend to spend more time outdoors during recess and playtime. It may seem unsettling to know about the presence of these dust particles, but thankfully, there are some steps that could help keep dust out.

Tips to Keep Closets Dust-Free

Dust tends to settle horizontally, which means it’s likely to be found on shelf tops, racks, baseboards, the floor, and the tops of garments. Try these tips to reduce your exposure to dust and maintain a functional closet for the whole family.

• Clear the shelves. For a deep clean, empty the shelves completely to get into the deepest corners. It might take more time, but it should be more effective.
• Don’t forget the air. If you focus on the air in front of bright light, you may see the dust particles floating around. Consider investing in a quality HVAC system or air purifier.
• Use microfiber products. Many common cleaning cloths attract and hold dirt. Unlike chemicals, rags, and dusters, microfiber fabrics don’t spread dust.
• Embrace organization systems. By utilizing boxes and containers, you’ll be better able to keep dirt away from loose items and preserve their value for longer.
• Wash fabrics. Linens, textiles, and upholstery may also be carriers of dust. Moisture and outside dirt can be absorbed easily, so clean even the non-machine washables.
• Keep shoes out. Leave shoes by the door to prevent any outdoor dirt from touching your items. If you have space, keep shoes away from the closet entirely.

Even the cleanest home probably contains more dust than you think. If the dust bunnies are becoming more noticeable and appearing in your closets, it may be time to take action. Be mindful of what the kids bring into the house and make it a habit to clean often. For more statistics and tips on managing dust, check out our resource.

AUTHOR BIO: Tom Happ is President of Closet Works, the parent company of CLOSETS.COM. Happ and his team of more than 100 employees use their vast experience in the closet and organization industry to design, manufacture and deliver custom storage solutions to homeowners throughout North America. 

Graphic created by Closets.com.